History of Labor

Samuel Gompers

Jan 27, 1850

English born cigar maker. Became a labor union leader.

Knights of Labor

Nov 30, 1869

Members of a secret labor union. Was formed in order to get rights for working men.

Haymarket Riot

May 4, 1886

Bombing took place during a labor demonstration. Several people were killed.

Great Southwest Railroad Strike

Nov 30, 1886

Strike against Missouri Pacific railroads. Also was agaisnt Union Pacific.

The 1st Labor Day

Sep 5, 1887

Usually a parade that honors the labor movement. A parade to honor hard workers.

Homestead Strike

Jun 30, 1892

Industrial lockout and strike. Was one of the strongest unions.

Pullman Strike

May 11, 1894

Nationwide railroad strike. Was agaisnt Pullman company and main railroads.

Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938

Apr 30, 1938

Having standards that are sort of mandatory in a job. Such as minimum wage.

Taft-Hartley

Nov 30, 1947

A law that prohibited certain union acts. Asked for a requirement in union acts.

Steel Strike of 1959

Nov 30, 1959

United Steelworkers of America had a labor union strike. Were fighting agaisnt steel-making companies. Lasted over 100 days.