![]() These unions were the first steps in the labor movement and set the foundation for future labor unions to advocate for workers' rights and improve their working conditions. The Knights of Labor was one of the most influential labor unions in the late 19th century, but it was also impacted by the economic downturns and internal conflicts, which led to a decline in membership. They also advocated for the eight-hour workday and the right to organize, but in addition, they aimed for the abolishment of child labor and monopolistic trusts. The Knights of Labor was more inclusive than the NLU and accepted all workers regardless of their skill, race, or gender. However, the economic Panic of 1873 led to decreased membership for the National Labor Union, and it eventually dissolved in 1876.Īnother early labor union was the Knights of Labor, which formed in 1869. They fought for an eight-hour workday, greater equality in the workplace, and the right to organize. The National Labor Union (NLU) was one of the first of these groups, formed in 1866, it sought to improve the rights and working conditions of all workers, regardless of their trade or skill level. In an effort to protect their rights and improve their working conditions, workers began forming labor unions. The 1894 Ludlow Massacre, where the National Guard was called in to put down a strike by coal miners, leading to the deaths of more than 20 people, including women and children. The 1901 Coal Strike in Pennsylvania, where the United Mine Workers of America went on strike and the state militia was called in to put down the strike. The 1892 Homestead Strike, where the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers went on strike against the Carnegie Steel Company, resulting in the company bringing in strikebreakers and calling in the state militia to put down the strike. The 1894 Pullman Strike, where the Pullman Palace Car Company used a lockout against its workers in an effort to break the strike, which ultimately led to a nationwide railroad strike. ![]() The 1877 Great Railroad Strike, which began as a strike by railroad workers, was put down by state militias and federal troops, with many strikers being arrested and some killed. Examplesĭuring the Gilded Age (approximately 1870s to 1900), there were several examples of management using these tactics against organized labor in the United States: These tactics were commonly used by management during the Gilded Age to suppress labor movements and weaken unions, and were a significant factor in the struggle between management and labor during that time period. Obtaining court injunctions: court orders to stop a strike, making it illegal for workers to continue their strike action. Yellow-dog contracts: workers being told, as a condition for employment, that they must sign an agreement not to join a union.Ĭalling in private guards or state militia to put down strikes. Lockout: closing a factory or workplace to prevent workers from going to work and breaking a labor movement before it could get organized.īlacklists: names of pro-union workers circulated among employers, making it difficult for those workers to find employment. In addition to using strikebreakers, management also used a variety of tactics to defeat unions and suppress labor movements. This made it difficult for strikes to be successful and weakened the power of labor unions. With a surplus of cheap labor, management had the ability to replace striking workers with strikebreakers or scabs, who were unemployed persons desperate for jobs. Anti-Union Techniquesĭuring the Gilded Age, management often held a significant advantage over organized labor in terms of resources and power. However, as discussed earlier, management often used various tactics to suppress these movements and maintain the status quo. This led to the rise of labor unions and the labor movement, as workers sought to improve their working conditions, wages, and rights. ![]() Children were also commonly employed in these harsh conditions, often working long hours and performing dangerous tasks with no legal protections or compensation for injuries. Many of these workers were immigrants or members of minority groups who faced discrimination and were often paid even less than other workers. Workers during this time often worked long hours in unsafe and unhealthy conditions for very low pay. This led to a significant increase in economic inequality. Industrialization led to the growth of large factories and the rise of big business, which concentrated wealth and power in the hands of a small group of industrialists and business leaders. As industrialization boomed during the Gilded Age, the gap between the rich and the poor expanded significantly.
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