Sept 23

The Workingman's Advocate of Chicago publishes the first installment of The Other Side, by Martin A. Foran, president of the Coopers' International Union. Believed to be the first novel by a trade union leader and some say the first working-class novel ever published in the U.S. – 1868
[No Place to Be Sick: A Lenny Moss Mystery: The nurses in Tim Sheard's fictional hospital suspect a serial killer is stalking their patients. But when they bring their fears to the director of nursing, she orders them to keep their mouths shut or be fired and lose their license. On top of the suspicious deaths, a greedy CEO is trying to buy the hospital, turn it private and decertify the union. The nurses turn for help to Lenny Moss, the dedicated shop steward and detective. The book does such a wonderful job of showing workers uniting to fight for justice that several unions have used Sheard’s Lenny Moss books for steward training. Find out if Lenny and his friends win their battles in this roller coaster of a story. PLUS: Every copy signed by the author! In the UCS bookstore now.]

A coalition of Knights of Labor and trade unionists in Chicago launch the United Labor party, calling for an 8-hour day, government ownership of telegraph and telephone companies, and monetary and land reform. The party elects seven state assembly men and one senator - 1886

A 42-month strike by Steelworkers at Bayou Steel in Louisiana ends in a new contract and the ousting of scabs - 1996

California Gov. Gray Davis (D) signs legislation making the state the first to offer workers paid family leave - 2002

More info & ammo for unionists is available
online from Union Communication Services.

http://www.unionist.com/