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Declaration of Independence
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Mother Jones
Mary Harris "Mother" Jones was an Irish-American labor and community organizer. She played a significant role in the labor movement, advocating for workers' rights and organizing strikes. Mother Jones was involved in various labor struggles, including the coal miners' strikes in West Virginia and Colorado. Her activism and efforts on behalf of workers earned her the nickname "Mother" Jones. -
Clarence Darrow
Clarence Darrow was a renowned American lawyer and a prominent advocate for labor rights. He was involved in several high-profile cases defending the rights of workers, including the defense of labor leaders in the aftermath of the Haymarket Affair in 1886. Darrow's legal career and advocacy contributed to the development of labor law and protections for workers in the United States. -
Haymarket Affair
On May 4, 1886, a bomb detonated near Haymarket Square in Chicago after police arrived to break up a rally in support of striking workers. This protest is one of a number of strikes, demonstrations, and other events held by workers and their supporters in Chicago from May 1-4 to advocate for an eight-hour workday. -
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
On March 25, 1911, a fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, a sweatshop employing primarily young immigrant women. Due to locked exit doors and inadequate safety measures, 146 workers died in the fire. The tragedy highlighted the unsafe working conditions and lack of workers' rights in many factories. It spurred significant labor law reforms, including the strengthening of workplace safety regulations and the development of workers' compensation laws. -
A. Philip Randolph
A. Philip Randolph was a prominent African-American labor leader and civil rights activist. He organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first predominantly African-American labor union. Randolph was a key figure in the struggle for labor rights and racial equality, and he played a pivotal role in the desegregation of the U.S. military through his work on the March on Washington Movement. -
Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta is a labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez. She played a crucial role in organizing agricultural laborers and advocating for their rights. Huerta continues to be an advocate for social justice and labor rights. -
Frances Perkins
Frances Perkins was the U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945, serving under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She played a key role in the development and implementation of New Deal policies, including the Social Security Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. Perkins was the first woman to hold a cabinet position in the United States. -
Wagner Act
Also known as the National Labor Relations Act, the Wagner Act was enacted during the New Deal era under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Wagner Act aimed to protect workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively. It established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to enforce these rights. The Wagner Act was a milestone in U.S. labor law, promoting the right of workers to join unions and engage in collective bargaining. It laid the foundation for the modern labor movement. -
United Farm Workers' Grape Boycott
The UFW sought better working conditions and wages for farmworkers, primarily in the grape industry. The UFW organized a successful nationwide boycott of table grapes, drawing attention to the exploitation of farmworkers and advocating for their rights. The grape boycott raised awareness about the struggles of agricultural laborers and contributed to improved labor conditions in the agricultural sector. It also highlighted the importance of consumer support in the labor movement. -
Occupational Safety and Health Act
Concerns about workplace safety led to the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The OSHA was signed into law by President Nixon on December 29, 1970, establishing OSHA to set and enforce safety and health standards in the workplace. OSHA has played a crucial role in reducing workplace injuries and fatalities by setting and enforcing safety regulations. It marked a significant step forward in ensuring the well-being of workers on the job. -
Address to the California Commonwealth Club
Cesar Chavez