Today in Labor History Aug 24 UFW begins lettuce strike, Solidarity was founded in Gdansk, Poland

[Omaha Steve]

August 24

August 24, 1827 - The Mechanics Gazette, the first U.S. labor paper, was published in Philadelphia.

The Gatling Gun Co. – manufacturers of an early machine gun – writes to B&O Railroad Co. President John W. Garrett during a strike, urging their product be purchased to deal with the "recent riotous disturbances around the country." Says the company: "Four or five men only are required to operate (a gun), and one Gatling ... can clear a street or block and keep it clear" - 1877

National Association of Letter Carriers formed - 1887


United Farm Workers Union begins lettuce strike - 1970

August 24, 1980 - Solidarnosc, the Solidarity trade union movement, was founded in Gdansk, Poland. Leader Lech Walesa went on to help lead the overthrow of the Soviet-dominated government and eventually be elected president of the country.

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/today-in-labor-history & here: http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?history_9_08_24_2009