Today in Labor History Nov 23 Strike by Egyptians working on public works projects for King Ramses

[Omaha Steve]

November 23

History’s first recorded strike, by Egyptians working on public works projects for King Ramses III in the Valley of the Kings. They were protesting having gone 20 days without pay – portions of grain – and put their tools down. Exact date estimated, described as within “the sixth month of the 29th year” of Ramses’ reign in “The Spirit of Ancient Egypt,” by Ana Ruiz - 1170BC

Troops were dispatched to Cripple Creek, Colo. to control rioting by striking coal miners - 1903


November 23, 1935 - Mine Workers President John L. Lewis resigned from the American Federation of Labor to the lead the new Congress of Industrial Organizations. The CIO moved rapidly to organize workers in steel, auto, rubber and other major industries, and reached a membership of 6 million by 1945.

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/today-in-labor-history & here: http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?history_9_11_23_2009