Today in Labor History April 17, 1617: Armed women attacked 53 Scottish monks and burned them alive in their refectory. They sought revenge for being cheated out of their pasture rights on the Isle of Eigg. 1800s April 17, 1824: Slavery was abolished in Central America. Today in Labor History April 17, 1854: American individualist […]

Today in Labor History April 16, 1520: The Revolt of the Comuneros began on this date in Spain. The social elites of Castile rose up against King Charles I. They were fearful that the Flemish-raised king would not support their interests. However, the uprising quickly took on a radical anti-feudal character, with peasants rising up

1800s Today in Labor History April 15, 1834: “Bloody Week” ended in Lyon, France, with a blood bath against insurgent silk workers. As a result, several hundred were killed. April 15, 1889: A. Philip Randolph was born on this day. He was a labor organizer and president of the African-American Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.

1800s Today in Labor History April 14, 1812: Luddites rioted in Sheffield, England, because of food shortages. The rioters were mostly women and boys. They seized potatoes and vegetables and attacked a militia arms store. April 14, 1816: Bussa led the largest slave rebellion in Barbadian history. Because of this, he is remembered as the first

Today in Labor History April 13, 1570: Guy Fawkes was born on this day. He planned the Gunpowder Plot in order to to restore the Catholic monarchy. They wanted to blow up the House of Lords and assassinate King James I in hopes of inspiring a popular uprising. However, someone squealed. And the authorities found Fawkes guarding