The Union Movement: Labor Unions & Strikes

The Union Movement: Labor Unions & StrikesUS History: Spiconardi

The Growth of UnionsPurpose of UnionsTo protect workersImprove working conditionsCollective Bargaining

Courts denied this right at firstBelieved a worker could find another job if they were unhappy with wagesunion members representing workers negotiate labor issues with managementThe Knights of LaborFounded by Terrence Powderly in 1869MembershipSkilled & Unskilled WorkersWomenBlacksPhilosophy & PracticesGenerally anti-strikeWanted to form cooperative relationship with managementBelieved workers lost more strikes than they wonCausesEight-hour workday End to child laborEqual opportunity and wages for women

American Federation of LaborFounded by Samuel Gompers in 1886MembershipSkilled workers predominately Women and blacks not welcomedMost powerful union by 1900500,000 membersCausesWorked for immediate goals in better wages and hours Philosophy & PracticesSupported strikesAnti-immigrationBelieved immigrants took jobs away from American workers

StrikesStrikes end up being a major setback for unionsViolence causes public fearGovernment sides with business and sometimes sends troops in to put down strikes

Haymarket RiotMay 1, 1886: A spontaneous labor demonstration breaks outIncludes anarchist & craft unionsAnarchist

Over 100,000 demonstrators turn out in ChicagoStarted peacefully and calmlyTwo days later violence breaks out!Union members attack non-union strikebreakersPolice storm area and shoot and kill two unionists

a person who believes government is unnecessary and often harmfulHaymarket RiotLabor groups protest police brutality the following evening in downtown ChicagoAs police approach.BAM!A bomb explodes killing 7 and injuring 67OutcomeKnights of Labor blamed and lose any supportIncreases distrust of unionsUnions seen as radical groups comprised of socialists and foreigners

Homestead StrikeIn 1892, the AFL affiliated steel workers union strike at the Carnegie Steel plantCompany president Henry Frick closes the plant and brings in Pinkerton troops to protect the plant from potential union violence

Homestead StrikeWorkers attack the Pinkerton troops and violence breaks out16 people killedNational guard called in to break up the fightingAfter 5 months, strike endsOnly 25% of striking workers get their jobs backFor next 20 years, union movement halted in steel industry

Pullman StrikeWe are born in a Pullman house, fed from a Pullman shop, taught in the Pullman school, catechized in the Pullman Church, and when we die we shall be buried in the Pullman cemetery and go to the Pullman hell.

Pullman StrikeGeorge Pullman refused to negotiate with his workersHad to cut wages 25-40%Kept rents and prices the sameWorkers StrikePullman closes plantAmerican Railway Union refused to handle Pullman cars

Pullman StrikeRailroad owners enlist help of governmentClaim action was obstructing the railways and holding up the mails.President Grover Cleveland sends troops into to stop the strikeFederal Government has right to regulate interstate commerce

President Grover ClevelandQuestion: What impact did strikes have on workers and the United States?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________