Rochester Labor Council History: Topics

Overview

The story of Rochester’s central labor bodies is presented here in terms of several major topics suggested by the data:

Media — the role of labor papers and, later, broadcast in Rochester’s labor movement

Education — instructional and cultural programs and activities that promote the local labor movement

Solidarity — support for the union label, shop card and service button; boycotts and strike support

Politics — efforts to advance workers' interests through electoral work and legislative initiatives

Organizing — strategies and campaigns to bring workers into unions

Community — labor’s role in civic issues such as local housing and health

Structure — how the central labor bodies functioned

Allied Building Trades Council — history of collaboration among unions in the construction industry