Today in labor history Nov 30 low-paid women working in packinghouse canning and labeling operations

[Omaha Steve]

November 30

November 30, 1854 - "Fighting Mary" Eliza McDowell was born. A social worker, McDowell helped organize the first women's local union of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters in 1902. Comprised predominantly of the low-paid women working in packinghouse canning and labeling operations, membership grew to more than 1,000.

Mother Jones died at the Burgess Farm in Adelphi, Md.; “I’m not a lady, I’m a hell-raiser!” - 1930

More than 12,000 members of the Insurance Agents Union strike in 35 states and Washington D.C. against the Prudential Insurance Co. - 1951

Unionists & activists shut down World Trade Organization meeting, Seattle, Wash. - 1999