On This Day In Labor History

July 18, 1883 - The Brotherhood of Telegraphers begins an unsuccessful three-week strike against the Western Union Telegraph Co.

July 18, 1917 – A citywide General Strike began in Rio de Janeiro. Workers were fighting for an 8-hour day and 20% wage increase. Strikers included furniture workers, tailors, shoemakers, bread carriers, textile workers, metal workers.

July 18, 1919 – 35,000 stockyard workers went on strike in Chicago.

July 18, 1969 - Hospital workers win a 113-day union recognition strike in Charleston, SC.