-
13th Amendment
Formally abolished slavery in the United States. Passed through Congress on January 31, 1865 but was ratified by the states on December 6, 1865. -
National Labor Union (NLU)
Began in 1866 with a meeting in Baltimore to organize both skilled and unskilled employees. Relied increasingly on political action to meet its goals and because so after their nominated candidate withdrew from 1872 presidential elections they had their last meeting in 1873 and then disappeared. -
Labor Day
Peter J. McGuire was a carpenter and labor union leader who came up with the idea for Labor Day. Labor day was celebrated by thousands of workers with picnics, concerts and speeches. Congress later passed legislation making Labor Day a national holiday in 1894. -
Haymarket Riot
Originally a labor protest rally near Chicago's Haymarket Square until someone threw a bomb at police turning it into a riot. Eight people died and was looked at as a setback for the organized labor movement in America. -
American Federation of Labor (AFL)
Focused on securing higher wages, better working conditions, and shorter work weeks for its members. Didn't attempt to organize unskilled workers made few gains among new workers during 1920s. -
Pullman Strike
Caused after the Pullman Palace Car Company had cut originally low wages by 25% but didn't reduce rent and other charges at the town Pullman where most of Pullman workers lived. When workers tried to negotiate with George M. Pullman they just got fired which made the workers strike. -
Shirtwaist Factory Fire
The Triangle Shirtwaist Company in New York City burned down killing 145 workers. Most of the deceased died as results of bad safety features and locked doors through out the building. Brought widespread attention to the dangerous sweatshop conditions of factories and led to a series of laws and regulations to better protect workers. -
Wagner Act
Proposed to create a new independent agency- the National Labor Relations Board. Gives employees the right to form and join unions and bargain collectively with unions selected by a majority of the employees in an appropriate bargaining unit. Endorsed the principles of exclusive representation & majority rule, provided enforcement of the Board's rulings and covered most workers in industries. -
General Motors Sit Down Strike
First sit-down strike in the United States. Autoworkers were striking to make the company stop sending work to non-union plants and to establish a fair minimum wage scale. -
Taft-Hartley Act
Made major changes to the Wagner Act. Amended to protect employees rights from unfair practices by unions. Created a lot of rules for unions to follow.
