Labor History

  • Local Craft Union

    The first local craft union formed for collective bargaining was organized by shoemakers in Philadelphia.
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    10 Hour Day

    General strike in Philadelphia for 10 hour day. Andrew Jackson declares a 10-hour workday in Philadelphia Navy Yard. President Martin Van Buren signs an executive order establishing a 10-hour workday without a decrease in pay.
  • Typographical Union

    The Typographical Union, the first national union to last through to the present day, was formed. (now merged with Communications Workers of America).
  • US Department of Labor

    US Department of Labor (Separate from commerce) is created by law
  • American Plan

    national conference of state Manufacturers' associations in Chicago develop the "American Plan" to combat union organising.
  • Railway Labor Act

    required employers to bargain collectively and not discriminate against their employees for joining a union and outlawing "yellow-dog" contracts.
  • Walsh-Healey Act

    sets safety standards, minimum wage, overtime pay and child labor provisions on all federal contracts.
  • Fair Labor Standards Act Amendment

    Child labor is finally prohibited through an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Previous attempts had not been successful.
  • Steel Strike

    Longest steel strike in U.S. history, shut down 90% of US steel production for 116 days.
  • MLB Strike

    The longest players' strike in sports history (232 days) is conducted by the Major League Players Association against National and American League owners.