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American Federation of Labor
This labor union wanted to focus of better working conditions. They also wanted better pay. This union was craft oriented. -
Noble Order of the Knights of Labor
The Noble Order of the Knights of Labor was organized by the Philadelphia grament workers in 1869. This Union was open to farmers, merchants, and wage earners. The objecticves were equal pay for equal work, abolition of child labor, and to create an eight-hour work day. -
"How the Other Half Lives"
This book studied the tenements of New York. It explained the cramped living style of many people, including children. Small kids would sleep in dresser drawers and since it was so small, clothes were hung outside on lines. Bathrooms were not necesary; many, in fact, kept a bucket that would throw waste into the streets when it was full. This book was written by jacob Riis. -
Haymarket Square Riot
In the Haymarket Square Riot, Chicago workers marched for an 8 hour day. When police came to break up the strike, things became violent. 8 policemen were killed and 100's were injured. -
The Homestead Strike
The Homestead Strike was an idustrial lockout that was a battle between strikers and private security agents. It ended on July 6, 1892. This was one of the most serious disputes in United States labor history. -
The Pullman Strike
This strike developed when George M. Pullman slashed wages and refused to lower rents. Governor Peter Aletgeld was sympathetic towards workers and did not send state militia. Union leader, Eugene V. Debs, was arrested and imprisoned. -
The Coal Strike
This strike was led by the United Mine Workers of America in the anthracite coal fields of eastern Pennsylvania. The strike threatened to shut down the winter fuel supply to all major cities. It was the first labor episode in which the federal government intervened as a neutral arbitrator. -
"The Jungle"
"The Jungle", written by Upton Sinclair, was based on working conditions of the meat industry in 1905. It explained the unsanitary workplace. It also explained why so many diseases were passed around during this time period. -
"The Bitter Cry of Children"
John Spargo's book,"The Bitter cry of Children" exposed the hardships suffered by child laborers. many of these children worked in coal mines or factories. These young children, after working 12-16 hour days, went home to a small tenement, where it was even more cramped than a coal mine. -
Pure Food and Drug Act
This act was created to inspect foods. Such foods included meat products and dairy products. It forbaded the manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated food products and poisonous patent medicines. -
Creation of Labor Day Holiday
This is a creation of the Labor Movement and is always the first Monday in September. It is dedicated to the economic and socal achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly celebration of hard work, prosperity, and well-being of our country. -
Triangle Shirt Factory Fire
The Triangle Waist Company was owned by Max Blanck and Isaac Harris. Over 500 women and young girls worked at the popular clothing factory, and most of them were 14 and under. It caught on fire and burned and killed over half of the workers. Many flung themselves from the building and died from the hard hit of the pavement below. It was a tragic day. -
Congress of Industrial Organization
This group was part of the AFL until 1935. CIO broke away from the AFL because it advocated industral lines rather than craft lines. It reintegrated back into the AFL in 1955. -
The National Labor Relations Act
This act, also called the Wagner Act, as used to punish unfair labor practices. The National Labor Relations Board was created. It also was the labor's right to organize those that were legally recognized. -
GM Sit-down Strike
This strike was started by General Motors employees. It shut down plant operation in Flint, Michigan and other cities from December 30, 1936-February 11, 1937. In the weeks that followed, the strike spread to other GM plants and cities in other states. -
Federal Regulation of Child Labor: Fair Labor Standards Act
In 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act, published a new bill. This regulated child labor. For the first time, minimum ages of employment and hours of work for children are regulated by federal law. -
Steel Strike
This strike was started by the United Steelworkers of America against US Steel and nine other steelmakers. The strike was scheduled to begin on April 9, 1952, but President Harry S. Truman nationalized the American steel industry hours before the workers walked out. The steel complanies then sued to regain control of their faculties. The Steelworkers then struck to win a wage increase. -
Major League Baseball Strike
The baseball strike of 1972 was the first players' strike in the Major League history. It lasted from April 1, 1972 to April 13, 1972. In the 13 days spent striking, 86 games were missed. These games were never made up. -
New York City Transit Strike
The 2005 NYC tranist strike was a strike in NYC called by the Transport Workers Union Local 100 (TWU). Negotiations for a new contract with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority broke down over retirement, pension, and wage increases. Millions of commuters were affected.
