November 30th: Social reformer Mary Eliza McDowell born in 1854

On this day in labor history, social reformer Mary Eliza McDowell was born in 1854 in Cincinnati, Ohio. After moving to Chicago following the Civil War, she took on family responsibilities after her mother became ill. McDowell gained early recognition for her relief efforts during the Great Chicago Fire, and was praised by President Rutherford B. Hayes. McDowell began her career with the Women’s Christian Temperance Movement and later worked with Jane Addams at Hull House. In 1894, she founded the University of Chicago Settlement House in the Stock Yard District to address poor living conditions among immigrant and Black families. She offered education, vocational training, and civic programs, and advocated for labor rights, earning the nickname “Fighting Mary” during the 1904 stockyard strike. McDowell’s activism extended to public health, suffrage, and waste management, leading to her role as Chicago’s Commissioner of Public Welfare in 1923. She co-founded the Women’s Trade Union League and championed the establishment of the Women’s Bureau. She died in 1936 aged 81. Sources in comments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS6vM4UdrVk

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In November 30th, 1803, the Royal Philanthropic Vaccine Expedition (also known as Balmis Expedition, due to its leader, doctor Francisco Javier de Balmis) departed from Spain with the goal of carrying smallpox vaccine to its overseas territories. Because there were no adequate refrigeration systems, the vaccine was transported through 22 orphaned boys who sailed with the expedition.

November 29th: SS Daniel J. Morrell sank in 1966

On this day in labor history, the 603-foot Great Lakes freighter the SS Daniel J. Morrell sunk in Lake Huron in 1966. Dubbed the “Queen of the Lakes”, the old vessel, sailing in ballast during a storm on Lake Huron, encountered winds over 70 mph and waves up to 25 feet on November 29th. At 2:15 a.m., the ship split in half, leaving the crew to face freezing 34°F waters. The aft section continued sailing for nearly 90 minutes before sinking. Tragically, 28 of the 29 crew members perished, with hypothermia proving fatal for many. The lone survivor, 26-year-old Dennis Hale, was found nearly 14 hours later on a life raft, clad in just boxer shorts, a pea coat, and a lifejacket, alongside three deceased crewmates. The shipwreck was in 220 feet of water, with its sections five miles apart. The sinking was attributed to brittle steel in the hull, a common issue in pre-1948 ships. The storm also damaged the Edward Y. Townsend, which later broke apart while in tow in 1968.

Sources in comments.

November 28th: 2007 Broadway stagehand strike ended

On this day in labor history, the 2007 Broadway stagehand strike ended. Initiated by International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the labor action marked the first strike in the union’s 121-year history. It began on November 10th, against major Broadway theater owners and producers represented by the League of American Theatres and Producers. The dispute centered on work rules, wages, and alleged inefficiencies such as mandatory staffing levels during load-ins, overtime policies, and continuity calls. The producers sought cost-saving changes, while the union argued the proposals would significantly cut stagehand earnings. The strike halted performances for 27 shows, with exceptions for some unaffected productions, Off-Broadway shows, and live entertainment. The economic impact was severe, costing New York City an estimated $2 million per day in lost tax revenue and $40 million overall by its conclusion. After 19 days of negotiations, a settlement was reached on November 28th. The agreement included wage increases, modified work rules, and other compromises, ending the longest Broadway strike since 1975 and resuming performances on November 29. Sources in comments.

November 27th: 2012 Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach strike began

On this day in labor history, the 2012 Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach strike began in California. Conflict arose after the labor contract for 800 clerical workers in ILWU Local 63’s Office and Clerical Unit (OCU) expired in 2010, with disagreements over job security. The union accused employers of outsourcing positions, while employers alleged featherbedding. On November 27th, around 70 clerical workers went on strike, along with 10,000 longshoremen who honored the picket lines, halting operations at more than half of the terminals. The strike, which caused significant shipping disruptions and was estimated to cost $1 billion daily in economic losses, saw escalating political and public pressure. The Los Angeles Mayor mediated discussions, and, after eight days, the strike ended with a tentative labor contract. Though initially rejected by the union in February 2013, a revised agreement was later ratified that month. The strike marked the longest labor action at the ports since 2002, highlighting tensions over outsourcing and labor rights.

Sources in comments.

November 26th: 1931 Ybor City cigar makers' strike began

On this day in labor history, the Ybor City cigar makers' strike began in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida in 1931. The cause for the strike was the banning of the factory lector, a significant figure in the cigar-making tradition. Lectors are those who read aloud newspapers, novels, and political literature to workers. At the time, they were accused of spreading radical propaganda. As a result, factory owners demolished lector platforms, sparking outrage. The strike began with 8,000 workers protesting these removals and the poor treatment of jailed colleagues who were arrested during prior demonstrations. These arrests, along with vigilante violence against union organizers, intensified the conflict. Factory owners declared a lockout, leveraging fulfilled holiday orders to quash worker demands. Local authorities labeled the strike as communist-inspired, with newspapers highlighting the confiscation of “Red literature.” Federal injunctions targeted union leaders, likening their efforts to subversive activities. By mid-December, workers returned to their jobs without concessions. The lector never returned, representing the loss of workers' cultural and organizational traditions under corporate dominance. Sources in comments.

November 25th: 1946 St. Paul teachers’ strike began

On this day in labor history, the 1946 St. Paul teachers’ strike began in St. Paul, Minnesota, initiating the first-ever teachers' strike in U.S. history. Educators demanded better pay, working conditions, and educational standards. The strike was led predominantly by women and occurred in a city plagued by political corruption and underfunded schools. Teachers faced meager pay, overcrowded classrooms, crumbling infrastructure, and an apathetic political system that dismissed their pleas for reform. The strike lasted over five weeks during a bitterly cold winter, drawing widespread community and labor union support. Teachers endured threats to their jobs and pensions but remained steadfast. The movement was catalyzed by the failure of proposed city charter amendments to increase education funding. With picket signs declaring their cause, “Strike for Better Schools,” they captured national attention, even appearing in Life magazine. The strike culminated in significant victories, including increased funding, improved facilities, and fairer salaries. It also marked the beginning of collective bargaining for teachers, influencing education and labor movements nationwide. Sources in comments.

The slaves who seized the Amistad in 1839 were freed by the Supreme Court. They had been defended by former president John Quincy Adams.

November 24th: Cigarmakers’ Int’l Union Local 144 chartered in 1875

On this day in labor history, Cigar Makers’ International Union Local 144 was chartered in 1875 in New York City. The Journeymen Cigar Makers' International Union of America (CMIU), established in 1864, was a key organization representing cigar industry workers. It played a significant role in advancing labor rights and was affiliated with the American Federation of Labor (AFL) from 1887 until merging with the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union in 1974. The first local Cigar Makers' Union formed in Baltimore in 1851, and efforts to create a national union began in 1863 with delegates from cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. This led to the founding of the National Union of Cigar Makers of America, later renamed the CMIU in 1867. Samuel Gompers, who would become the first president of the AFL, began his leadership journey in the union. He was elected president of Local 144 in 1875 and later served as a vice president of the CMIU. In the 1880s, he helped establish the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, which evolved into the AFL in 1886. Gompers led the AFL for nearly 40 years. Sources in comments.

Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species, introducing the concept 9f of evolution by natural selection.

His observations during his voyage on the HMS Beagle was the basis for his findings.

And today is celebrated by many as Evolution Day.

November 23rd: 1887 Thibodaux Massacre occurred

On this day in labor history, the 1887 Thibodaux Massacre occurred in Thibodaux, Louisiana when over 60 Black sugarcane workers were killed during a labor dispute. Approximately 10,000 Black workers had gone on strike during harvest time. These workers had joined the Knights of Labor, demanding better wages and working conditions in the sugar fields, as many were living in conditions reminiscent of slavery. Planters opposed the strike, and violence escalated as militias were called in to suppress the workers. The white press lauded the violence, framing it as a victory for white supremacy. The massacre marked the end of organized farm labor in the South for decades. Following the killings, workers were forced back into the fields under harsh conditions, while the strike leaders were murdered or disappeared. The Thibodaux Massacre was a turning point, solidifying racial and economic control by white landowners and crushing any immediate prospects for unionization.

Sources in comments.

November 22nd: New York shirtwaist strike of 1909 began

On this day in labor history, the New York shirtwaist strike of 1909, or the Uprising of 20,000, began. Approximately 20,000 young, mostly Yiddish-speaking, women in New York's shirtwaist industry struck, demanding better wages, hours, and working conditions. The strike was led by Clara Lemlich and the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU), with assistance from the National Women's Trade Union League of America (NWTUL). Despite facing violence, arrests, and harassment, the women’s courage and solidarity forced change in both the garment industry and the broader labor movement. While the strike didn’t secure all its demands, it won significant gains, including shorter work hours and better wages for many workers. Lasting eleven weeks, the strike is still the largest ever organized by women. The strike also led to a wave of labor activism, transforming the garment industry into one of the most organized sectors in the U.S. The uprising laid the groundwork for future labor movements, particularly in women's labor rights and industrial unionism. It helped change attitudes, with conservative union leaders beginning to recognize the potential of women workers.

Sources in comments.

November 21st: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act takes effect in 2009

On this day in labor history, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act took effect in 2009. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) prohibits employers from using genetic information, like test results, family medical history, or genetic services, to make employment decisions such as hiring, firing, or promotions. It also bans harassment or retaliation based on genetic information. Employers cannot ask for or collect genetic information from employees or applicants, except in certain cases, like voluntary wellness programs or legally required health monitoring. If genetic information is accidentally overheard, like hearing about a family member’s medical history, it doesn’t violate GINA. Employers must keep any genetic information confidential and cannot share it without permission. To comply with GINA, employers should clearly state in medical requests that genetic information should not be provided. Managers should take care to protect genetic information to avoid breaking the law.

Sources in comments.

November 20th: 1901 Smuggler-Union Mine Disaster occurred

On this day in labor history, the 1901 Smuggler-Union Mine Disaster occurred in Telluride, Colorado. A fire broke out in the tram house of the mine. Despite efforts to control the flames, the fire quickly spread, drawing smoke and heat into the mine. The mine’s extensive tunnel system acted as a flue, exacerbating the situation, while the smoke from the burning buildings surrounded the entrance. Attempts to rescue miners continued throughout the day, but many were lost before they could be saved. The shift bosses risked their lives to warn the miners as they led men to safety, the smoke and fumes overwhelmed them, and both men perished, along with 28 others, all from suffocation. The tragedy left many families mourning, with several victims being married men. A relief fund for the widows and orphans was drawn to help the newly impoverished families. Sources in comments.

November 19th: National Writers Union founded in 1981

On this day in labor history, the National Writers Union (NWU), organized for freelance and contract writers, was founded in 1981. Initially part of the United Auto Workers (UAW) following a 1992 merger, the NWU disaffiliated from the UAW in 2020. The NWU advocates for writers’ rights and better working conditions, offering resources such as contract advice, grievance assistance, education, press passes, and access to group-rate health insurance. It has elected delegates setting union policies, and an 11-member National Executive Committee (NEC), which administers daily operations. Contested leadership elections have sparked internal controversies, including debates over salary structures and legal disputes about its status as a labor organization. The NWU achieved a landmark victory in Tasini v. Times in 2001, affirming copyright protections for freelance writers. It has also opposed U.S. Orphan Works legislation, sued Ebony magazine over unpaid writer fees, and expressed concerns about copyright violations by the Internet Archive’s Open Library. Its Freelance Solidarity Project, launched in 2019, seeks to standardize freelance industry practices. Sources in comments.

November 18th: 2014 Tacoma nurses strike began

On this day in labor history, the 2014 Tacoma nurses strike began in Tacoma, Washington. Approximately 1,100 workers represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) at hospitals operated by CHI Franciscan Health went on strike for 24 hours. It began on November 18 at 7:00 A.M., and included nurse assistants, licensed practical nurses, unit secretaries, dietary workers, housekeepers, sterile processors, and technical staff, but excluded nurses and doctors. The strike sought to secure improved wages, better healthcare, a fair charity care policy, and to end unfair labor practices. Workers cited staff cuts, unaffordable healthcare plans, and profits diverted to Franciscan’s Denver headquarters as key issues. SEIU had bargained with Franciscan Health since June 2013 but faced deadlock. Despite notifying the employer per the Taft-Hartley Act, Franciscan anticipated the strike and arranged temporary staff to ensure patient care continuity. Following the strike, negotiations resumed, culminating in a new contract on January 27, 2015. The agreement achieved wage increases, improved staffing, enhanced retirement benefits, and greater transparency in charity care.

Sources in comments.

1967 Beatles Release "Magical Mystery Tour"

1967 : The Beatles release "Magical Mystery Tour" the LP was released in the US on 

November 27th

Side 1 Magical Mystery Tour

Magical Mystery Tour

The Fool on the Hill

Flying

Blue Jay Way

Your Mother Should Know

I Am the Walrus

Side 2 Magical Mystery Tour

Hello Goodbye

Strawberry Fields Forever

Penny Lane

Baby You're a Rich Man

All You Need Is Love

1. 1954 The first automatic toll collection machine is used at the Union Toll Plaza on New Jersey's Garden State Parkway
2. 1863 U.S.A. - - Gettysburg Address
3. 1969 U.S.A. - - Apollo 12
4. 1979 Iran - - US Embassy Hostage Crisis
5. 1984 Mexico - - PEMEX Explosions
6. 1967 Beatles Release "Magical Mystery Tour"

Jim Jones, leader of the Peoples Temple religious community that he formed, murdered a total of 909 individuals died in Jonestown itself, all but two from apparent cyanide poisoning. A significant number of whom were injected against their will, in an event termed "revolutionary suicide" by Jones and some Peoples Temple members on an audio tape of the event, and in prior recorded discussions.

1. 1978 Guyana - - Cult leader Jim Jones
2. 1922 Italy - - Mussolini Comes To Power
3. 1928 Mickey Mouse appears for the first time in Steamboat Willie
4. 1967 Great Britain - - Foot and Mouth
5. 1987 England - - Kings Cross Fire
6. 2004 UK - - Fox Hunting Ends

300 years ago today, on 18 Nov 1724, Bartolomeu de Gusmão died, a man whose life was as lofty as his dreams. Known to history as the "Flying Priest," Gusmão was a pioneering inventor from Portuguese Brazil who designed a more efficient windmill, developed a solar-powered device for roasting meat, devised a system to transport water uphill to his Jesuit seminary -- and, well, dared to imagine humans flying in the skies centuries before the Wright brothers' historic flights.

In 1709, at the age of 23, Gusmão astonished the court of King João V de Portugal with his audacious invention: a hot air balloon prototype he called the Passarola, or "big bird." And what a beautiful vessel it was. The king rewarded him by granting him the world's first verifiable airship patent. His demonstrations, though small in scale, were revolutionary -- a populace still bound to the earth could scarcely comprehend the possibilities of flight. And Gusmão's ambitious vision made him a target of the Inquisition, which viewed his experiments as heretical. Humans ascending to the skies, the domain of God? Blasphemy! Committed by a Jesuit priest no less!

But Gusmão was undeterred. He was a man of science and faith, embodying the boundless curiosity of the Enlightenment era. His pursuits extended beyond flight -- he explored hydraulics, astronomy, and various inventions. Though the Passarola never achieved full-scale flight, it was a bold leap forward, planting the seeds of inspiration that would bloom in later centuries.

Tragically, Gusmão's life was cut short. Accompanied by one of his brothers and with the Inquisition chasing after him, he fled to Spain, but his troubles persisted -- in Toledo, he faced similar suspicions and accusations, including allegations of mysticism and even claims of having converted to Judaism. These continuous persecutions took a toll on his health. He fell gravely ill and died on 18 Nov 1724, at the age of 38.

Today, the skies are filled with planes and drones and helicopters, so let us remember the humble beginnings of flight -- and a vision sparked by a priest who dreamed of soaring like the birds.