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Samuel Gompers
Founded the American Federation of Labor in May 1886 and served as president from 1886 to 1924. Promoted harmony among the craft unions that comprised the AFL. -
The 1st Labor Day
In September 5, 1862 Peter J. McGuire thought American workers should be honored with their own day, Ten thousand workers marched in a parade from City Hall to Union Square. -
13th Amendment
Passed by Congress on January 31,1865 and ratified by the states on December 6,1865. "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the U.S. or any place subject to their jurisdiction," was declared in the Constitution because of the 13th Amendment -
Great Southwest Railroad Strike
March 1, 1886 railroad workers in five states struck against the Union Pacific and Missouri Pacific railroads owned by Jay Gould, The collapse of the Knights of Labor and the formation of the American Federation of Labor within two months. -
Haymarket Riot
Labor protest rally near Chicago's Haymarket Square turned into a riot after someone threw a bomb at police in May 4,1886. Eight radical labor activists were convicted in connections withthe bombing. -
Homestead Strike
Also known as the Homestead Steel Strike or Homestead Massacre began in June 30, 1892. One of the most serious disputes in U.S. Labor History, the third behind the Ludlow Massacre and the battle of Blair Mountain -
Pullman Strike
In May 11, 1894 the Pullman Strike was a nationwide strike in the U.S. Nearly 4,000 factory employers of the Pullman Companies began a wildcat strike in the response to reductions in wages. -
Wagner Act
Also known as National Labor Relations Act in July 5, 1935. Established the National Labor Relations Board and addressed relations between unions and employers in the private sector. -
Taft- Hartley
Also known as Labor Management Act of 1947. Provide additional facilities for the mediation of labor disputes affecting commerce, to equalize legal responsibilities of labor organizations and employers, and for other purposes. -
Steel Strike of 1959
In 1959 there was a labor union strike by the United Steelworkers of America against major steel making companies in the U.S. The strike persuaded President Dwight D. Eisenhower to invoke the back-to-work provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act.
