Today in Labor History Dec 18 Agricultural laborers who fought for a minimum wage were executed

[Omaha Steve]

December 18

December 18, 1830 - The "Swing Rioters," agricultural laborers who fought for a minimum wage, went on trial. During the early decades of the 19th century, farming in England shifted from self-sufficient, open fields to farms rented by tenant farmers employing laborers. A surplus of labor, depressed economy and widespread use of the thresher combined to drive down wages. Farm workers in "swing" counties in the south and east of England responded by destroying farm machinery. Hundreds were arrested and sent to jail and several were executed.

General Motors announces it is closing 21 North American plants over the following four years and slashing tens of thousands of jobs - 1991

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/today-in-labor-history & here: http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?history_9_12_18_2009