Labor

  • The 8-Hour Workday Movement

    The 8-Hour Workday Movement

    Workers across the U.S. protested for an 8-hour workday, beginning with a national strike on May 1, 1886. The movement gained traction despite violent clashes, and it eventually influenced labor legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
  • The Haymarket Affair

    The Haymarket Affair

    This event was a key moment in the 8-hour workday movement. A labor rally in Chicago’s Haymarket Square turned violent when a bomb exploded, killing several people and leading to the arrest of labor leaders. It sparked global attention to workers' rights.
  • Mother Jones' Advocacy for Workers' Rights

    Mother Jones' Advocacy for Workers' Rights

    In the summer of 1903, Mother Jones led the "March of the Mill Children" from Philadelphia to New York to protest child labor. As an influential labor leader, she fought for better working conditions and played a major role in raising awareness for workers' struggles.
  • The Passing of the Fair Labor Standards Act

    The Passing of the Fair Labor Standards Act

    Signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Fair Labor Standards Act established a 40-hour workweek, set minimum wage laws, and banned child labor, marking a significant victory in the fight for labor rights.
  • Delano Grape Strike (Podcast)

    Delano Grape Strike (Podcast)

    This podcast explores the Delano Grape Strike, where Filipino and Mexican farmworkers fought for better wages and working conditions. It details the role of Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and the United Farm Workers in leading peaceful protests and boycotts. The episode also discusses the strike's long-term impact on labor rights and farmworker protections.
  • I’ve Been to the Mountaintop

    I’ve Been to the Mountaintop

    In his final speech, Martin Luther King Jr. calls for continued activism in the civil rights and labor movements. He emphasizes economic justice and unity, urging workers to demand fair wages and better treatment. King acknowledges the dangers of activism but reassures his audience that the fight for justice must continue, even beyond his lifetime.
  • Puerto Rican Obituary

    Puerto Rican Obituary

    This poem critiques the struggles of Puerto Rican immigrants in the U.S., portraying their economic hardships and disillusionment with the American Dream. Pietri highlights how many migrants work tirelessly yet remain trapped in poverty and cultural isolation. Through powerful imagery and repetition, the poem underscores the sacrifices made in pursuit of a better life.
  • He Showed Us the Way

    He Showed Us the Way

    In this speech, Cesar Chavez highlights the power of nonviolent resistance in the fight for farmworkers' rights. He emphasizes that their struggle is not just about better wages but about dignity and respect. Chavez encourages collective action, urging workers and supporters to unite for lasting change in labor conditions.
  • Labor Markets and Minimum Wage (Video)

    Labor Markets and Minimum Wage (Video)

    This video explains the economic principles behind labor markets and the minimum wage. It discusses how wage laws affect workers, businesses, and employment rates. The video also explores the debate on whether raising the minimum wage helps reduce poverty or leads to job losses, providing a balanced perspective on the issue.