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Mechanics’ Union of Trade Associations is formed in Philadelphia
On October 9, 1827, the Mechanics’ Union of Trade Associations was formed. It was really the first organization of its kind. As with the many subsequent unions for which it set the precedent, the MUoTA consisted of primarily more skilled tradesmen. Existing solely in Philadelphia, it initiated the movement that promoted central labor bodies uniting craft unions in one location. This formation was especially important because it laid the foundation for very impactful unions in the years to come. -
Commonwealth v. Hunt rules labor unions are legal
In March, 1842, Judge Shaw made his ruling on the Commonwealth v. Hunt court case. He decided that labor combinations and workers’ unions were legal entities as long as they had a legal purpose and took only legal steps towards their goals. Prior to the case, members and leaders of unions were often prosecuted or discriminated against for illegal activity and participation in an illegal organization. The historic ruling permitted and promoted the future existence of such important organizations. -
Lowell Female Labor Reform Association is created
The Lowell Female Labor Reform Association was created in January of 1845. It was the first labor combination of any sort that served female workers. With recent progress in men’s labor rights, a group of women thought it was time to gain the same benefits as their male counterparts. The formation of the association had enormous influence in changing workers’ rights because it not only enhanced the treatment of women at one factory, but led to other women’s unions doing the same for many women. -
International Typographical Union is formed
On May 3, 1852, the International Typographical Union was formed. While it was one of many workers’ unions of the time, it was particularly notable because it included people from different parts of the U.S. and Canada; not only was it the first national union, it was also the first international one. It brought together local unions of the same trade from regions all over America and its neighbor. In doing so, it gained significant influence, demonstrating the incredible power of large unions. -
National Labor Union's call for eight-hour work day is denied
The National Labor Union took a bold step towards obtaining fairer rights for every type of American worker on August 20, 1866; it called on Congress to establish the norm of an eight-hour work day. Although U.S. lawmakers shut down the policy (it never took effect), the movement brought about significant changes in workers’ rights, bringing together both skilled and unskilled workers for the first time. It also led to the lasting movement for an eight-hour work day, which eventually succeeded. -
Knights of Labor, a union, come together
Perhaps one of the most important workers’ unions ever was formed on December 18, 1869. It was called the Knights of Labor and quickly became a powerhouse of an organization, setting the precedent for similar organizations to promote changing society instead of useless strikes. Although it went on to lead some of the largest strikes in history, it was still successful in changing society, forcing employers to comply and becoming incredibly diverse with 700,000 men and women from different races. -
Pullman Strike begins
The most influential strike in American history began on May 11, 1894. The so-called Pullman Strike took place when the American Railroad Union decided it was time to do something about obscenely low wages. With thousands of workers deserting their posts on railroad tracks, this strike led to the raising of weekly pay from $17.63 to $21.37 and the lowering of weekly hours from 54 to 48 in the following years. It showed the power of unions, and was the first strike of primarily unskilled workers. -
Erdman Act is passed
The Erdman Act was enacted on June 1st, 1898, prohibiting discriminating while hiring workers based on their belonging to a union. This was significant for several reasons. First, it allowed more workers of all types to gain the benefits of being in a union. Consequently, it also strengthened unions and gave them a lot more power than they had ever had before. Finally, this was really the first piece of national policy change regarding workers’ rights, paving the way for many more in the future.