Unions Chapter 9 Section 4

Working in the United States As machines replaced skilled labor, work became monotonous. Working conditions were often unhealthy. In 1900 the average industrial worker made 22 cents per hour and worked 59 hours per week. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._minimum_wages

Roles of Unions Workers decided that the way to improve their working conditions would be to start a Union. What could the union do?

Early Unions Employers were often forced to recognize and negotiate with trade unions. Trade Unions: Unions limited to people with specific skills. What techniques were used to prevent unions from forming?

Blacklist These were workers who tried to organize a union or strike. They were fired and blacklisted. Once blacklisted you could get a job by changing residence, trade, or even your name.

If workers formed a union, companies often used a lockout to break it. Locking workers out of the property and refusing to pay them.

Marxism Marxism was very influential in Europe in the late 1800s. What did Marx believe? “The basic force shaping capitalism is the class struggle between workers and owners.”

The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 In 1873, a huge recession hit the United States. In 1877, as the recession continued, several railroads cut salaries. 80,000 railroad workers in 11 states went on strike. This was one of the largest, and most violent strikes in history. 100 people died, and over 1 million dollars worth of damage was done.

The Knights of Labor DO NOT WRITE The first nationwide industrial union. What did the Knights call for?

Haymarket Riot DO NOT WRITE What was the Haymarket Riot?

Even after the Haymarket Riot, other labor organizers continued their efforts. In 1893 railroad workers created the American Railway Union under leadership of Eugene V. Debs.

Working Women By 1900, women made up more than 18% of the labor force. Regardless of their job, women were paid less. Why did most unions exclude women?