Today in Labor History: Weekend Edition
January 27
A group of Detroit African-American auto workers known as the Eldon Avenue Axle Plant Revolutionary Union Movement leads a wildcat strike against racism and bad working conditions. They are critical of both automakers and the UAW, condemning the seniority system and grievance procedures as racist - 1969
[A Troublemaker’s Handbook 2: How to Fight Back Where You Work, and Win! is a workplace-strategies manual covering how-to’s from agitating for better conditions to walking out. From shop floor actions to organizing new members, winning good contracts to fighting outsourcing, creating a website, dealing with the media, building community alliances, running for office -- and running the local once you win -- international solidarity, bargaining tips, corporate campaigns, researching employers -- this is, indeed, a handbook for “troublemakers” -- workers and union leaders who fight for their rights on the job. In the UCS bookstore now.]
 
January 28
First U.S. unemployment compensation law enacted, in Wisconsin – 1932

January 29
Dolly Parton hits number one on the record charts with "9 to 5," her anthem to the daily grind – 1981 Click here for complete postings and graphics.

Cool Labor Site: Common Dreams
Common Dreams is a national non-profit citizens' organization working to bring progressive Americans together to promote progressive visions for America's future. Founded in 1997, they are committed to being on the cutting-edge of using the internet as a political organizing tool - and creating new models for internet activism.

Labor Video: A Nightmare on Wall Street...
A well-fed banker on his way back to the office. Or is it really a short trip to terror? Great Twilight Zone parody shows a Wall Street banker’s worst nightmare as he’s chased by a crowd of angry 99 percenters demanding justice. Click here to watch the video.