Today in Labor History 23 W.E.B. DuBois born, Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land Is Your Land”, more

[Omaha Steve]

Posted a day late.

February 23


W.E.B. DuBois, educator and civil rights activist, born - 1868

The National Marine Engineers Assn. (now the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Assn.), representing deck and engine officers on U.S. flag vessels, is formed at a convention in Cleveland, Ohio - 1875

The Journeyman Bakers National Union receives its charter from the American Federation of Labor - 1887

And this: February 23, 1887 - The Journeyman Bakers National Union received its charter from the American Federation of Labor. Its founder, George Block, was one of four people nominated in 1886 to head the newly-formed AFL. He declined to accept the nomination and Samuel Gompers was unanimously elected AFL president. Today, the bakers union has become the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union.

William Randolph Hearst’s San Francisco Examiner began publishing articles on the menace of Japanese laborers, leading to a resolution in the California legislature that action be taken against their immigration - 1904

Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land Is Your Land” following a frigid trip -- partially by hitchhiking, partially by rail -- from California to Manhattan. The Great Depression was still raging. Guthrie had heard Kate Smith’s recording of “God Bless America” and resolved to himself: “We can’t just bless America, we’ve got to change it” – 1940

Association of Flight Attendants granted a charter by the AFL-CIO - 1984

Following voter approval for the measure in 2003, San Francisco’s minimum wage rises to $8.50, up from $6.75 - 2004

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/today-in-labor-history & here: http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?history_9_02_23_2011

[Rabblevox]

1. I'll follow your "day late". 2-23-1921 150,000 Mexican rail-workers...

went on strike. This led directly to the nationalization of the Mexican rail system.

Also, on this date in 1883, Alabama (believe it or not) became the 1st state to enable anti-trust laws. (kinda gives "Crimson Tide" a whole new meaning, dunnit?) :)