1800s-1860s Today In Labor History May 1, 1807: The Slave Trade Act of 1807 abolished slavery in the British Empire. May 1, 1830: Mary Harris “Mother” Jones was born. Mother Jones was renowned for her militancy and fiery oration, as well as her many juicy quotes. She once said, “I’m no lady. I’m a hell-raiser.”  She […]

Camp Grant Massacre Today in Labor History April 30, 1871: A mob massacred more than 100 Apaches at Camp Grant, Arizona. The Apaches had already surrendered and placed themselves under U.S. protection when the attack occurred. As a result, the Apache, and their Yavapai allies, launched a series of attacks against the U.S. Their attacks continued into 1875.

Coxey’s Army Today in Labor History April 29, 1894: Jacob Coxey led a group of 500 unemployed workers to Washington, D.C. They demanded federal jobs for the poor. The authorities promptly arrested Coxey and many of his followers for trespassing on Capitol grounds. The Return of Coxey’s Army (By Eddie Starr) When they busted all the

Philippines Today in Labor History April 27, 1521: On this day, Philippine Natives fought the battle of Mactan against Ferdinand Magellan. Lapulapu’s warriors ambushed him and overpowered the Spanish forces, killing Magellan with a poison arrow. As a result, their victory delayed Spanish colonization by forty-four years. However, the Spanish prevailed. And for centuries, Muslim Filipinos fought