Today in Labor History August 5, 1842: The “Plug Plot” riots began in England in response to high unemployment, high food prices and declining wages. There was a spontaneous strike wave of coal miners, weavers and spinners culminating in a general strike. The riot got its name when the plugs were pulled out of factory boilers. The Chartist movement, 1838-1848, influenced the strikers. Over 500,000 workers participated. It was the single largest working class uprising in 19th century England. In the aftermath, the authorities tried over 1,500 strikers.
1860s
Today in Labor History August 5, 1861: In order to help pay for the Civil War, the U.S. government levied the first income tax as part of the Revenue Act of 1861. They taxed anyone earning over $800 3%. The tax was rescinded in 1872. They raised the income tax again in 1917, to 67% for those in the highest income bracket, and again in 1918, to 77%, to fund World War I. And to pay for World War II, they raised it to 94% on all income over $200,000. Now the richest Americans pay only 37%, if but only if they’re dumb enough to pay anything at all, since they have so many ways to write off or shelter their income. So, who pays for the imperialist wars that protect their investments? You know who.
Today in Labor History August 5, 1861: The United States Army abolished flogging.
1930s-1940s
Today in Labor History August 5, 1931: Roughly 1,500 unemployed men stormed the plant of the Fruit Growers Express Co. in Indiana Harbor, Indiana, demanding jobs to keep from starving. The company called in the city police, who routed the jobless with clubs.
August 5, 1944: Polish insurgents liberated a German labor camp (Gęsiówka) in Warsaw, freeing 348 Jewish prisoners.
1960s
Today in Labor History August 5, 1962: Nelson Mandela was jailed. He would not be released until 1990.
Today in Labor History August 5, 1969: The Lonesome Cowboys police raid occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, leading to the creation of the Georgia Gay Liberation Front.
1980s-2010s
August 5, 1981: President Ronald Reagan fires 11,359 striking air-traffic controllers who ignored his order for them to return to work.
Today in Labor History August 5, 2010: The Copiapó mining accident occurs, trapping 33 Chilean miners approximately 2,300 ft (700 m) below the ground for 69 days.