147 years ago this month:

January 01, 1866

National Labor Union Founded

The NLU was led by William Sylvis and attracted more than 600,000 members including skilled and unskilled workers and farmers. They called for an eight hour day, restrictions on immigrants entering America, and an end to convict labor. The union made nominal efforts to include women and blacks.  The NLU was destroyed by the Panic of 1873 because jobs became scarce, and members became focused on keeping their jobs. 

 William Sylvis (1828-1869)