SOLAHA, Vol. II, No. 23 – A special Labor Day tribute to labor/union leader Dave Arian
From SOLAHA producers: On behalf of SOLAHA co-producer Jack Baric and myself:
In honor of Labor Day, Stories of LA Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (SOLAHA) is paying tribute to the late Dave Arian, esteemed local labor/union leader, who was part of SOLAHA Volume I. We filmed and recorded Dave in May 2018 with no idea that he would pass away eight months later in January 2019. It made it all the more meaningful to record and capture his dynamic personality and meaningful stories; and validates our mission to preserve our local history.
In Feb. 2020 there was a permanent tribute with the dedication of “Dave Arian Way” near his beloved harbor (see Daily Breeze article by Donna Littlejohn)
Here are Dave’s stories:
- A Labor Day tribute to labor/union leader Dave Arian
- Progressive Activism of the Arian Family — Dave Arian
- Racial Strife on the Docks in the 1950s — Dave Arian
- Bananas to Containers, Evolution of Dockwork — Dave Arian
- How Women Started on the Docks — Dave Arian
- Harry Bridges M&M Contract — Dave Arian
Historical note:
For those who aren’t aware the first Labor Day holiday was celebrated in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882. Following the deaths of 13 workers during the Pullman Strike in June of 1894, President Grover Cleveland made reconciliation with the labor movement a top political priority, and Labor Day become a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day pays tribute to achievements and contributions of American workers now observed on the first Monday in September.
For many Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer and is celebrated with street parades,BBQs with family & friends, and athletic events. This year that kind of activity will be more subdued because of the virus concerns, however it’s important to acknowledge and salute all those who work so hard to keep businesses, services, and even the government well served and active!