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Sarah Bailey -
Terence V. Powderly -
Eugene V. Debs was the leader of the American Railway Union and a key figure in the Pullman Strike of 1894, where he led a nationwide railroad boycott in protest of wage cuts and poor working conditions. A passionate advocate for socialism and labor rights, Debs used his platform to call for a fairer distribution of wealth and improved conditions for workers. He ran for president five times as a Socialist, becoming a prominent voice for progressive change and labor activism in the United States. -
The Pullman Strike of 1894 was a major nationwide railroad strike that began in Chicago, sparked by wage cuts and high rents in company-owned housing. The strike spread across several states, disrupting rail traffic and mail delivery, leading to federal intervention. The strike’s aftermath sparked national discussions on labor rights and the government’s role in resolving labor disputes, highlighting tensions between workers and business interests. -
Mother Jones, a fierce labor organizer, was a leading figure in the fight for coal miners’ rights and child labor laws in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She led numerous strikes, including the 1903 March of the Mill Children, and tirelessly advocated for better working conditions, higher wages, and the end of child labor. Known for her fiery speeches and unwavering commitment, she became a key voice in the labor movement, inspiring generations of activists to fight for workers’ rights. -
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 killed 146 workers, most of them young immigrant women, trapped due to locked exits and unsafe conditions. The tragedy exposed the dangerous realities of sweatshops and led to public outrage, prompting major workplace safety reforms. In response, new labor laws were enacted, improving fire safety standards, requiring better working conditions, and strengthening protections for workers across the U.S. -
A. Philip Randolph organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in 1925,becoming a powerful advocate for Black workers’ rights and union representation. His leadership helped secure better wages and working conditions for African American railroad porters, making it the first Black-led union to receive official recognition.he also played a key role in the broader civil rights movement,pushing for racial and economic justice, including influencing the march that led to the Civil Rights Act. -
Frances Perkins, the U.S. Secretary of Labor, was the first woman to hold a Cabinet position and a key architect of New Deal labor reforms. She played a crucial role in passing the Social Security Act, which established pensions and unemployment insurance, and the Fair Labor Standards Act, which set minimum wage, maximum hours, and child labor protections. Her efforts transformed American labor rights, improving conditions for millions of workers. -
In 1936–1937, General Motors workers staged the Flint Sit-Down Strike, occupying their factory to demand fair wages, better working conditions, and union recognition. The strike lasted 44 days and faced strong opposition from GM and law enforcement, but the workers remained resolute. Their victory led to the official recognition of the United Auto Workers (UAW), marking a turning point for labor rights and strengthening unions across various industries in the United States. -
Uptown Sinclair -
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 established a federal minimum wage, set maximum working hours, and banned most forms of child labor. This landmark legislation aimed to protect workers from exploitation and improve labor conditions across the U.S. It remains a cornerstone of labor law, shaping workplace rights and setting standards that still impact American workers today. -
César Chávez was a civil rights activist and labor leader who co-founded the UFW, dedicating his life to improving conditions for agricultural workers. He organized nonviolent protests, strikes, and boycotts, which pressured growers to recognize farmworkers’ rights and provide better wages and working conditions. Chávez helped pass landmark labor laws, raised awareness about the struggles of migrant workers, and inspired future generations to fight for social justice. -
Howard Zinn -
In 1981, the PATCO went on strike, demanding better pay, reduced work hours, and improved working conditions. In response, President Ronald Reagan declared the strike illegal under federal law and fired over 11,000 striking controllers, permanently barring them from federal employment. This event marked a major shift in U.S. labor policy, signaling a decline in union power and setting a precedent for stricter government and corporate responses to labor strikes. -
Leon stain