1. THE CONDITIONS OF LABOR AND THE RISE OF LABOR UNIONS

2. The most important factor behind America’s astonishing economic growth in the late 19 th century was the increasing exploitation of its industrial workers.

3. LONG HOURS & LOW WAGES 10 – 14 hour days 6 day weeks $3 - $12 weekly Immigrants often worked for far less Women and children were paid less than men

4. POOR CONDITIONS & BORING, REPETITIVE TASKS Jobs were offered on a “take it” or “leave it” basis Work became less skilled, more repetitive, monotonous, and boring Machinery safeguards were inadequate Thousands injured or killed each year

5. CHILD LABOR Children were often exposed to the moving parts of machines while they worked Would be used to move, clean, or fix large machines since they were small enough to fit between parts 1/5 of all children under age 15 worked outside the home in 1910 Missed the opportunity to go to school in order to improve their lives

6. LACK OF JOB SECURITY Could be fired at any time for any reason No unemployment insurance No workman’s compensation for injuries on the job No paid sick days

7. HOMESTEAD STRIKE 1892 Andrew Carnegie’s steel mill in Homestead Managed by Henry Clay Frick Cut wages by 20% Workers decided to strike Frick locked them out of the factory Had the Pinkerton Detective Agency bring in replacements called “strikebreakers” A fight broke out lasting 14 hours Several deaths Dozens of injuries Governor sent militia in to protect strikebreakers The strike collapsed 4 months later.

8. WORKERS SEEK A VOICE – RISE OF UNIONS Knights of Labor – 1869 Demanded an 8 hour work day, higher wages, safety codes in factories Opposed child labor Supported equal pay for women and restrictions on immigration Led by Terrance Powderly Grew in the 1880’s Too loosely organized Lost a series of major strikes Fell apart American Federation of Labor – 1881 Samuel Gompers Consisted of separate unions of skilled workers which joined together into a federation. Goals: economic improvements, higher pay, 8 hour day, better working conditions Weakened by its exclusion of unskilled workers By 1910, less than 5% of workers were unionized

9. HAYMARKET AFFAIR OF 1886 The general public saw unions as violent and dangerous because of events like the Haymarket Affair of 1886 Labor leaders were blamed when a bomb exploded during a demonstration of striking workers at Haymarket Square in Chicago 7 officers were killed 67 others were injured