Labor history

Noble Order of the Knights of Labor

Apr 12, 1869

Noble Order of the Knights of Labor
12 Apr 1869 This labor union was formed in1869 by Philadelphia garment workers. Some simple objectives of the union was to have equal pay for eqaul work. They also wanted the aboltion of child labor. This union ended in 1900.

Labor Day

Aug 26, 1878

Labor Day
26 Aug 1878 This national holiday is now on the first Monday in September. This holiday was first seen on the 26th of August, 1878, and was integrated by the major trade union. Orignally, it was a festival for workers and there families.

American Federation of Labor

Apr 12, 1886

The American Federation of Labor was organized in 1886. One of their main focuses was better working conditions. Also, union labels on produced items.

Haymarket Square Riot

Apr 13, 1886

Workers in Chicago, marched for the "8 hour day". Policemen were called in to help break up the strike. Many injuries and a few deaths were some consequences of this strike. The public saw uinos and anarchists as the problem.

"How the Other Half Lives"

Apr 12, 1890

This piece was published in 1890. This book included photography from the disturbing scenes of New York tenements in the 1880s. The book described the horrible living conditions.

Homestead Strike

Jun 30, 1892

The Homesstead Strike began on June 30th, 1892 and ended on July 6th, 1892. This strike was one the the serious disputes in U.S. labor history. The results of this union strike were a setback for everyone.

Pullman Stirke

Apr 13, 1893

Pullman Stirke
13 Apr 1893 This strike made no transportation avaible from Chicago to the West Coast. The company rented homes to the workers, but when the depression came along, he raised the rents. However, he did not lower the rents so nobody could get by. Union leaders were imprisoned and the stirke collapsed.

The Coal Stirke

Apr 13, 1902

The Coal Stirke
13 Apr 1902 This strike was between the workers of the United Mine Workers of America and the anthracite coal fields of eastern Pennsylvania. The Coal Strike threatened to so shut down winter fuel supply to all major cities. The strike was soon resolved, the workers got higher pay, and the owners got a higher price for coal.

"The Jungle"

Apr 12, 1905

"The Jungle" was published by Upton Sinclair in 1905. "The Jungle",exposed the meat packing industry. His research gave the public informatino on the labor abuses.

"The Bitter Cry of Children"

Apr 12, 1906

" John Spargo wrote "The Bitter Cry of Children" in 1906. His work showed the hardships in the coal mining industry. John said how he didn't know how the kids did it, he himself found it hard to do the work; all for a mesley 50 or 60 cents.

Pure Food and Drug Act

Jun 30, 1906

The "Pure Food and Drug Act", was passed on June 30th, 1906. This legislation provided federal insepction of meat products. Also they did not allow manufactoring of, sale, or transportation of bad food products.

Triangle Shirt Factory Fire

Mar 25, 1911

This fire was the deadliest industrial fire in New York City in history. The factory had sealed windows and doors so the employees could not get out during the day. This preveneted them later, from escaping. This fire led to saftey legislation of buildings.

Congress of Industrial Organization

Apr 12, 1935

The Congress of Industrial Organizaion was originally part of the American Federation of Labor. They got away from the union in 1935. The chose to do so, because it leaned towards oraganizations along industrial lines other than craft lines. They went back to the "AFL" in 1955.

National Labor Relations Act

Apr 13, 1935

Also known as the "Wagner Act", the National Labor Relatoins Act made the right to organize legally. The relations board was also created. This act gave the power to punish unfair labor practices.

GM Sit Down Strike

Dec 30, 1936

This was the first tactic of a sit-down strikes, and there effectiveness to the attention of the general public. This kind of strike invovles workers never leaving there jobs, and the strike prevents normal business to be completed. The strike ended on February 11, 1937.

Fair Labor Standards Act

Apr 13, 1938

Fair Labor Standards Act made regulation of child labor. This made minium age requirements for children to work for the first time. For the first time as well, the hours of work of children were also regulated.

Steel Strike

Apr 9, 1952

Steel Strike
9 Apr 1952 This particular strike was scheduled to begin on April 9th, 1952. However, Harry S. Truman, the president, nationalized the American steel industry hourse before the workers walked out. Next, the steel companies sued. The strike ended on July 24, 1952.

Major League Baseball Strike

Apr 1, 1972

Major League Baseball Strike
1 Apr 1972 The Major League Strike started on the first of April, 1972. The Baseball resumed when the owners and players agreed on a $500,000 increase of pension and salary. There were 86 games that were missed, and never made up.

New York City Transit Strike

Dec 20, 2005

This Strike haulted all service on the subway and buses in New York City on December 20th, 2005. Millions of comuters were affected. The strike ended shortly after, and the transportation systems fully restored to order on the morning commute of the 23rd.