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Second Industrial Revolution
During this time, equipment started becoming more sophisticated and efficient, however this also means more dangers were implemented, too. The big issue was safety regulations (mostly the lack thereof). This led to the creation of the labor union Knights of Labor. They advocated for equal work and equal pay regardless of gender or race. -
Haymarket Riot
The rally was initiated by German-born radical laborers to protest police killing a striker the day before. As police attempt to break up the rally, a bomb is thrown from the protesters to policemen. Over a dozen people died and nearly 100 injured. This event caused widespread xenophobia. This relates to labor unions because the union is protesting the unethical, unsafe working conditions. -
Sherman Anti-Trust Act 1890
This act is more commonly associated with monopolies and trying to prevent them from forming, however, it does relate to labor unions. The act is ironic, because though it was meant to curb the abuses of growing companies, it regulated and cracked down on labor unions. This means that any "restraint of commerce" the labor union tried to impose was outlawed and therefore they were exempt from the Act. -
Homestead Strike (1892)
Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers protested against Carnegie Steel Company for low wages and hazardous working conditions. Henry Clay Frick, manager of the plant, began locking out workers when they refused to accept the production demands. Frick had the Pinkertons come and overpower the strike, however they eventually surrendered. The strike ended on November 20, 1892. -
Federal Department of Labor Established
This historical event of the establishment of this department was monumental in helping labor unions. The Department of Labor was created to make sure workers were being treated fairly, essentially advocating for most values labor unions support. They maintain hour and wage regulations, safety in the work force, unemployment insurance benefits, and retirement. -
Great Depression
This saddening period in American history resulted in loss of popularity in labor unions. This is because people were so poor, they were willing to work for so little than protest and be jobless. Even after the Depression, more than 1 in 5 Americans were still unemployed. -
Norris- LaGuardia Act (1932)
This law makes it illegal for companies to promise those that are hired not to join labor unions. It also made it illegal for the federal government to prevents strikes, protests or boycotts. The act was sponsored by both George Norris and Fiorello La Guardia. -
Fair Labor Standards Act (1938)
This act regulated a lot of the ethical problems in the labor force. The act prohibited child labor. It also set a minimum wage (25 cents) and provided payment for those working overtime. -
Civil Rights Movement
Union members had an active and integral part in the Civil Rights movement. For example, when Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed, they were the ones to help him. They provided him with financial aid and marched in Washington in 1963 in protest. -
Steel Strike of 1959
This strike originally started off with a simple plead for higher wages because the company was making more money. It soon became the largest strike in American history, with nearly 500,000 participants. This striked caused nearly every steel mill in the USA to be shut down. -
UPS Workers Strike 1997
Twenty years ago, the labor union Teamsters nearly bought the UPS company to an end! They striked for close to a month against the company hiring the workers for part time to avoid paying benefits. Eventually a contract in negotiated between UPS and the Teamsters, resulting in one of the most successful union victories in history.
