The Rise of Organized Labor A response of workers to industrialization

Changes in Work

Changes in Work More machine-oriented Less need for skilled labor Workers more easily replaceable Work more monotonous Less personal satisfaction of craftsmanship Workplace separate from home

Impersonal Relationship with Boss

Poor Working Conditions

Child Labor

Low Pay

The Knights of Labor (A large Union)

Goals of the Knights of Labor Eight-hour workday. Workers’ cooperatives. Worker-owned factories. Abolition of child and prison labor. Increased circulation of greenbacks. Equal pay for men and women. Safety codes in the workplace. Prohibition of contract foreign labor. Abolition of the National Bank.

Trouble At Haymarket Riot in Chicago 1886

Haymarket Martyrs

Effect of the Haymarket Riot Many people associate labor unions with anarchists or other radical groups Anarchist – someone who wants all forms of government eliminated Socialist – someone who wants the “means of production” (factories and farms) controlled by the government

The “Formula” unions + violence + strikes + socialists + immigrants = anarchists

Labor Union Membership

The American Federation of Labor Different than the Knights (only for skilled laborers) Made up of a collection of trade unions Used collective bargaining

Women at Work Sometimes form their own unions Mother Jones is a labor organizer ILGWU organizes garment workers Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire in New York in 1911 leads to reforms

Government and Labor Many strikes in the late 19th century/early 20th century Government often influenced by big business Government often sided with big business in quashing (putting down) the strikes

Pullman Strike 1894