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Labor Movement Leaders
The men and women who shaped America's Labor Movement ...
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The workplace rights and protections we enjoy today were won for us by generations of America's working heroes. They paved the way not only for their generations, but for the generations to come.
César Estrada Chávez
Folk hero and symbol of hope who organized a union of farm-workers.
Nelson Hale Cruikshank
Helped create Social Security and Medicare.
Eugene Victor Debs
Apostle of industrial unionism.
Thomas Reilly Donahue
Champion of labor renewal and former AFL-CIO president.
Arthur Joseph Goldberg
Legal strategist for the union movement and former Secretary of Labor.
Samuel Gompers
First and longest-serving president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL).
William Green
Former AFL president, moved the federation toward "social reform unionism."
Joe Hill
Songwriter, itinerant laborer, union organizer, and martyr.
Sidney Hillman
Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America founder, who invented trade unionism as we know it today.
Mother Jones
"The most dangerous woman in America." Mary Harris "Mother" Jones rose to prominence as a fiery orator and fearless organizer for the Mine Workers during the first two decades of the 20th century.
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Lived his dream until his last days, he made lasting change for millions around the nation.
Lane Kirkland
Former AFL-CIO president had a profound effect on world affairs.
John L. Lewis
President of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and founding president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO).
Lucy Randolph Mason
Social reformer dedicated to workers' rights and racial justice.
Peter J. McGuire
The "father" of Labor Day and of May Day championed the need for a national labor federation.
George Meany
The builder of the modern AFL-CIO.
Philip Murray
CIO president who helped transform industrial union movement into a stable and powerful organization.
Frances Perkins
Committed labor secretary and first woman in a presidential cabinet position.
Esther Eggersten Peterson
Eloquent and effective advocate for the rights of workers, women and consumers.
A. Philip Randolph
Organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and fought discrimination in national defense.
Walter Reuther
Long-time president of the United Automobile Workers (UAW) considered the model of a reform-minded, liberal trade unionist.
Bayard Rustin
Brilliant theorist, tactician and organizer and first head of the A. Philip Randolph Institute.
Source: American Federation of Labor - Congress of Industrial Organizations
Check out some great party ideas from DivaVillage to make this Labor Day one to remember!
Labor Day Party Idea #1: Screen a movie outdoors on the side of your house or garage
Create your own little drive-in theater for friends and family! Throw some burgers and hot dogs on the grill, then sit back and enjoy the show! Not sure what film to play? Try one of these labor inspired flicks.
Labor Day Party Idea #2: Cuban 'So-Long-To-Summer' Soiree
Bring summer to a close with a Cuban style fiesta. Make kabobs, fresh salsas and dips, and bring and indoor 'living room' outside to enjoy the summer night.
Labor Day Party Idea #3: Pot Luck/Recipe Share Dinner
What better way to close out the summer, then with friends and family surrounding you? Have them bring their favorite summer dish, and enjoy each others favorite recipes of summer 2009!
Check out more fun, Labor Day inspired party ideas here.
1.) The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
2.) Norma Rae (1979)
3.) Nine to Five (1980)
4.) North Country (2005)
5.) Office Space (1999)
6.) Working Girl (1988)
7.) Erin Brockovich (2000)
8.) The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)
9.) Take This Job and Shove It (1981)
10.) Night Shift (1982)
Interested in a few other Labor Day film picks? CLICK HERE to check out the trailers to some other great films, inspired by the American worker.
