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Railway Strike of 1877
This strike on the Baltmore and Ohio set off other seires of strikes, and represents the first strike where federal troops were used to settle a labor dispute. -
The American Federation of Labor
The American Federation of Labor, or AFL, was founded by Samuel Gompers in 1881. They were a closed group that allowed only highly skilled workers, and aimed to improve the "bread and butter" issues of worker benefits wages, work hours, and working conditions. -
Haymarket Riot
A labor rally became bloody when a bomb was tossed at the police, and the police fired at the crowd. This tainted the labor movement, that the workers were willing to use force to get their way. -
Sherman Anti-Trust Act
Congress passed the Sherman Anti-Sherman Act to stop monopolies but instead was used against unions by employers. -
Anti-Labor Injunction
Workingman's Amalgamated Council of New Orleans was brought to court for interfering with commerce. This became the first injunction against unions. This gave employers a strong and dangerous legal weapon. -
Pullman Strike
Began as a boycott of Pullman sleeping cars, which ignited a series of railroad strikes. Federal troops were sent in, sparking violence. The strike ended when labor union leaders were jailed; many were later denied the return of their jobs. -
International Workers of the World Founded
Formed by western miners and others. The IWW, or Wobblies, were one of the most radical labor unions. -
Industrial Workers of the World
Western miners form the IWW at the Chicago Convention. Called Wobblies they become one of the most radical labor groups. They didnt achieve much success but they inspired future generations of labor unions. -
ILGWU Strike
International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union calleda strike in New York. They demanded 20% pay increase and 52 hour workweek. 20,000 workers from 500 factories becoming the largest women's strike in history. -
LA Times Bombing
Anti labor union, LA Times was bombed killing 20 people. Two men connected to the Iron Workers Union. -
Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
Brought sympathy for the working condition for women, when a fire in a factory killed 146 women. -
First State Minimum Wage Law
Massachusetts adopts the first minimum wage law, giving women and children more pay. Other states adopted this later in the year. -
Ludlow Massacre
Violence breaks out in Ludlow, Colorado. National Guardsmen set fire to tents killing 5 miners, 2 women and 12 kids. More than 75 poeple were killed overall in the violence. -
Clayton Act
Clayson Act becomes law under Wilson and exempts unions fom the Sherman Anti Trust Act. It was not succesfull in court though. -
Strike Wave of 1945
Series of massize strikes, which were mostly unseccussful. -
Equal Pay Act
Prohibits the discrimation in wages based on sex. Women's wages grow from 62% of men's in 1963 to 80% in 2004. -
UPS Strike
After a 16-day walkout, the Teamsters (a work union) made a contract with UPS. This is the first successful strike in two decades. -
Federal Department of Labor Established
FDL is established under President Taft mostlyto emphasize the pro labor stance of the incoming president, Wilson. -
First State Minimus Wage Law
Jun 12, 1912
Massachusettts creates the first minimum wage setting a wage for women and minors. This sparked a trend throughout other states.
