History of Labor Relations in America by Hunter Stone, Ryan Thurman, Sean Olson, Ben Pack.

Thesis

Jan 28, 1850

Beginning as early as the mid-18th century, US labor unions, strikes and political reforms had been fatal for industrial companies due to cut wages. However, because of these reforms, working conditions and hours for common workers have improved so a worker can live more comfortably, as well as have more cash in their pockets. Therefore companies and corporations have suffered greatly due to decrease in production rates.

The Knights of Labor

Dec 28, 1869

This union was founded by Uriah Stephens and was one of the largest and most important ones of its time. The Knights promoted the social and cultural uplift of the workingman, rejected socialism and anarchism, demanded the eight-hour day, and promoted the producers ethic of republicanism. They lasted from 1869 - 1949

Great Southwest Railroad Strike

Mar 20, 1886

Had 200,000 strikers. Knights of labor had workers from the Missouri and Union Pacific railroads. They didn't get enough backing from other rail Unions. Eventually failed.

Pullman Strike

May 28, 1896

250,000 strikers, in Chicago, Illinois. Pullman factory workers walked out of the factory refusing to work they were soon joined by a rail union.

Erdman Act

Jun 1, 1898

Provided guidelines for settling railway disputes and banned companies from blocking workers from joining a union. --Ben

Great Anthracite Coal Strike

May 28, 1902

In the middle of 1902, 147,000 miners and coal workers went on strike. They sought better wages and working conditions. Theodore Roosevelt intervened in concern of a heating crisis. They compromised and went back to work.

U.S, Department of Labor is Officially Formed

Mar 4, 1913

President William H. Taft signs a bill into law creating this department which would be headed by a cabinet member.--Ben

Keating-Owen Child Labor Act of 1916

Sep 1, 1917

Congress formally passes this act, essentially banning any product made by children between 14 and 16 years old. --Ben

Davis-Bacon Act

Mar 3, 1931

President Herbert Hoover passes this act requiring private contractors pay employees on federally funded projects local "prevailing wages". Confusion over the law's mechanics has been abated through executive orders and amendments. --Ben

Norris-LaGuardia Act

Mar 23, 1932

President Herbert Hoover signs the act into law, banning yellow-dog contracts designed to stop workers from joining unions and federal injunctions against peaceful protests. --Ben

National Labor Relations Act

Jul 5, 1935

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs act into law, creating the National Labor Relations Board to oversee relations between union members and employers in the private sector. --Ben

Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938

Jun 25, 1938

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs act into law, banning oppressive child labor, making the minimun wage at 25 cents, and the max workweek at 44 hours. --Ben

Taft-Hartley Act

Jun 23, 1947

Even after President Harry S. Truman's veto of the bill, Congress passed it, thus placing new restrictions on unions and their activities, such as the right to strike or commence closed shops, or giving donations to federal political campaigns. --Ben

Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act

Sep 14, 1959

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs the act into law, creating standards for reports to the federal government and elections of union officers, and making boundaries for labor organization funds and assets. --Ben

Equal Pay Act

Jun 10, 1963

President John F. Kennedy signs act into law, banning the discrimination of wages or unequal pay based on sex. --Ben

Civil Rights Act

Jul 2, 1964

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs act into law, banning discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. --Ben

Occupational Safety and Health Act

Dec 29, 1970

President Richard Nixon signs the act into law, establishing standards for working conditions and for the safety and health of workers in the private and public sector. --Ben

Conclusion

Mar 3, 1971

Production rates had dropped because of strikes in this era. This pushed the ideals of the bourgeoisie and of human betterment. This much like the ideals of the constitution saying that all men have the same rights, making these former rights soimething to fight for.