-
Knights of Labor
The first national labor organization in the United States. The organization originated as a secret organization to protect members from employer retaliations. -
First Labor Day
The very first Labor Day was in New York City and celebrated with a picnic, concert and speeches. About 10,000 workers marched in the parade from City Hall to Union Square. -
Great Southwest Railroad Strike
Began when a member of the Knights of Labor was fired for starting a company meeting in Texas. Later in St. Louis, strikers of the Knights of Labor intentionally kill a train engine starting the strike. -
Haymarket Riot
A protest rally in Chicago turned into a riot when someone threw a bomb at police. Eight people died and 8 activists were arrested in connection with the bombing. -
Homestead Strike
The Homestead strike was also known as the Homestead steel strike and Homestead massacre. This strike eventually became a battle between strikers and private security agents. -
Period: to
Pullman Strike
Started after the economic depression of 1893 when the Pullman railroad company laid off workers and slashed their wages. The American Railway Union led the strike and shut down the country's railroad system. -
Shirtwaist Factory Fire
Preventable industrial fire that brought attention to dangerous work conditions. The fire eventually led to many laws and regulations to improve work conditions in factories. -
Textile Workers Strike
One of the largest strike in U.S. labor history. The strike included about half a million textile workers and lasted 22 days. -
General Motors Sit Down Strike
In Flint, Michigan, strikers occupied several General Motors plants for more than forty days. They stayed and rebelled against police and the National Guard. -
Period: to
Steel Strikes of 1959
A 116-day labor union strike by the United Steelworkers of America. The strike was one of the longest work strikes in the steel industry until 1986.
