Industrialization and LaborIndustrialization and Labor

1860-19001860-1900

The profits of the Post-Bellum Industrial The profits of the Post-Bellum Industrial Revolution went to a small elite of businessmenRevolution went to a small elite of businessmen

The gap between rich and poor was widening, The gap between rich and poor was widening, as the wealth was being concentrated in the as the wealth was being concentrated in the hands of a few.hands of a few.

It was estimated that 88% of the nation's assets It was estimated that 88% of the nation's assets were controlled by 1% of the families of the US. were controlled by 1% of the families of the US.

Millions of families lived in poverty, below the Millions of families lived in poverty, below the commonly accepted breadline ($600 a year?)commonly accepted breadline ($600 a year?)

People lived in over-crowded, unsanitary conditions People lived in over-crowded, unsanitary conditions in the inner cities……tenements (architect in the inner cities……tenements (architect Louis Louis SullivanSullivan – dumbbell tenements) – dumbbell tenements)

Working ConditionsWorking Conditions Tedious work on the assembly linesTedious work on the assembly lines Unsafe conditions in mines, railroads, factories (Triangle Unsafe conditions in mines, railroads, factories (Triangle

Shirtwaiste Fire, NY, 148 killed, mostly immigrant women, Shirtwaiste Fire, NY, 148 killed, mostly immigrant women, 1911)1911)

Low wages: average salary was approx $50 a mthLow wages: average salary was approx $50 a mth Long Hours; 10-12 hour days, 6 days a weekLong Hours; 10-12 hour days, 6 days a week No job security …no insurance / compensation for workers No job security …no insurance / compensation for workers

injured on the job injured on the job Abuse of Child Labor (1.7m under 16 yrs employed in Abuse of Child Labor (1.7m under 16 yrs employed in

factories in 1890s) – lower payfactories in 1890s) – lower pay Advantage taken of Women’s Labor…paid them lessAdvantage taken of Women’s Labor…paid them less

Labor UnionsLabor Unions

““In Unity There Is Strength” principle: LeverageIn Unity There Is Strength” principle: Leverage

Principle of “Collective Bargaining”Principle of “Collective Bargaining”

Union strategies if Collective Bargaining fails: Union strategies if Collective Bargaining fails: work stoppages, go-slow, work-to-rule…..strikework stoppages, go-slow, work-to-rule…..strike

Unions and StrikesUnions and Strikes Unions / Federations and LeadersUnions / Federations and Leaders 1. National Labor Union, Sylvis1. National Labor Union, Sylvis 2. Knights of Labor, Stephens, Powderly2. Knights of Labor, Stephens, Powderly 3. American Federation of Labor (AFL), Gompers3. American Federation of Labor (AFL), Gompers 4. Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), Haywood4. Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), Haywood 5. American Railway Union, Debs5. American Railway Union, Debs

StrikesStrikes 1. National Railroad Strike1. National Railroad Strike 2. McCormick Harvester Strike2. McCormick Harvester Strike 3. Homestead Strike3. Homestead Strike 4. Pullman Strike4. Pullman Strike

Labor Tries to Organize:Labor Tries to Organize:The National Labor UnionThe National Labor Union

Before the Civil War there were unions of skilled Before the Civil War there were unions of skilled workers, but none really for the unskilledworkers, but none really for the unskilled

But even skilled unions were few, small, and But even skilled unions were few, small, and badly organized, with little influencebadly organized, with little influence

The first attempt at union organization in the The first attempt at union organization in the Post Bellum years was made by William Sylvis Post Bellum years was made by William Sylvis who founded the who founded the National Labor UnionNational Labor Union, in 1866 , in 1866

It was a It was a federationfederation of existing unions, of existing unions, welcoming unions of skilled and unskilled welcoming unions of skilled and unskilled workersworkers

It claimed at its peak to have a membership of It claimed at its peak to have a membership of 640,000640,000

In its program – which included industrial reform In its program – which included industrial reform and wider social, economic, political reform - it and wider social, economic, political reform - it demanded the demanded the elimination of monopoly in industry, elimination of monopoly in industry, creation of a federal dept of labor, creation of a federal dept of labor, abolition of contract labor, abolition of contract labor, Govt. arbitration of labor conflicts, and Govt. arbitration of labor conflicts, and eight hour workdays in factories.eight hour workdays in factories.

It also advocated reforms to prevent alcohol abuse, It also advocated reforms to prevent alcohol abuse, flaws in the prison system, and political rights for flaws in the prison system, and political rights for womenwomen

The leaders of the Union turned to politics to further The leaders of the Union turned to politics to further their organization's objectives, entering the political their organization's objectives, entering the political field as sponsors of the National Labor Reform party. field as sponsors of the National Labor Reform party.

In the presidential election of 1872 the party made a In the presidential election of 1872 the party made a notably poor showing, contributing significantly to the notably poor showing, contributing significantly to the rapid dissolution of the National Labor Union.rapid dissolution of the National Labor Union.

After the Panic of 1873 the Union finally After the Panic of 1873 the Union finally disintegrateddisintegrated

Critics say the Union over-extended itself.. would Critics say the Union over-extended itself.. would have been better off just confining itself to have been better off just confining itself to industrial issues industrial issues

Goals were noble but too wide ranging, became Goals were noble but too wide ranging, became distracted / side-tracked from industrial issuesdistracted / side-tracked from industrial issues

The Knights of LaborThe Knights of Labor

Another attempt to create a genuinely national Another attempt to create a genuinely national labor organization was the founding in 1869 of labor organization was the founding in 1869 of the Noble Order of the Knights of Labor the Noble Order of the Knights of Labor (Knights), under the leadership of Uriah (Knights), under the leadership of Uriah Stephens. Stephens.

It was not a Federation of pre-existing unions, It was not a Federation of pre-existing unions, but a Union in its own right, directly recruiting but a Union in its own right, directly recruiting workers (not unions) .workers (not unions) .

Membership was open to all workers, skilled or Membership was open to all workers, skilled or unskilled, men or women, “except for lawyers, unskilled, men or women, “except for lawyers, bankers, liquor dealers, and professional bankers, liquor dealers, and professional gamblers”. gamblers”.

It was poorly organized and led: there were local It was poorly organized and led: there were local chapters, but little if any regional or national chapters, but little if any regional or national structure or coordinationstructure or coordination

It’s industrial demands included: It’s industrial demands included:

- an 8 hr workday- an 8 hr workday - the abolition of child labor- the abolition of child labor - the prohibition of contract labor- the prohibition of contract labor - govt. arbitration of labor disputes- govt. arbitration of labor disputes - safety and sanitary codes for industry- safety and sanitary codes for industry - laws compelling employers to pay workers on a - laws compelling employers to pay workers on a

weekly basisweekly basis

It had a program also for wider changes in It had a program also for wider changes in society, advocatingsociety, advocating

- - the creation of cooperativesthe creation of cooperatives

- the imposition of an income tax- the imposition of an income tax

- government ownership / nationalization of - government ownership / nationalization of railroad and telegraph lines (Socialistic)railroad and telegraph lines (Socialistic)

At first it was a secret organization, and did not At first it was a secret organization, and did not engage in any public activities. engage in any public activities.

But in the 1870's it became an open Union under But in the 1870's it became an open Union under the leadership of Terence Powderly, during which the leadership of Terence Powderly, during which it expanded to a membership of over 700,000 and it expanded to a membership of over 700,000 and had 5,892 local chapters. had 5,892 local chapters.

However, there was division between moderates However, there was division between moderates and militants within the union: the militant and militants within the union: the militant elements, against the wishes of Powderly, helped elements, against the wishes of Powderly, helped launch a series of strikes in 1885 and 1886 to launch a series of strikes in 1885 and 1886 to demand the 8hr workdaydemand the 8hr workday

Eventually the Knights would collapse because ofEventually the Knights would collapse because of

the hostility of skilled workers toward an the hostility of skilled workers toward an organization that they felt minimized their organization that they felt minimized their interests interests

the failure of most of the producers cooperatives the failure of most of the producers cooperatives in which the Knights of Labor had invested funds.in which the Knights of Labor had invested funds.

division among the leaders about whether to division among the leaders about whether to focus on industrial goals or with the idealistic, long focus on industrial goals or with the idealistic, long term, social reform measures.term, social reform measures.

its association with the Haymarket Square events its association with the Haymarket Square events (later) - the growing public belief that many (later) - the growing public belief that many members favored the use of violence in industrial members favored the use of violence in industrial disputesdisputes

By 1890 the membership of the Knights had By 1890 the membership of the Knights had shrunk to 100,000. A few years later, the org. shrunk to 100,000. A few years later, the org. disappeared altogether.disappeared altogether.

The American Federation of LaborThe American Federation of LaborAFLAFL

In 1881, representatives of a number of craft / In 1881, representatives of a number of craft / skilled unions, formed the Federation of Organized skilled unions, formed the Federation of Organized Trade and Labor Unions of the US and Canada. Trade and Labor Unions of the US and Canada.

Five yrs later it took a new name - the American Five yrs later it took a new name - the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Federation of Labor (AFL).

Under the direction of its president and guiding Under the direction of its president and guiding spirit, Samuel Gompers, the Federation soon spirit, Samuel Gompers, the Federation soon became the most important / powerful labor group in became the most important / powerful labor group in the countrythe country

Like the National Labor Union, it was a Federation Like the National Labor Union, it was a Federation of existing unions, a co-coordinating body, linking of existing unions, a co-coordinating body, linking unions throughout the nationunions throughout the nation

Unlike the National Labor Union and Knights it was Unlike the National Labor Union and Knights it was confined to skilled labor only, excluded unskilled confined to skilled labor only, excluded unskilled workers, and also women, immigrants, and workers, and also women, immigrants, and minorities – felt it had more leverage that wayminorities – felt it had more leverage that way

Was considered elitistWas considered elitist

Also, unlike the other two, it focused exclusively Also, unlike the other two, it focused exclusively on industrial reform / “bread and butter” issues; on industrial reform / “bread and butter” issues; improvements in wages, hours, working improvements in wages, hours, working conditions: by collective bargaining, or if conditions: by collective bargaining, or if necessary, resorting to strikes, and encouraged necessary, resorting to strikes, and encouraged public boycott public boycott

It steered clear of political involvement or It steered clear of political involvement or activity, and did not demand wider changes in activity, and did not demand wider changes in politics and society (cooperatives, politics and society (cooperatives, nationalization, redistribution of resources etc)nationalization, redistribution of resources etc)….learned from the mistakes of previous labor ….learned from the mistakes of previous labor groupsgroups

Gompers accepted the basic concept of Gompers accepted the basic concept of capitalism. The purpose of the AFL, he said, capitalism. The purpose of the AFL, he said, was simply to secure for labor a greater share of was simply to secure for labor a greater share of capitalism's material rewards. capitalism's material rewards.

He opposed Socialist solutionsHe opposed Socialist solutions

Membership increased from Membership increased from 190,000 in 1890, to 190,000 in 1890, to 550,000 in 1900, to more than 550,000 in 1900, to more than 2 million in 1915. 2 million in 1915.

It's achievements included;It's achievements included;

many businesses accepted the principle of many businesses accepted the principle of collective bargaining by the AFLcollective bargaining by the AFL

sickness and unemployment benefits for sickness and unemployment benefits for many of its workersmany of its workers

the 8 hr workday in several trades.the 8 hr workday in several trades.

The Industrial Workers of the World. (IWW) The Industrial Workers of the World. (IWW) (Wobblies)(Wobblies)

Formed in 1905 by radical unionists and militant Formed in 1905 by radical unionists and militant socialistssocialists

It's most prominent leader was William Haywood.It's most prominent leader was William Haywood.

It sought to bring all workers of the nation into a It sought to bring all workers of the nation into a single union…….idealistic, ambitioussingle union…….idealistic, ambitious

It’s stated goal was “to overthrow the capitalist It’s stated goal was “to overthrow the capitalist system and establish in its place a socialist one”. system and establish in its place a socialist one”.

It advocated direct action - mass strikes and It advocated direct action - mass strikes and sabotage.sabotage.

It appealed chiefly to migratory laborers in the It appealed chiefly to migratory laborers in the lumber camps, mines, and harvest fields of the lumber camps, mines, and harvest fields of the far West. far West.

Various states took action against it because of Various states took action against it because of its radical views and actions and in 1918 the its radical views and actions and in 1918 the federal govt. imprisoned its most influential federal govt. imprisoned its most influential leaders for their active opposition to US entry leaders for their active opposition to US entry into WW1….Haywood managed to escape…fled into WW1….Haywood managed to escape…fled to Russiato Russia

By the mid 1920's membership, which at its By the mid 1920's membership, which at its height numbered only 60,000, had decreased to height numbered only 60,000, had decreased to a few hundred, and the Union disbanded.a few hundred, and the Union disbanded.

American Railway UnionAmerican Railway Union

Set up in 1893, in Chicago, to combine skilled and Set up in 1893, in Chicago, to combine skilled and unskilled workers in the RR industryunskilled workers in the RR industry

Led by Eugene V. DebsLed by Eugene V. Debs

At first a moderate leader / moderate unionAt first a moderate leader / moderate union

Imprisoned because he refused to accept a court Imprisoned because he refused to accept a court injunction against the Pullman strike, he was injunction against the Pullman strike, he was converted to socialism, and joined the Socialist Party; converted to socialism, and joined the Socialist Party; ran for the Presidency 5 times…won 1m votes in ran for the Presidency 5 times…won 1m votes in 1912…..as a Socialist candidate1912…..as a Socialist candidate

Important StrikesImportant Strikes

Railroad Strike of 1877Railroad Strike of 1877

started when 4 of the principal Eastern railroad started when 4 of the principal Eastern railroad companies, due to the depression of 1873, companies, due to the depression of 1873, announced a 10% cut in wages announced a 10% cut in wages

RR workers, both unionized and non unionized, RR workers, both unionized and non unionized, went out on strike…..became a nationwide strike went out on strike…..became a nationwide strike

Strikes turned violent – use of strikebreakers, Strikes turned violent – use of strikebreakers, riots, destruction of RR equipment: esp. in riots, destruction of RR equipment: esp. in Pittsburgh Pittsburgh

State militias were called out against the strikers; State militias were called out against the strikers; then Pres. Grant agreed to a request by the Gov. then Pres. Grant agreed to a request by the Gov. of West Virginia and ordered federal troops to of West Virginia and ordered federal troops to suppress the disorders there. suppress the disorders there.

In violent clashes between the militia / federal In violent clashes between the militia / federal troops and workers, 11 men were killed and 40 troops and workers, 11 men were killed and 40 wounded in Baltimore wounded in Baltimore

In Philadelphia, 20 workers were killed by police In Philadelphia, 20 workers were killed by police and troopsand troops

In total, 100 workers were killed before the strike In total, 100 workers were killed before the strike ended. ended.

Unions / workers were forced to end the strike Unions / workers were forced to end the strike and go back to work under the new salaryand go back to work under the new salary

The Great RR strike was America’s first major The Great RR strike was America’s first major Post-Bellum labor conflict.Post-Bellum labor conflict.

It exposed the serious weaknesses of the labor It exposed the serious weaknesses of the labor movement – it was badly organized and led: and movement – it was badly organized and led: and now suffered from a further setback because of now suffered from a further setback because of the association with the violence the association with the violence

McCormick Harvester Strike and the McCormick Harvester Strike and the Haymarket Square Events.Haymarket Square Events.

workers at the McCormick Harvester Company in workers at the McCormick Harvester Company in Chicago, went on strike in 1886, demanding an 8hr Chicago, went on strike in 1886, demanding an 8hr workday. workday.

Police tried to break up the pickets, and in the Police tried to break up the pickets, and in the process 4 of the workers were shot deadprocess 4 of the workers were shot dead

A meeting / demonstration to protest police action A meeting / demonstration to protest police action took place in Haymarket Square, in downtown took place in Haymarket Square, in downtown Chicago, organized by local unions and political Chicago, organized by local unions and political groupsgroups

Police demanded that the meeting disperse – a Police demanded that the meeting disperse – a bomb was thrown into a group of policemen – bomb was thrown into a group of policemen – killing seven of them.killing seven of them.

The police, in retaliation, fired into the crowd, killing The police, in retaliation, fired into the crowd, killing 4. 4.

In the hysteria that followed, 8 anarchists were In the hysteria that followed, 8 anarchists were arrested and charged with murder of the arrested and charged with murder of the policemen. Without any direct evidence all were policemen. Without any direct evidence all were found guilty. (scapegoats – authorities sending a found guilty. (scapegoats – authorities sending a message…)message…)

One received a prison sentence and the other 7 One received a prison sentence and the other 7 were sentenced to death. One of these committed were sentenced to death. One of these committed suicide, four were executed, and two had their suicide, four were executed, and two had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. sentences commuted to life imprisonment.

Later, Gov. Altgeld would pardon the convicted Later, Gov. Altgeld would pardon the convicted men (only two survivors at that stage)men (only two survivors at that stage)

Neither AFL or the Knights leadership had Neither AFL or the Knights leadership had organized the strike or the protest meeting but organized the strike or the protest meeting but because workers associated with each were because workers associated with each were involved, they were saddled with much of the blame involved, they were saddled with much of the blame for the episode. for the episode.

The Knights in particular never recovered from the The Knights in particular never recovered from the widespread media vilification they encountered in widespread media vilification they encountered in the aftermath of the bombing. the aftermath of the bombing.

The AFL was weakened, but recovered, survived, The AFL was weakened, but recovered, survived, and grew strongerand grew stronger

Homestead Strike, 1892Homestead Strike, 1892 Carnegie at first recognized his workers’ right to Carnegie at first recognized his workers’ right to

unionize, and the principle of collective bargainingunionize, and the principle of collective bargaining

   The Amalgamated Assoc of Iron and Steel The Amalgamated Assoc of Iron and Steel

Workers, which was affiliated to the AFL, was the Workers, which was affiliated to the AFL, was the most powerful union that his workers were most powerful union that his workers were members of. members of.

To cut costs, and keep wages down, Carnegie To cut costs, and keep wages down, Carnegie withdrew recognition from most of the unions to withdrew recognition from most of the unions to bargain collectivelybargain collectively

By 1892, he recognized unions in only 3 of his steel By 1892, he recognized unions in only 3 of his steel mills, and planned on ending that when the mills, and planned on ending that when the contracts with the unions/workers expired that year; contracts with the unions/workers expired that year; andand planned on introducing a wage reduction planned on introducing a wage reduction

The biggest opposition to non recognition and wage The biggest opposition to non recognition and wage reduction came in the Homestead Plant in reduction came in the Homestead Plant in Pittsburgh.Pittsburgh.

As the contracts came to an end, and trouble As the contracts came to an end, and trouble loomed, Carnegie set off for a vacation in Scotland, loomed, Carnegie set off for a vacation in Scotland, and left his General Manager, Henry Frick, in and left his General Manager, Henry Frick, in charge of dealing with the Union and the angry charge of dealing with the Union and the angry workersworkers

Carnegie’s message to Frick when leaving for Carnegie’s message to Frick when leaving for Scotland was, according to Frick, to “do whatever it Scotland was, according to Frick, to “do whatever it takes to break the union”. takes to break the union”.

The union called its men out on strike. Frick The union called its men out on strike. Frick abruptly shut down the plant, closed it off with abruptly shut down the plant, closed it off with barbed wire (Fort Frick), and sent for 300 security barbed wire (Fort Frick), and sent for 300 security guards from the Pinkerton Detective Agency to guards from the Pinkerton Detective Agency to guard it while he began to hire non union labor guard it while he began to hire non union labor (strike-breakers / scabs) to break the strike.(strike-breakers / scabs) to break the strike.

Frick hoped to bring the Pinkertons in secretly by Frick hoped to bring the Pinkertons in secretly by night up the river on barges. But the workers were night up the river on barges. But the workers were alerted and lay in wait for the armed Pinkertons alerted and lay in wait for the armed Pinkertons with guns and dynamite and a battle broke out on with guns and dynamite and a battle broke out on the morning of July 6, 1892. the morning of July 6, 1892.

After several hrs of fighting, the Pinkertons gave in after their After several hrs of fighting, the Pinkertons gave in after their barges were set on fire. barges were set on fire.

A total of 35 men were killed (on both sides), and 60 wounded. A total of 35 men were killed (on both sides), and 60 wounded. The Pinkertons were forced to march through a gauntlet of The Pinkertons were forced to march through a gauntlet of workers and their wives and children on their way out of the workers and their wives and children on their way out of the town. town.

Afterwards, the company and local law officials asked for Afterwards, the company and local law officials asked for assistance / protection from the state “militia”. The governor assistance / protection from the state “militia”. The governor responded by sending the state's entire National Guard of responded by sending the state's entire National Guard of 8,000 men to Homestead. 8,000 men to Homestead.

Public opinion, at first sympathetic to the strikers, turned Public opinion, at first sympathetic to the strikers, turned against them when news of the violence spread in the Media, against them when news of the violence spread in the Media, and after an attempt was made to assassinate Frick.and after an attempt was made to assassinate Frick.

Production resumed with strikebreakers, now Production resumed with strikebreakers, now protected by state troops. Slowly workers drifted protected by state troops. Slowly workers drifted back to their jobs under the new terms (lower back to their jobs under the new terms (lower wages, no unionization); four months after the strike wages, no unionization); four months after the strike began, the Union gave in and withdrew. began, the Union gave in and withdrew.

On returning home Carnegie publicly said that he On returning home Carnegie publicly said that he was appalled at how the workers were treated, that was appalled at how the workers were treated, that he never intended any thing like this to happen he never intended any thing like this to happen

Yet privately he was pleased the Union was broken Yet privately he was pleased the Union was broken and he never again agreed to Union recognitionand he never again agreed to Union recognition

Frick felt betrayed by him and the two were never Frick felt betrayed by him and the two were never again close – later Frick resignedagain close – later Frick resigned

Pullman Strike, 1894Pullman Strike, 1894 George Pullman’s Palace Car Company George Pullman’s Palace Car Company

constructed sleeping and parlor cars, that were constructed sleeping and parlor cars, that were leased to RR companies leased to RR companies

Beside the Company’s plant in Chicago, he build Beside the Company’s plant in Chicago, he build a town (Hyde Park) and rented houses and a town (Hyde Park) and rented houses and apartments to his employees. apartments to his employees.

He was proud of his “model town” – it saved the He was proud of his “model town” – it saved the workers from commuting, it was safe, clean, workers from commuting, it was safe, clean, healthy….  healthy….  

However, rents were high, salaries were paid in However, rents were high, salaries were paid in part through vouchers to the company store part through vouchers to the company store (where goods were more expensive), attendance (where goods were more expensive), attendance at the Universal Church was mandatory, alcohol at the Universal Church was mandatory, alcohol was banned, workers living there could not join was banned, workers living there could not join political groups…….restrictions on Civil libertiespolitical groups…….restrictions on Civil liberties

Many of the workers were members of the Debs’ Many of the workers were members of the Debs’ Am Railway Union Am Railway Union

In 1893, due to lost revenues during the recession In 1893, due to lost revenues during the recession of that year, Pullman decided to cut wages by an of that year, Pullman decided to cut wages by an average of 25%. (no change in rent – rent average of 25%. (no change in rent – rent remained high)remained high)

The Pullman ARU workers went on strike, and The Pullman ARU workers went on strike, and ARU workers throughout the country also ARU workers throughout the country also supported the strike, refusing to work on trains supported the strike, refusing to work on trains carrying Pullman Carscarrying Pullman Cars

The strike affected 60,000 workers and RR The strike affected 60,000 workers and RR companies in 27 states, paralyzing much of the companies in 27 states, paralyzing much of the country’s RR system country’s RR system

The AFL did not support the strikeThe AFL did not support the strike

Gov. Altgeld of Illinois refused to call out the state Gov. Altgeld of Illinois refused to call out the state militia against the striking workers militia against the striking workers

The RR owners appealed directly to Pres. The RR owners appealed directly to Pres. Cleveland to send federal troops to subdue the Cleveland to send federal troops to subdue the strikers.strikers.

Attorney General Richard Olney, who was very Attorney General Richard Olney, who was very anti-labor, convinced Cleveland to intervene on the anti-labor, convinced Cleveland to intervene on the grounds that the federal mail system was affected grounds that the federal mail system was affected

In July 1894 the president, over Altgeld’s In July 1894 the president, over Altgeld’s objections, ordered 2,000 federal troops to the objections, ordered 2,000 federal troops to the Chicago area, and later, more to other statesChicago area, and later, more to other states

30 workers were killed in clashes with the troops30 workers were killed in clashes with the troops

At Olney's suggestion, a court injunction was issued At Olney's suggestion, a court injunction was issued preventing the Union from interfering with the preventing the Union from interfering with the delivery of the mail: it basically made it illegal for the delivery of the mail: it basically made it illegal for the Union to continue with the strike (first ever injunction Union to continue with the strike (first ever injunction against a labor strike)against a labor strike)

Because he ignored the injunction, Debs was Because he ignored the injunction, Debs was arrested, and sentenced to 6 months in prison. (left arrested, and sentenced to 6 months in prison. (left as a Socialist)as a Socialist)

Without his leadership, and due to the repression by Without his leadership, and due to the repression by the federal troops, and the hiring of new workers to the federal troops, and the hiring of new workers to break the strike, the strike quickly collapsed.break the strike, the strike quickly collapsed.

Majority of workers went back under the new terms: Majority of workers went back under the new terms: but 200 union leaders were blacklistedbut 200 union leaders were blacklisted

The violence associated with the strike and the The violence associated with the strike and the media’s portrayal of events further discredited the media’s portrayal of events further discredited the labor movement in the eyes of the publiclabor movement in the eyes of the public

The episode left a bitter feeling among labor / The episode left a bitter feeling among labor / unions – they felt that the government should be a unions – they felt that the government should be a neutral arbiter, mediating between both sides, not a neutral arbiter, mediating between both sides, not a supporter of the interests of one side – the gov, and supporter of the interests of one side – the gov, and courts should not be in alliance with big businesscourts should not be in alliance with big business

Union Progress?Union Progress?

In the last decades of 19 Century, labor, in spite In the last decades of 19 Century, labor, in spite of becoming better organized, made few gains.of becoming better organized, made few gains.

Wages rose slightly (but did not keep up with cost of Wages rose slightly (but did not keep up with cost of living), mostly for skilled workersliving), mostly for skilled workers

Some skilled workers had an 8 hr day, and insurance Some skilled workers had an 8 hr day, and insurance against accidents and unemployment against accidents and unemployment

Some laws were passed to improve safety standards, Some laws were passed to improve safety standards, but most of these were never enforcedbut most of these were never enforced

Some laws were passed limiting the number of Some laws were passed limiting the number of consecutive hours of work on the RR, and limiting the consecutive hours of work on the RR, and limiting the workday of women (Muller v Oregon, 1908, Supreme workday of women (Muller v Oregon, 1908, Supreme Court supported 10 hr work day for women in Oregon)Court supported 10 hr work day for women in Oregon)….(not always enforced)….(not always enforced)

More recognition of the right to Collective BargainingMore recognition of the right to Collective Bargaining

Why so few gains?Why so few gains?• 1. Too few workers joined: Labor unions never 1. Too few workers joined: Labor unions never

succeeded in organizing more than a small succeeded in organizing more than a small percentage of the industrial work force; only about percentage of the industrial work force; only about 4% of all US workers were union members in 19004% of all US workers were union members in 1900

• Workers did not appreciate the importance of Workers did not appreciate the importance of organizationorganization

• Workers were difficult to organize because of the shifting Workers were difficult to organize because of the shifting nature of the workforce: workers moved a lotnature of the workforce: workers moved a lot

• Birds of PassageBirds of Passage (temporary immigrants) had no interest (temporary immigrants) had no interest in becoming membersin becoming members

• Fear of being blacklisted was a deterrentFear of being blacklisted was a deterrent

  

Why so few gains?Why so few gains? 2. Unions were too few, poorly organized and led, 2. Unions were too few, poorly organized and led,

often distracted by non-industrial issues ….. often distracted by non-industrial issues ….. National Labor Union, Knights…National Labor Union, Knights…

3. Labor / Unions were internally divided: exclusion 3. Labor / Unions were internally divided: exclusion of potential members: immigrants, minorities, of potential members: immigrants, minorities, women, unskilled by some unions ….AFLwomen, unskilled by some unions ….AFL

4. Application of Sherman Anti-Trust Act against 4. Application of Sherman Anti-Trust Act against Labor: intended to break up monopolies not Labor: intended to break up monopolies not Unions: Unions were unfairly deemed to be in Unions: Unions were unfairly deemed to be in “restraint of“restraint of trade“ – primary application of act was trade“ – primary application of act was to curb unionsto curb unions

Why so few gains?Why so few gains?

5. The powerful forces operating against Labor 5. The powerful forces operating against Labor were too much:were too much:

Wealthy Corporations could wait-out strikes Wealthy Corporations could wait-out strikes (spies, blacklists, strike-breakers, yellow dog (spies, blacklists, strike-breakers, yellow dog contracts)contracts)

Government: City (Mayors, Police), State Government: City (Mayors, Police), State (Governors, National Guard / Militia), Federal (Governors, National Guard / Militia), Federal (Presidents, Federal Troops, AG, Injunctions)(Presidents, Federal Troops, AG, Injunctions)

Media: Newspapers usually owned by Media: Newspapers usually owned by businessmen and often hostile: negative pressbusinessmen and often hostile: negative press

Unions and StrikesUnions and Strikes Unions / Federations and LeadersUnions / Federations and Leaders 1. National Labor Union, Sylvis1. National Labor Union, Sylvis 2. Knights of Labor, Stephens, Powderly2. Knights of Labor, Stephens, Powderly 3. American Federation of Labor (AFL), Gompers3. American Federation of Labor (AFL), Gompers 4. Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), Haywood4. Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), Haywood 5. American Railway Union, Debs5. American Railway Union, Debs

StrikesStrikes 1. National Railroad Strike1. National Railroad Strike 2. McCormick Harvester Strike….Haymarket Square2. McCormick Harvester Strike….Haymarket Square 3. Homestead Strike3. Homestead Strike 4. Pullman Strike4. Pullman Strike

Why was Labor so weak?Why was Labor so weak?

1. Too few workers joined: 4%1. Too few workers joined: 4% 2. Too few Unions; poorly led and organized2. Too few Unions; poorly led and organized 3. Internal Division and Exclusion3. Internal Division and Exclusion 4. Sherman Anti-Trust Act4. Sherman Anti-Trust Act 5. Faced powerful hostile forces5. Faced powerful hostile forces