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Deceleration of Independence By Thomas Jefferson
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Atlanta's Washerwomen Strike
The Atlanta Washerwomen Strike of 1881 involved 3,000 African American laundresses demanding better wages and conditions, resulting in improved pay and marking a significant moment in the history of labor rights and civil rights in the South. -
Samuel Gompers
Samuel Gompers (1850-1924) was a prominent American labor leader and the founder of the American Federation of Labor (AFL). He dedicated his life to advancing the rights and interests of American workers, advocating for better wages, and improved working conditions. Gompers played a pivotal role in shaping the modern labor movement in the United States, emphasizing the importance of collective bargaining and union strength to secure better conditions for workers. -
Headstead Act
First, as the union's three-year contract was coming to an end in 1892, the company demanded wage cuts for 325 employees, even though the workers had already taken large pay cuts three years before. During the contract negotiations, management didn't make proposals to negotiate. It issued ultimatums to the union. The local newspaper pointed out that "it was not so much a question of disagreement as to wages, but a design upon labor organization." -
"The strike at homestead Mill" by Andrew Carnegie
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The battle of Cripple Creek
Workers started pouring in from around the country desperate for jobs, and soon Cripple Creek had a huge labor surplus. That's when the mine owners pounced. In January 1894, they proclaimed that the working day would increase from eight hours to nine and 10—with no increase in pay. However, the owners did offer an alternative. Workers could keep the eight-hour day for a reduction of 50 cents in their daily pay. Eventually, it ended in a $3 dollar wage for 8 hours of work. -
Mother Jones
Mother Jones, born Mary Harris Jones, was a formidable labor and community organizer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She dedicated her life to championing workers' rights, especially in the coal mines, and was a vocal advocate for better working conditions and fair wages. Her tireless activism and passionate speeches earned her the nickname "the most dangerous woman in America." -
McKees Rocks Strike
The strike took place at the huge Pressed Steel Car Co. plant in McKees Rocks, a few miles down the Ohio River from Pittsburgh, where between 5,000 and 8,000 mostly immigrant workers from some 16 nationalities created railway cars. Hailing mainly from southern and eastern Europe, they included "Russians who had served in the 1905 Duma [parliament], Italians who had led resistance strikes, Germans who were active in the metal workers' union," according to historian Sidney Lens. -
Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in NYC killed 146 workers, mostly immigrant women, due to locked exits and flammable conditions. This tragedy spurred labor reforms, leading to improved workplace safety laws and better conditions for workers nationwide. It remains a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting workers' rights and safety. -
John L. Lewis
John L. Lewis was a prominent labor leader who served as the President of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) for over 40 years. He was instrumental in organizing labor strikes and advocating for miners' rights, leading to significant improvements in wages and working conditions in the coal industry. Lewis's leadership and tireless efforts transformed the labor movement and influenced labor policy in the United States for decades. -
A. Philip Randolph
A. Philip Randolph, a leading civil rights and labor activist in the 20th century, founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first predominantly Black labor union. He played a pivotal role in pressuring President Franklin D. Roosevelt to desegregate the defense industry during World War II, a significant step in the civil rights movement. Randolph's legacy continues to inspire and symbolize the fight for equality and workers' rights in the United States. -
Frances Perkins
Frances Perkins was the first female U.S. Cabinet member, serving as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She played a pivotal role in shaping New Deal policies, advocating for labor rights, Social Security, and workers' safety regulations during the Great Depression. Perkins left an indelible mark on American social and labor policy, advancing important reforms that continue to benefit workers today. -
"He showed us the way" By Cesar Chavez
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Address to the California commonwealth club by Cesar Chavez
