Irish America

Irish America

Mike Quill

The Irish Role in the American Labor Movement

By Irish America Staff

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As you celebrate Labor Day weekend, consider the contribution that the Irish have made, and continue to make to the American labor movement. Peter "P.J." McGuire the Father of Labor Day It was Peter "P.J." McGuire who first proposed a national holiday for workers. Born to Irish immigrants on the Lower East Side, New York City, in 1852, Peter became the breadwinner for his … [Read more...] about The Irish Role in the American Labor Movement

The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Labor Leaders

By Irish America Staff

November 1999

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Mary Harris "Mother" Jones Miners' Angel "Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living." Mother Jones was one of America's most effective union organizers. At a time when few women were activists, she was a fearless crusader for the rights of American workers and became the champion of child laborers. But most of all, she was the "miner's angel" often risking … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Labor Leaders