Today in Labor History May 20 It was the first federal legislation protecting workers’ union rights

[Omaha Steve]

May 20

May 21, 1911 - William “Big Bill” Haywood, an officer of the Western Federation of Miners and later a leader of the Industrial Workers of the World, gave an address at the Minneapolis Auditorium.

About his appearance, the Minneapolis Labor Review wrote, "Haywood is a giant of a man, strong as a bull. He is big in body, in brain and in courage. He looks a fighter and is a fighter. He has been a fighter all his life. As a mere boy he fought for his daily bread in mines In Utah and Idaho. The mine owners and corporations may think they have him beaten. They may dwell a year or two in sweet dreams of peace and security, but In the end they will have to reckon with this genius among labor generals."

Read the article and more about Haywood in the Minneapolis Labor Review archive. Go to www.minneapolisunions.org and click on the archive link on the homepage.

The Railway Labor Act took effect today. It was the first federal legislation protecting workers’ rights to form unions - 1926

9,000 rubber workers strike in Akron, Ohio - 1933

May 21, 1946 - A nationwide coal strike prompted the U.S. government to seize control of the mines to continue production.

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/today-in-labor-history & here: http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?history_9_05_21_2011