Union Timeline

By 17vairak

  • The Industrial Revolution

    Labor unions began to form because many workers were tired of the unfair working conditions, and wanted better pay. This was because of how industry was rapidly growing, the big businesses wanted to work people for as little as possible, while having the highest gains possible.

  • Great Southwest Railroad Strike

    Workers tried to strike due to unfair labor conditions, but multiple railroad unions would not commit, therefore causing the strike to fail. This was a crushing defeat due to not enough participation.

  • Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890

    Stopped people from being able to boycott. This was because unions were considered to be trusts. This is strange because a trust is a monopoly, and a union of workers does not own every business in a certain type of market.

  • 1892 Homestead Strike

    People tried to strike against steel. The steel industry did not like this, and hired people to kill the strikers. This was a major loss for unions.

  • Pressed Steel Car Strike of 1909

    A battle between strikers and private security agents. 12 people had died. Possibly 26, but no one is sure.

  • Great Depression

    The labor union membership went from 5 million to 3 million. Most of these members were skilled workers. Many of the unskilled workers could not join unions.

  • Wagner Act of 1935

    It gave employees the right to form and join unions. Employers had to bargain with unions chosen by employees

  • WWII

    Labor Unions gained better health insurance due to WWII. This was because of how these workers were needed more than ever. With many of the abled bodied men over seas, employers could not afford to lose more people.

  • Taft-Hartley Act

    Banned the act of being able to strike and boycott. This made unions unable to complain publicly. This was very controversial due to how it limits freedom of speech and right to assemble.

  • The US Postal Strike of 1970

    A strike that lasted 8 days held by US Postal Workers. Considered the largest wildcat strike in history. This act was also illegal, making it ironic that it was held by government workers.