Labor Unions Activity
Welcomed skilled and unskilled workers, women, and African Americans
Social Reforms ­ 8 hour work day, child labor, increased wages for women
­ Opposed Strikes
­ One successful strike against the R.R. (attracted new members)
8 hour work day
Powderly didn't like scabs or public opinion that the Knights of Labor did more harm than good. It is saying that the union attracted violent members (accepted anyone ­ unskilled workers)
He does not like employers because they tried to turn the public against the union.
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Labor Unions Activity
Skilled workers in similar trades
Immediate Goals ­ better wages, shorter hours, and better working conditions
"Bread and Butter Unionism"
"wages to afford food"
Employer ­ wants to reduce wages & lengthen hours
Employee ­ wants to raise wages & shorten hours
President of the AFL
Prominent figure who represents AFL's goals
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Labor Unions Activity
Women of the garment (clothing) industry
Sweatshop Workers
Better working conditions in sweatshops
increase in pay, shorter hours, safer conditions
A fire broke out in a shirtwaist factory and workers were trapped. 146 people died because of unsafe working conditions.
There were limited fire escapes and no sprinkler system.
With government intervention/requirements the factory would have to meet safety regulations for workers.
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Labor Unions Activity
Railroad workers went on strike to prevent pay cuts. President Hayes sent federal troops to end the strike and the government took a harder position against unions.
Workers at the Carnegie steel plant protested wage cuts. 16 people were killed when security guards were brought in. Public opinion turned against unions.
A huge strike by both skilled and unskilled workers banned together in a peaceful demonstration. Police brutality persuaded public opinion in favor of the union.
President Cleveland's actions favored the interests of business over those of labor and went against the governor of Illinois.
A labor rally ended with a bomb exploding, leaving many people and 7 officers dead. The public believed the Knights of Labor had encouraged violent behavior by their members.
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