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Pittsburgh

1815-- Pittsburgh Cordwainers Trial

Organizing a union was condemned as a conspiracy "by malice or covin," and was a denial of workplace representation.

1845-48-- Textile Strikes for 10 hour day

Women lead movement for 10 hour day; the first "lost" industry was blamed on labor unrest.

1877-- Railroad Strike

City's bloodiest riot in July.  Nationally, it marked the enormous impact of new industrial technology.  The nation's first "red scare."

1881-- First American Federation of Labor Convention

Pittsburgh becomes a center of craft union strength.  IBEW becomes an international union here in 1899.

1892-- Homestead Strike/Lockout

Battle on July 6.  Breaking of craft skill-based industrial unions.  Separation of workers from control of production.

1909-- McKees Rocks Strike

An "Industrial slaughterhouse" and the first strike victory by Slavic workers.

1914-16-- Westinghouse Strikes

Struggles against Taylorist work organization for Democracy in the workplace.

1919-- Great Steel Strike

Against the 12 hour day and unsafe conditions.  Centered among Slavic workers in Braddock.  Black strike breakers imported large numbers.

1936-37-- CIO Upsurge

1936 Democratic election sweep; capitulation of US Steel; Little Steel Strike; Supreme Court upholds the Wagner Act.

1946-- Steel, Electrical & Auto Strike

Duquesne Light Strike, foundation for post World War II prosperity, high point of union power.

1948-50-- Split of Electrical Union

(UE) Broke Communist labor influence in their stronghold; Reinforced political conservatism of US unions.

1969-- "Black Monday" Demonstrations

African American struggle for building trades construction jobs in August and September.

1980's-- Industrial Collapse

Community/Labor Resistance/: Tri-State-Steel Valley Authority; Mon Valley Unemployed; Solidarity (USA).