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Founder of the American Federation of Labor (AFL). He focused on practical improvements like wages, hours, and working conditions. Gompers shaped early union strategies and negotiations in the U.S. -
Workers across the United States protested wage cuts and poor working conditions in the first major national labor strike. The strike began on the Baltimore Ohio Railroad and quickly spread to other states, disrupting rail traffic and sparking violent clashes. The Great Railroad Strike drew attention to the struggles of industrial workers and highlighted the need for labor organization and better workplace protections. -
A labor rally in Chicago advocating for an eight-hour workday turned violent when a bomb exploded, killing several police officers and workers. The Haymarket Affair became a symbol of the struggle for workers’ rights and highlighted tensions between laborers and authorities. Although the event led to arrests and executions of several labor activists, it inspired labor movements worldwide. It also strengthened the push for organized unions and safer working conditions. -
Steelworkers at the Carnegie Steel Company in Homestead, Pennsylvania, went on strike to protest wage cuts and poor working conditions. The strike turned violent when private security guards clashed with workers, resulting in deaths and injuries. The Homestead Strike became a key moment in U.S. labor history, demonstrating the intense conflict between labor and management. Although the strike was eventually crushed, it inspired future labor organizing and union efforts in the steel industry. -
Labor leader and socialist who led the Pullman Strike. He advocated for workers’ rights and collective bargaining. Debs helped spread the importance of union power and inspired future labor activism. -
Author: Theodore Dreiser.
This novel explores the harsh realities of urban life and poor labor conditions in early 20th-century America. It highlights how working-class women struggled to survive while chasing ambition and basic wages. By showing the economic hardship and social inequality of the era, the book indirectly fueled awareness of the labor movement. Sister Carrie illustrates how harsh working conditions motivated workers to demand better treatment and rights. -
Coal miners in Pennsylvania went on strike to demand higher wages, shorter workdays, and union recognition. The strike threatened the nation’s coal supply, prompting President Theodore Roosevelt to intervene as a mediator. The dispute ended with miners receiving a 10% wage increase and reduced work hours, although the union was not officially recognized. The strike demonstrated the growing influence of organized labor and the federal government’s role in resolving labor disputes. -
Organizer of miners and child labor protests. Her activism inspired solidarity and drew attention to unsafe working conditions. Mother Jones became a symbol of courage and perseverance in the labor movement. -
A deadly fire in a New York City garment factory killed over 100 workers, mostly young immigrant women, due to unsafe working conditions and locked exits. The tragedy exposed the dangers of unregulated workplaces and poor labor protections. It led to stricter fire safety laws, building codes, and labor regulations. The disaster became a rallying point for the labor movement and inspired workers to fight for safer workplaces. -
Co-founder of the United Farm Workers, leading strikes and boycotts for farmworker rights. He inspired organizing among marginalized workers and improved wages and conditions. Chavez became a symbol of labor activism and nonviolent protest. -
Civil rights leader who supported striking sanitation workers in Memphis. He connected civil rights with labor rights and drew national attention to unsafe conditions and low wages. His involvement helped unite both movements and promote economic justice. -
Author: Kyle Moore
This article explains the historical connection between labor rights and civil rights. It shows why workers needed the ability to organize to protect their civil liberties in the workplace. -
Author: Edwin Battistella.
This article traces how labor-related words like “union” and “strike” developed and how Labor Day became official. It shows how language shaped public understanding and support of labor rights. -
Author: Scott Neuman
This article highlights five important MLK speeches besides “I Have a Dream.” It explains how he reused ideas in multiple speeches to inspire crowds and support civil and labor rights. -
Author/Host: Maximilian Alvarez.
This episode covers Starbucks workers organizing a union, highlighting reasons like respect, fair treatment, and having a real voice. It shows how modern labor organizing is both personal and politically significant. -
Author: New York State Public Employees Federation.
This article explains how Martin Luther King Jr. supported labor rights and connected civil rights with economic justice. It highlights his work with Memphis sanitation workers and the support unions gave to civil rights initiatives.