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Unionizing
People liked steady employment. They would compromise their basic human rights just to have it. But, once longer hours and pay cuts were placed the workers wanted protection from things worsening. -
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History of Labor Day
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Illegal Unionization in Canada
It became illegal to unionize in Canada. Once that happened 1000s of general motor workers marched to John McDonalds office. Because of that the law was removed and marching became a annual Canadian tradition. -
Toronto's’ Labor Officials
Officials invited invited Peter J. McGuire to the canadian Labor Day march. McGuire was so impressed that he sent labor officials to organize the New York Labor Day march. -
Labor Day march
Usually the labor workers must choose either to work or March without pay. But then, Oregon legalized Labor Day and other states quickly followed. -
The First Labor Day
September 5th was only picked because McGuire thought there was too much of a gap between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. 1000s of NY labor workers marched from City Hall to Town Square and set up at Reservoir Park. There they had picnics, concerts, and speeches about getting 8 hour work days -
Railroad Worker's Strike
Railroad workers went on strike to protest against wage cuts. President Grover Cleveland faces pressure to end the protest so he sent troops to break up the strike. After 2 of the people on strike got killed, he tried to make peace by making Labor Day a federal holiday. He still lost the election. -
You're Fired
They used to say, “once you pass that gate you can forget about the US constitution because there were no right for labor workers. If the Foreman didn't like you, he could fire you right on the spot without needed a reason then you wouldn't be able to support your family. -
Talkin' Union
When Unions started Formans would hire lip readers to see if the workers were talking Union. Workers held secret meeting so the wouldn't get caught. -
Formans' Sit Down
They needed to end the strike due to fear. they sent police with tear gas and rifles. -
End of the Battle
Woman were at the strike watching their husbands. A policeman tugged on a woman's coat and the woman got out of her coat and joined the men in battle. Once other woman followed, the police retreated.
