2/27/2018 History

Today in Labor History – February 27, 1902 – Birth of John Steinbeck in Salinas, Calif. Steinbeck is best known for writing “The Grapes of Wrath,” which exposed the mistreatment of migrant farm workers during the Depression and led to some reforms.

1937 – 450 Woolworth’s workers and customers occupy store for eight days in support of Waiters and Waitresses Union, Detroit.

1939 – The Supreme Court rules that sit-down strikes, a major organizing tool for industrial unions, are illegal.

1943 – Disaster kills 75 at Smith Mine in Red Lodge, Montana.