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Today in History: Postal Workers Strike Over Wage Disparity With Congress

3/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 18, 1970, U.S. postal workers initiated an eight-day strike in New York City, protesting a mere 4% wage increase while Congress had raised its own pay by 41%. This illegal wildcat strike quickly spread to other cities, becoming the largest of its kind in U.S. history and highlighting significant labor grievances against the federal government.

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Story summary

On March 18, 1970, U.S. postal workers initiated an eight-day strike in New York City, protesting a mere 4% wage increase while Congress had raised its own pay by 41%. This illegal wildcat strike quickly spread to other cities, becoming the largest of its kind in U.S. history and highlighting significant labor grievances against the federal government.