Labor Unions and Strikes

Knights of Labor

Apr 12, 1869

Labor Unions formed some time in 1869. Labor Unions were created with the intent to change job conditions and socialization changes. Organized by Philadelphia garment workers; eventually opened up to farmers, merchants and wage earners.

Labor Day (National Holiday)

Apr 15, 1885

The first labor day was celebrated in Ney York in the year 1882. In fact, labor day wasn't declared a holiday till 3 years later in 1885. Now we celebrate labor day with a day off work for everyone.

AFL

Apr 12, 1886

Also known as the American Federation of Labor fought for better working conditions. Also they fought for better pay, Union labels on produced items, and craft oriented. Along with the labor unions they wanted to abolish child labor.

Haymarket Square Riot

Apr 15, 1886

This was a protest that broke out in Chicago. The police eventually came to break up the strike, but failed in the 1st attempt. Labor unions got their bad name because 8 police men died in a fight. This is were the public saw unions and anarchists as a problem.

"How the Other Half Lives"

Apr 12, 1890

By a person named Jacob Riis who wanted to bring an issue to the publics attension. He told people about the poor living conditions of the slums of NYC.

Homestead Strike

Apr 15, 1892

An indutrial lockout and strike began June 30, 1892. This was one of the most serious desputes in labor history. the result of this despute was a failure to the union and a set back on unionizing steel workers.

Pullman Strike

Apr 15, 1893

A town owned by the company created by George M. Pullman revulted in a strike. When George raised the rent on apartments and decreased the workers pay they couldn't pay there rent. This caused them to strike, led by eugene V. Debs, within day railroad workers in 27 states had gone on strike.

Coal Strike

Apr 15, 1902

United Mine Workers of America in the anthrcite coal mines of pennsylvania went on strike. This prticular strike threatened to shut down the winter fuel supply to all major cities. This was the first strike in which the government intervened as a neutral arbitrator.

"The Jungle"

Apr 12, 1905

Written in 1906 this book talks about the poor conditions of the meat industry. It was written by Upton Sinclair who is a distiguished author in today's site. Since this book many regulations have been made to keep our food safe.

"The Bitter Cry of Children"

Apr 15, 1906

This is a story written by John Spargo, a Muckracker, to expose hardships suffered by children. Since there were no child labor laws (that were enforced) children had to work coal mines for hours a day with no pay. While working the boys were unable to attend school and church, so they had no education whatsoever.

Pure Food and Drug Act

Jun 30, 1906

Was issued in 1906 to put a halt to the poor conditions of the meat packing industry. This law provided federal inspections of meat products. It also forbade the manufacture, sale or transportation of adulterated food products and poisonous patent medicines.

Congress of Industrial Organization

Apr 15, 1935

Up until now this group was apart of AFL. It broke off because it didn't like the idea of craft lines over industrial lines. It reintergrated into AFL in 1955 bringing the organization to an end.

National Labor Relations Act

Apr 15, 1935

Was pro labor act that gave laborors the right to be legally recognized. Along with this the National Labor Relations Board was created. Gave them the power to punish unfair labor.

GM Sit-down Strike

Apr 15, 1936

Strike purposed to shut down plant operations in Flint, Michigan, to gain better pay. First strike where worker showed up to work but didn't do anything eliminating the factor of strike laborors. In the end they decided that the workers were able to participate in the running of GM.

Fair Labor Standards Act

Apr 15, 1938

This act enabled federal regulation of child labor. For the first time, minimum ages of employment and hours of work were regulated. These laws applied mainly to children and were regulated by federal law.

Steel Strike

Apr 15, 1952

This strike was made by United Steelworkers of America against U.S. Steel and nine other steel makers. President Truman nationalized the American Steel industry hours before the workers walked out. Steel companies sued and won the control of their company. Steelworkers wanted a wage increase, so they went on strike for 53 days.

Major League Baseball Strike

Apr 15, 1972

Alot of people love baseball but in these times they couldn't go see a game. Pro baseball players went on strike wanting a higher pay that was set at 500,000 dollars, eventually. They went on strike for 13 days, missing 86 games that were never played because they didn't want to pay the players tor the time they were on strike.

NYC Transit Strike

Dec 20, 2005

Began when negotiations for a new contract with the MTA broke down. Started at 3:00 a.m. Dec. 20 and ended at 2:35 p.m. on Dec. 22. The strike was started over retirement, pension, and wage increase.