-
Period: to
1869 to 1938
-
Knights of labor founded
The founder of this secret society creates the knights of labor in Philadelphia. Under the beknownst of management they were able to organize workers around the country. -
Railway Strike
A strike against the Baltimore and Ohio railroad had ignited a series of strikes across the northeast. There was so much violence and so many disturbances that the federal troops had to be called out. This was the first time federal troops had to be called out in a labor dispute. -
Haymarket Riots
In support of the 8-hour work day people began to riot. This eventually turned to chaos when someone from an unknown party throws a bomb at police. the police then frightened return fire into the crowd. -
Homestead Strike
A lockout at the homestead steal works turns violent when 300 detectives from Pinkerton arrived at the gates by barge. The workers greet them with violence which soon becomes a full on battle. This leaves 11 workers and 7 Pinkerton's dead. AKA the Battle of Homestead. -
IWW Founded
Activists and western workers create the Industrial Workers of the World. The IWW is one of the most radical labor groups of all organized labor groups. -
First State Minimum Wage Law
The state of Massachusetts is the first state to adopt a minimum wage law. Following Massachusetts in the next year 8 other states also adopted the minimum wage law. -
Adamson Act
This Act established an 8-hour work day for people working on interstate railroads, also established overtime pay if working longer hours. -
Gompers Dies
Samuel Gompers was an important figure in American labor history. He also founded the American Federation of Labor, he was the president from 1886-1894, then again from 1895 until his death. -
Wagner Act
President Roosevelt signs into law National Labor Relations Act, aka the Wagner Act. This law protects union organizing efforts. It also allows the National Labor Relations Board to keep fairness in union elections. -
Fair Labor Standards Act
This was passed by congress which set a 40-hour work week, time-and-a-half for overtime hours, minimum wage, and put strict restrictions on child labor.