Today in Labor History Mar 17 No Irish Need Apply, Carpenters union to lead the eight hour movement

[Omaha Steve]

March 17


Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Many Irish, forced by religious persecution and economic oppression in their native country, emigrated to the United States in the mid 1800s. On U.S. soil, the new immigrants encountered severe discrimination, such as in employment notices that advertised “No Irish Need Apply.” Many Irish workers turned to the labor movement for support and union membership grew thanks to Irish leadership and determination.

The leadership of the American Federation of Labor selects the Carpenters union to lead the eight hour movement. Carpenters throughout the country strike in April; by May 1, some 46,000 carpenters in 137 cities have achieved shorter hours - 1890

A U.S.-China treaty prevents Chinese laborers from entering the U.S. - 1894

Staffers at San Francisco progressive rock station KMPX-FM strike, citing corporate control over what music is played and harassment over hair and clothing styles, among other things. The Rolling Stones, Joan Baez, the Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead and other musicians request the station not play their music as long as the station is run by strikebreakers - 1968


Boeing Co. and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) come to terms on a new contract, settling the largest white-collar walkout in U.S. history (pictured above). SPEEA represented some 22,000 workers, of whom 19,000 honored picket lines for 40 days - 2000

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/today-in-labor-history & here: http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?history_9_03_17_2010