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TODAY’S LABOR HISTORY

Harold Phillips | Published on 8/3/2026

1821: Uriah Smith Stephens is born in Cape May, NJ.  A tailor by trade, he led nine Philadelphia garment workers to found the Knights of Labor.


1981: 15,000 air traffic controllers go on strike. President Reagan threatens to fire any who do not return to work within 48 hours, saying they "have forfeited their jobs" if they do not. Most stay out, and are fired on August 5th.


1986: Mine Workers union activist and author of "Which Side Are You On?" Florence Reece dies in Knoxville, TN at 86.


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