Today in Labor History Dec 19 Worst month in US coal mining history, with over 3,000 dead, bus strik

[Omaha Steve]

December 19


An explosion in the Darr Mine in Westmoreland Co., Penn. kills 239 coal miners. 71 of the dead share a common grave in Olive Branch Cemetary. Dec 1907, was the worst month in US coal mining history, with over 3,000 dead - 1907

A 47-day strike at Greyhound Bus Lines ends with members of the Amalgamated Transit Union accepting a new contract containing deep cuts in wages and benefits. Striker Ray Phillips died during the strike, run over on a picket line by a scab Greyhound trainee - 1983

And this: December 19, 1983 - The Greyhound bus strike ended when members of the Amalgamated Transit Union ratified a new contract containing deep cuts in wages and benefits. The company claimed the concessions were needed to stay in business and compete with other transportation providers, such as airlines and rail. The Greyhound contract was one of many concessionary deals forced on working people during the 1980s.

26 men and 1 woman are killed in the Wilberg Coal Mine Disaster near Orangeville, Utah. The disaster has been termed the worst coal mine fire in the state’s history. Federal mine safety officials issued 34 safety citations after the disaster but had inspected the mine only days before and declared it safe - 1984

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/today-in-labor-history & here: http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?history_9_12_19_2009