Labor Arts News & Updates

Letter from the Editor

LHF brings labor history, films, music, art and workers’ stories to audiences every week through this newsletter, our radio show, podcast and social media—but producing and sharing that work requires dependable year-round support.


If you value what LHF provides, please consider becoming a member today. Your dues directly support our programs, media and nationwide promotion of labor artists—and help keep working-class culture visible, accessible and alive. Thank you!

- Chris

WEEKEND LABOR ARTS CALENDAR


Fri: Woody Guthrie's American Song (DC)

Sat: Irish Labor in Texas Maryland (MD)

Sat: Woody Guthrie's American Song (DC)

Sun: Benefit show for the "Minnesota 15" (PA)

Sun: Woody Guthrie's American Song (DC)

Sun: Ready, Aim, Sing by Gabriel Brumberg (DC)

Mon: Singing Resistance Community Sing (MA)


Got a Labor event? Email us: info@laborheritage.org

THIS WEEK’S LABOR HERITAGE POWER HOUR

The Little Red Songbook Turns 117

This week on the Labor Heritage Power Hour, we mark the 117th anniversary of the IWW’s Little Red Songbook with listeners’ favorite songs from the legendary collection. Then labor historian Nick Juravich talks with veteran organizer Phil Cohen about his new memoir, Maximum Leverage, and the lessons he learned organizing workers across the South—plus the latest labor arts news.

LABOR ARTS NEWS BRIEFS


NewsGuild And Other Unions Sue DHS Challenging Visa Rule: Complaint argues the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act, and alleges DHS provided an inadequate public comment period and exceeded its authority. Read more.

Skagit Journalists Launch Boycott Pledge: Union journalists at Adams Multimedia outlets are asking subscribers to pledge to boycott the papers should workers make that ask in the future. Read more.

Workers at the Alamo Drafthouse at The Foundry in St. Louis Look To Unionize: Workers are poised to vote to unionize, citing complaints of cut hours, fewer tips and lack of respect from management. Read more

Front-of-House Workers at Halifax’s Neptune Theatre Join IATSE Local 680: Newly certified unit covers approximately 30 box office, usher, and bartender positions at the largest theatre company in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. Read more.

What We’re Reading:

Bethesda Dev Says Cuts Were Rare Before Xbox Took Over: ‘All Of A Sudden We Have Yearly Layoffs’

A Neighborhood Union Uses Community-led Organizing To Build Safety and Leadership

Teens Have Always Been on the Front Lines of the Labor Movement

UNION VOICE: Readers Write

“I really enjoy your emails,” writes Mark Ross. “But you should be aware that the IWW is the INDUSTRIAL Workers of the World not INTERNATIONAL.”

We stand corrected and were pleased to include Mark’s choice of favorite song from the IWW’s Little Red Song Book on this week’s Labor Heritage Power Hour.

LABOR VIDEO OF THE WEEK: We Will Sing One Song - Six Feet In the Pine

Joe Hill’s version of “My Old Kentucky Home,” from the IWW’s Little Red Song Book, first published August 19, 1909. 
Got labor video? email us at info@laborheritage.org

LABOR SONG OF THE WEEK: Workingman Unite – Joe Glazer

Another song from the IWW’s Little Red Song Book that didn’t make it into this week’s Labor Heritage Power Hour.

Got a Labor song? Email us: info@laborheritage.org

LABOR QUOTE OF THE WEEK


“The working class and the employing class have nothing in common.”


From the Preamble of the Industrial Workers of the World, included on the inside cover of the IWW’s Little Red Songbook. 

Got a favorite Labor quote? Email us: info@laborheritage.org

LABOR POEM OF THE WEEK


Our songster! Have your laws now had their fill?

Know ye, his songs and cause you cannot kill.

High head and back unbending – “rebel true blue”

Into the night unending; why was it you?


Ralph Chaplin, from his poem ”Joe Hill,” published in the IWW’s Little Red Songbook.

LABOR ART OF THE WEEK: How to Get Members More Involved in the Union

By Natascha Elena Uhlmann. Click here to read David's Prosten’s original article. Adapted from The Union Steward’s Complete Guide: A Survival Manual, 3rd Edition. Edited by David Prosten. Available at labornotes.org/store. For bulk purchases, visit davidprostenbooks.com.

Got Labor art? Email us: info@laborheritage.org

LABOR LANDMARK OF THE WEEK: Roy Horton’s Headstone
Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Salt Lake City UT

Roy J. Horton was a salesman and supporter of the IWW. He was shot down before the execution of Joe Hill, and his assailant was acquitted of manslaughter.”
Details on the LHF Labor Landmarks Map.

THIS WEEK'S LABOR HISTORY TODAY
Richard Trumka on The Art of Solidarity

This week on Labor History Today, Richard Trumka explores how songs, murals, films and stories have preserved workers’ struggles and carried solidarity across generations. Plus, Labor History in Two recalls how anti-communist hysteria was used to divide workers and undermine the growing CIO in 1938.

CLICK HERE for our complete labor arts calendar; look for our Labor Arts Calendar edition on Monday

TODAY'S LABOR HISTORY

1791: The Haitian revolution begins as 100,000 enslaved people rise up and eventually overthrow both slavery and French rule, creating the world's first Black republic.

1831: A slave revolt led by Nat Turner begins in Southampton County, Va.

1981: 140 mostly women workers at the Lee Jeans factory in Greenock, Scotland return to work (photo) after winning a seven-month occupation of the plant against closure, having won their jobs back.

Find more labor history in the LHF Labor Arts & Culture Database.

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ: Gerry Horgan, chief steward of CWA Local 1103 and NYNEX striker in Valhalla, NY, was struck on the picket line on August 15, 1989 by a car driven by the daughter of a plant manager and died the following day. What was to become a four-month strike over healthcare benefits was in its second week.

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