Today in Labor History June 17 "Mother" Jones leads a rally in Philadelphia, birth of USW, more

[Omaha Steve]

June 17

Susan B. Anthony goes on trial in Canandaigua, N.Y. for casting her ballot in a federal election the previous November, in violation of existing statutes barring women from the vote - 1873


Mary Harris "Mother" Jones leads a rally in Philadelphia to focus public attention on children mutilated in the state's textile mills. Three weeks later the 73-year-old will lead a march to New York City to plead with President Theodore Roosevelt to help improve conditions for the children - 1903

Twelve trade unionists meet in Pittsburgh to launch a drive to organize all steelworkers. It was the birth of the United Steelworkers of America (then called the Steel Workers Organizing Committee). By the end of the year 125,000 workers joined the union in support of its $5-a-day wage demand - 1936

And this:
June 17, 1936 - Twelve trade unionists met in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to launch a drive to organize all steelworkers. This effort marked the birth of the United Steelworkers of America, then called the Steel Workers Organizing Committee. By year’s end, more than 125,000 people had joined the fledgling union, rallying to the $5-a-day wage demand.

For more on the Steelworkers, visit www.usw.org

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/today-in-labor-history & here: http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?history_9_06_17_2011