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Caused by poor working conditions and wage cuts of railroad workers, the strike was caused by the terrible treatment of the railroad workers, many of whom were immigrants. It began in West Virginia and spread to multiple other states, eventually leading to violent intervention from authorities. This strike showed the harsh conditions of workers and how they were treated when asking for more fair terms, leading the way for future reforms. -
Involved in important strikes like the Pullman strike of 1894, Debs was an important figure in promoting socialism and labor reforms in the US. He was one of the most successful union leader in the US during his lifetime. He promoted the right to organize unions and child labor restrictions. -
A nationwide railroad strike, it began in Chicago when workers from the Pullman Company protested wage cuts. It then spread to other railroads, disrupting transportation across the county. The government even stepped in to stop the boycott. Although many were replaced by non-strikers, it lead to awareness of labour condition and issues. -
Jones was an outspoken advocate for workers’ rights, especially in the coal mining industry. She fought against child labor and was the inspiration for the Mother Jones magazine, which is a nonprofit investigate magazine. She played a major role in organizing strikes, particularly the 1903 "Children's Crusade" and the 1912 "Bread and Roses" strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts. -
The fire killed 146 workers due to the unsafe conditions of the building the fire took place in. Things like no fire extinguishers, locked fire escapes, and not enough room in elevators caused the fire to kill as many as it did. This drew national attention to dangerous conditions in factories, and eventually left to more safety regulations, and paved the way for safer work environments. -
First president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America in 1914, Hillman was a key figure in helping eliminate sweatshop working conditions. He help to forge the New Deal of the 1930s. His efforts helped make the Fair Labor Standards Act and fought for the improved pay and hours of workers. -
Signed into law by Roosevelt, it guaranteed workers the right to form unions. It created the National Labor Relations Board to protect workers from unfair employers. This act strengthened the labor movement, improving labor rights legally. -
In 1962, Chavez founded the National Farm Workers Association. This Association fought for better working conditions, rights, and wages for workers. Chavez supported using nonviolent protests like boycotts and strikes, and his speeches called out the government and their role in worker's rights. -
Founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, which was the first predominantly black labor union. He was a leader in campaigns that wanted to increase pay and working conditions, and helped to ban discrimination in federal and armed industries. He led the 1963 March on Washington, and fought against the oppression of all races. -
In his address to the commonwealth of America, Chavez called for support for worker's rights. He argued why the public should support the workers as they protested, explaining their terrible work conditions. He urged the public to stand up for justice and face the inequality in America. -
Still ongoing, this protest advocates for raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour for workers in common industries. Some of the biggest being fast food and retail, targeting big companies like McDonald's. Starting with protests in New York and Chicago, it eventually led to wage increases like it set out to do.