Why did labor unions form in the U.S.? Notes #32

During the Industrial Revolution, many workers experienced unsafe working conditions, low wages, long hours, and little job security.

In response, labor unions were formed to help workers, led by the American Federation of Labor, which organized skilled workers into unions. Samuel Gompers, founder of the AFL

Labor union leaders negotiated labor issues with management through collective bargaining.

If an agreement did not occur between the two sides, then a strike (work stoppage) could occur.

Chicago Haymarket Riot (1886) During the late 1800s, disputes between labor unions and management often involved the use of violence by both sides . . . Chicago Haymarket Riot (1886) Homestead Strike (1892)

and labor unions had difficulty achieving their goals because the U. S . . . and labor unions had difficulty achieving their goals because the U.S. government supported businesses over workers. President Grover Cleveland (1885–1889, 1893–1897) Pullman Strike (1894)

Business employers also made labor unions less effective by blacklisting workers in labor unions or enforcing yellow-dog contracts.

Labor unions were not legally protected in the U. S Labor unions were not legally protected in the U.S. until the National Labor Relations Act was passed in 1935. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the National Labor Relations Act into law (July 5, 1935)