-
Knights of labor founded
The Knights promoted the social and cultural uplift of the workingman, rejected Socialism and radicalism, demanded the eight hour work day. In some cases it acted as a labor union, negotiating with employers, but it was never well organized, and after a rapid expansion in the mid-1880s. It was the largest and one of the most important American Labor organizations. -
Haymarkey riot, fueling anti union
Haymarket riot refers to the aftermath of a bombing that took place at a labor demonstration. A unknown person threw a dynamite bomb at police as they acted to disperse the public meeting. -
John L. Lewis becomes president of the united mine workers
John Llewellyn Lewis was an American leader of organized labor who served as president of the United Mine Workers of America. He was a major player in coal mining. -
Hundred of strikes sweep the nation raising fear of revolution.
The labor of the United States describes the history of organized labor, as well as more general history of working people, in the United States. -
Wager Acts Gives workers right to roganize
The Wagner Act of 1935 guarantees the right of workers to organize, and outlines the legal framework for labor union and management relations. -
Union membership peaks at 35 percent
The percentage of private sector workers in unions fell to 6.9 percent, down from 7.2 percent, the lowest rate for private sector workers in more than a century, labor historians said. Important becuse so many people had lost there jobs. -
Goverment employee begin to organize
Labor unions are leagally recognized as representatives of workers in many industries in the united states. Most unions in America are aligned with one of two larger umbrella organizations. (AFL-CIO). American unions remain an important political factor. -
Rise in anti-union measures by the employers
Union busting a pejorative term used by labor organizations worldwide, to describe a wide range of activities undertaken by employers
