Labor Organizations Why was there a need for Labor Unions? 1.Unsafe working conditions. 2.Low pay 3.12 hour work days 6 days a week. 4.Very poor relations between owners and workers.
The American Federation of Labor (AFL) Samuel Gompers – Born January 26, 1850, London, England – Died December 13, 1924 Immigrated to U.S. in 1863 – Worked as a cigar maker He addresses all the concerns of labor – Collective bargaining and legislation Union created in 1886 – Membership goes from 250,000 in 1886 to 1 million in 1892
Mary Harris Jones “Mother Jones” Born May 1 st, 1830 in Ireland Died November 30, 1930 Grew up in Toronto, Ontario Canada Taught in a convent in Michigan then moved to Chicago where she worked as a dressmaker 1861 married George E. Jones, an iron molder 1867 husband and 4 small children died of yellow fever in one week 1871 lost everything in the great Chicago fire She became involved with the labor movement and the Knights of Labor – Participated in numerous strikes, educational meetings and traveled the country speaking One of the founders of the Industrial workers of the World (IWW)
Response to Union 1.Public distrust. 2.Government supports owners rather than labor 3.Strikebreakers brought in by owners
Reform The Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890) – This law made monopolies in the United States illegal The Civil Service Act (1883) – Said federal jobs would be given to only those who pass a competitive exam.
Constitutional Amendments as a Result of the Progressives 16 th Amendment – National Income Tax. 17 th Amendment – Direct election of Senators. 18 th Amendment - Prohibition of alcoholic beverages. 19 th Amendment – Women’s suffrage.