On the date in Labour History …

October 17, 1950: “Salt of the Earth” strike begins by the mostly Mexican-American members of the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers, Local 890 in Bayard, New Mexico. Set in the backdrop of the Cold War, the IUMMSW had actually been dispelled from the CIO for being overly influenced by communism. Strikers’ wives walked picket lines for seven months when their husbands were enjoined during the 14-month strike against the New Jersey Zinc Co. A great movie, see it!

Source: Union Communication Services