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The signing of the Declaration of Independance
The deceleration of independence was signed declaring freedom and equality for all in America. This emancipated the people under British control. And allowed these people to build their own form of government based upon individual freedom. -
Lowell Mill Women Create the First Union of Working Women
The Lowell mill was a textile factory, where women worked operating looms and other machinery. During this time at first, working as a woman was a dream, which slowly turned into a nightmare as women worked long grueling hours in poor and dangerous working conditions. And because they were women they could be ignored and paid less. The Lowell mill girls stood up for their rights as workers and organized walkouts and strikes, which later formed women workers' unions. -
The Strike at Homestead Mill
The strike at Carnegie's steel plant in Homestead Pennsylvania, when 3,000 laborers pushed back against Carnegie and Henry Frick's intention to crush the union and slash wages for workers. The violent strike would not prove successful but would pave the way for workers to take a stand in protest for the compensation they deserved. -
Eugene V Debs
Debs was an American socialist, political activist, trade unionist, and a founding member of the Industrial Workers of the World. He believed strongly in "the emancipation of the working class". He also united railway workers, creating the first industrial union in the United States. He also helped to organize the great Pullman Strike and a candite for U.S. president. -
The Pullman Strike
A strike against George Pullman's railroad car company. A result of cut wages without a decrease in rent costs and other expenses within the Pullman company town in Chicago. This resulted in a violent strike against he company resulting in the deaths of 30 strikers by an upsetting abuse of power by federal troops that were dispatched to Chicago. -
McKees Rock Strike
This strike took place at Pressed Steel Car CO. This is where 5-8 thousand immigrant workers built railway cars. The strike broke out when. The worker suffered under abusive conditions. On a particular payday, the workers received less than usual, this was the final straw. 40 workers told the company that they would not work until they received what they were owed, and when they returned to work the next day they were promptly fired. This ignited a violent strike of 5,000. -
Joe Hill
Joe Hill was a Swedish songwriter and activist, and member of the Industrial Workers of the World. He wrote political songs and satirical poems, made speeches, and organized workers under the IWW banner. While a positive influence on labor rights, his fame was solidified when he was convicted of murder in a Utah court. Granting him the name "Martyr of the Labor Movement" -
The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire is considered one of the deadliest industrial disasters in the history of its city, Greenwich Village in New York City. The reason this disaster struck was because when the building caught on fire, fire escapes were all locked and barricaded, trapping workers inside. This is even significant because it would change the labor codes and fire safety measures for the future, which is why today all fire escapes must remain clear at all times. -
The Bread and Roses Strike
This strike occurred after a new state law was set in place lowering the maximum workweek from 56 to 54 hours. Employees responded to this by speeding up production and cutting workers' pay by two hours. People struck out against management and demanded a 15% pay raise, extra pay for overtime, and amnesty for strikers. One reason why this strike has been considered so successful is because the workers remained united and management agreed to their terms. -
Sydney Hillman
Head of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. HE advocated for "constructive cooperation" within the union, while also ensuring the economic health of the garment industry. Hillman was inspired by other strikers as he too worked in the factories suffering the same working conditions, when they held a walkout, he promptly followed. -
Mother Jones
Mary Harris "Mother" Jones was significant for being an organizer for the mine workers. She inspired men half her age to rally together and stand up for their rights. She believed that if Americans could work together they could free themselves of poverty. She was most known for her firey attitude and passion for the rights of laborers. Later in a biography of her feats, she would be named "The most dangerous woman in America" -
Lucy Randolph Mason
Lucy Randolph Mason was a dedicated activist for human rights. She was involved in the labor rights movement, Civil rights movement, and consumer movement, and especially an advocate against women's suffrage. She was an influential part of the labor movement because of her passion for bringing humane conditions to working people. -
Address to the California Commonwealth Club
By Cesar Chavez -
Amazon Unions
Chris Smalls led the first Amazon Union of 8,300 workers at a Staten Island warehouse after being fired unjustly. Sadly, since then the union has gained little ground, and Amazon still refuses to negotiate. In addition, the Amazon unions' campaigns against Starbucks have made a surge. While there is evidence against Starbucks violating labor laws, CEO Howard Schultz has denied any wrongdoing and continues to aggressively discourage unions.