October 13 - We Whipped the Ivy League and You Can Too!

Labor History in 2:00 · Oct 13, 2026 · 1m

On this day in Labor History the year was 1985. That was the day that clerical and support staff at Columbia University went out on strike.

More than 1,000 staff members were represented by United Auto Workers District 65. The workers wanted improvements to benefits and wages. They were also concerned by pay discrimination for women and minorities.

Two days before the proposed strike was set to begin the workers held a rally. Trade union leaders spoke out in support of the clerical staff. Members of the clerical staff union from Yale University also made the trip to support the Columbia…