Labor unions in the late 19th century fought for workers' rights and better conditions through key organizations like the Knights of Labor, American Federation of Labor, and American Railway Union. These groups advocated for tactics like collective bargaining, arbitration, and strikes to achieve goals such as an 8-hour workday and equal pay. However, some strikes turned violent, such as the Haymarket Square and Pullman strikes, which led to deaths and increased public distrust of unions. Unions were ultimately able to make some gains for workers through limiting work hours, regulating conditions, and preserving collective bargaining rights.

1. Labor Unions Workers had to fight to end exploitation.

2. Labor Unions . . . . Key Organizations:

3. Knights of Labor: Opened membership to all workers Advocated 8 hr. day/ equal pay for equal work Preferred arbitration to strikes Under Terence Powderly, expanded membership in 1880’s Terence Powderly

4. American Federation of Labor: A craft union led by Samuel Gompers Advocated collective bargaining with threat of strikes Focused on better pay and benefits More associated with violence Samuel Gompers

5. American Railway Union: Founded by Eugene V. Debs Included skilled and unskilled workers Led way to the foundation of the American Socialist Party Won successful strike in 1894/ then faded Eugene V. Debs

6. International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union: Organized in 1909 by Pauline Newman Worked to assist women in the garment workforce Mostly advocated better conditions in the industry Tragedy of the “Triangle Fire” of 1911 146 workers died during this fire as the doors were locked to keep workers inside during the day, and the fire escape collapsed.

7. Tools of the Union: Collective Bargaining: negotiations between representatives of labor and management to reach agreement on wages, benefits and conditions Arbitration : allowing outside “referee” to decide issues between sides Strike : refusal to work until demands are met

8. Some Strikes Turned Violent: Haymarket Square: 1886- confrontation between striking workers and police resulted in several deaths Homestead Strike: 1892- steel workers against Carnegie fought hired “thugs” Pullman Strike: 1894- Debs’ workers were attacked by “strike breakers” resulting in President Cleveland sending out troops Sketch of tension leading to violence during the Pullman Strike

9. GAINS: Limited work hours Regulated work conditions Preserved rights to collective bargain Rise of violence led public to distrust unions and fear threat of communism (Red Scare)