1. Strikes and Unions Solving the issues of low pay, bad working conditions and unfair treatment of workers

2. Unions  Knights of Labor -accepted Blacks and women and was the first attempt at unions. All trades were accepted- but not much accomplished. Led by Terence Powderly.  American Federation of Labor (AFL)- Led by Samuel Gompers (for 37 years)- focuses on improving working conditions and better pay – they used strikes, boycotts and negotiations.

3. Haymarket Strike  Striking workers in Chicago in 1886. The Knights of Labor wanted an 8 hour work day. A bomb exploded and killed 7 policemen and shots were fired into the crowd. Public opinion turned against unions since they were associated with violence.

4. Homestead Strike  This violent event happened in Homestead, PA at Carnegie’s Steel Co. It began because Carnegie cut wages of workers- Carnegie said he would hire non- union (scabs). The strike lasted four months and was very violent!

5. Pullman Strike  Pullman cut pay 25%-but did not lower the rent of the housing. They refused to unload any Pullman cars. Rail traffic came to a halt!

6. Triangle Shirtwaist Fire  This event happened at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company in New York- (Textiles factory) 500 sweatshop workers were locked in when a fired started- killed 146 people!