Today in Labor History: One of the first labor newspapers is published
On August 24, 1827, The Journeymen Mechanics' Advocate began publication in Philadelphia, the outgrowth of a strike by carpenters demanding a shorter, 10-hour day.
Today in labor history: Air Line Stewardesses Association formed
Five flight attendants formed the Air Line Stewardesses Association, the first-ever labor union representing female flight attendants.
Today in labor history: The Great Fire of 1910
The fire burned more than three million acres, an area larger than the size of the state of Connecticut, with at least 92 killed.
Today in labor history: National Apprenticeship Act of 1937
This act of Congress, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, established a national advisory committee to research and draft regulations establishing minimum standards for apprenticeship programs.
Today in labor history: Panama Canal, built by 75,000, opens
On August 15, 1914, the Panama Canal officially opened, after 32 years of construction and an estimated 28,000 worker deaths.
Today in labor history: Air Line Pilots Assocation founded in Chicago
A five-man Central Executive Council was established, dues were set, and the official motto became "Schedule with Safety."
Today in history: UFCW formed
UFCW union was formed when the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workers of North America merged with the Retail Clerks International Union.
Today in labor history: Remembering Florence Reece
Reece will be forever known for the song, "Which Side Are You On?" written in 1931 during the "Harlan County War" strike in which her husband, Sam Reece, was an organizer.
Today in labor history: Football players begin two-day strike
The strike was ultimately a victory, earning a further $11 million in pensions and benefits.
Today in labor and people’s history: Medicare and Medicaid established
On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation establishing Medicare and Medicaid. It came after decades of struggle.
