1. Labor Unions Emerge – Notebook Entry #6 - HW Redemption (right side)
Labor Union: a group of workers organized to protect the interests of its members
Generally wanted higher wages, shorter work hours and better working conditions, power came from collective bargaining and striking
By 1904 – 2 million American workers belonged to a labor union
Knights of Labor – membership to everyone
American Federation of Labor (AFL) – only skilled, white workers
Industrial Workers of the World (Wobblies) – leftist/socialist, wanted means of production to be controlled by workers rather than greedy capitalists

2. Labor Unions Emerge …continued
Fierce resistance by big business
Yellow-dog contracts: written pledges not to join unions
Blacklists: lists of union members and organizers – no job if on list
SCABS – non union workers brought in to replace striking workers
Federal Government called in to break up violent strikes
1877 Pittsburgh – railway workers
1892 Homestead Steel Plant – Carnegie steel workers
1897 Chicago – Pullman strike
Despite struggles some Union victories – raised moral of workers, set max work hours and worker’s comp and by 1912 child labor laws established in 38 states.