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The 13th Amendment is Ratified
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in all of its forms. Workers needed to be paid to work. -
The National Labor Union is Formed
The National Labor Union (NLU) was the first national labor federation in America. It paved the way for later organizations like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor. -
The Great Southwest Railroad Strike Takes Place
More than 200,000 workers came together to strike against the Union Pacific and the Missouri Pacific railroads. The strike was unsuccessful and led to the collapse of the Knights of Labor. -
The Homestead Strike Starts
The Homestead Strike is one of the most serious disputes in U.S labor history. It occurred at the Homestead Steel Works in Pittsburgh against the Carnegie Steel Company. The strike was a huge setback for unionized steelworkers. -
The 1st Labor Day
Labor Day became a federal holiday. It honors the contributions of workers and the American labor movement. -
Textile Workers Strike of 1934
The textile workers strike was one of the largest strikes in U.S history. About 400,000 textile workers were involved, and the strike lasted for 22 days. -
Social Security Act of 1935
The Social Security Act of 1935 provided aid for the elderly, the unemployed, and children. It laid the groundwork for modern welfare policies. -
1930's General Motors Sit Down Strike
The GM sit down strike was done in protest of General Motor's treatment of its employees. The strike led to the unionization of the U.S automobile industry. -
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938
The FLSA established a national minimum wage. It also banned the use of child labor. -
Steel Strike of 1959
The Steel Strike of 1959 was a strike by the United Steelworkers of America against large steel-making companies. The strike eventually led to the Taft-Hartley Act being invoked.
