Labor History in 2:00

On this day in Labor History the year was 1942. That was the day that the United States and Mexico signed the Mexican Farm Labor Agreement.  It became known as the Bracero Program. The word “bracero” can be translated into “one who works with his arms” and refers to farm workers.

On this day in Labor History the year was 1912. That was the day that became known in California as the “Wheatland Riot.” The Industrial Workers of the World, or Wobblies, were trying to organize hop pickers, who worked near the city of Wheatland in Northern California. Living conditions for the hop pickers were rough.

On this day in Labor History the year was 1939. That was the day that the Hatch Act was enacted.  The law was named after Senator Carl Hatch, a Democratic Senator from New Mexico. The Hatch Act limits political activity by federal employees. One of the reasons the law was passed was due to allegations of corruption by the Works Progress Administration.

On this day in Labor History the year was 1917. Frank Little, an activist for the Industrial Workers of The World, or Wobblies was lynched near Butte, Montana.  His beaten body was found hung off of a railroad trestle. On it was pinned a disturbing note.

On this day in Labor History the year was 1970. That was the day the NFL Players Association went out on strike.  The American Football League and the National Football League officially merged that year. Each league had their own player’s association. With the league merger they joined forces into one union.