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Declaration of independence
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The National Labor Union (NLU) Founded
The National Labor Union was founded in 1866 as the first national labor federation in the United States. The NLU was an early attempt to create a unified voice for American workers, advocating for better wages, shorter working hours, and improved working conditions. -
Haymarket Affair
A labor protest rally in Chicago turned violent when a bomb was thrown at police, resulting in the deaths of several police officers and civilians. The Haymarket Affair highlighted the struggles and tensions between labor activists and employers, leading to increased awareness of labor issues. -
Samuel Gompers
Gompers was active in labor organizing from the late 19th century through the early 20th century. He served as the president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) from its founding in 1886 until his death in 1924. -
Founding of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)
The IWW, also known as the Wobblies, was founded in Chicago as a radical labor union advocating for workers' rights and industrial unionism. The IWW played a significant role in organizing labor strikes and advocating for the rights of industrial workers. -
Eugene V. Debs
Debs was actively involved in labor and socialist movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He co-founded the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) in 1905 and remained influential in labor organizing for several decades. -
Passage of the National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act)
The Wagner Act was signed into law, granting workers the right to join labor unions and engage in collective bargaining. This legislation was a major milestone in labor rights, as it provided legal protection for workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively.
Placement: Mid-timeline. -
Dolores Huerta
Huerta's involvement in labor activism and co-founding of the United Farm Workers (UFW) started in the 1960s. She continued to be an influential advocate for farmworker rights and social justice. -
I've Been to the Mountaintop
Martin Luther King Jr. expressed gratitude for his journey, despite the hardships, during a speech in Memphis. He reflected on past struggles, including biblical and historical references, and emphasized the importance of unity and economic power. He shared a personal anecdote about surviving a stabbing and acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained committed to doing God's will and achieving the Promised Land for the African American community. -
Cesar Chavez
Chavez's activism as a labor leader began in the 1960s and continued through the 1970s and 1980s. He was a key figure in the United Farm Workers (UFW) and played a prominent role in advocating for farmworker rights. -
PATCO Strike and the Decline of Union Power
The Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) strike, led by air traffic controllers, was crushed by President Ronald Reagan, signaling a decline in union power. The PATCO strike marked a turning point in the labor movement, as it set a precedent for the government's response to labor strikes. -
Ronald Reagan
Reagan's presidency spanned from 1981 to 1989, and his handling of the PATCO strike in 1981 had a significant impact on labor relations during his time in office. -
Address to the California commonwealth club
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Amazon union in the United States
Led by Chris Smalls and fellow workers at a Staten Island warehouse with 8,300 employees. This significant labor victory took place in 2022. Chris Smalls, a former Amazon warehouse worker, emerged as a prominent labor activist and played a crucial role in organizing the union. However, despite this initial success, the Amazon Labor Union encountered obstacles and had not secured additional union elections or contract negotiations with Amazon.