The History and Violence in American Labor Unions
Strayer University Labor relations professor shereen turner | The History of Violence in American Labor Unions | | | Michael Cook | 6/6/2010 |
Some of the more important events in labor union history included how unions were stereotyped as violent anarchist, and how they took a stance that invoked violent activity in three serious events; the Haymarket Riot, Homestead Incident and Pullman Strike and how these events in ways changed American labor union history. |
Up through the late 1700’s to early 1800’s, men, women, and even children were subject to intolerable working conditions, low wages, and long hours. As the industrial revolution evolved, much interest was placed on increased production. It was of such oppressive working conditions that forced workers to improve their work conditions by uniting together and bargaining that pressured employers to respond to the demands of the workers safety and security. The two types of labor organizations that evolved as to the result of such demand were the industrial unions and craft unions. Craft Unions were composed of printers, carpenters, tailors, and weavers. “The chief purpose was to keep up craft standards and prevent employers from hiring untrained workers and importing foreign labor” Columbia encyclopedia (1996). In 1827, laborers who worked the same industry, regardless of their specific job formed industrial unions. It was as a result of these two types of organizations being born out of necessity that provide a voice for the protection, health, and well being of the American workforce in today’s modern society. Since the early 1800’s labor unions have went through many changes. Many of these changes are the results from violent labor dispute activity throughout the history of labor unions. It is the purpose of this
Some of the more important events in labor union history included how unions were stereotyped as violent anarchist, and how they took a stance that invoked violent activity in three serious events; the Haymarket Riot, Homestead Incident and Pullman Strike and how these events in ways changed American labor union history. |
Up through the late 1700’s to early 1800’s, men, women, and even children were subject to intolerable working conditions, low wages, and long hours. As the industrial revolution evolved, much interest was placed on increased production. It was of such oppressive working conditions that forced workers to improve their work conditions by uniting together and bargaining that pressured employers to respond to the demands of the workers safety and security. The two types of labor organizations that evolved as to the result of such demand were the industrial unions and craft unions. Craft Unions were composed of printers, carpenters, tailors, and weavers. “The chief purpose was to keep up craft standards and prevent employers from hiring untrained workers and importing foreign labor” Columbia encyclopedia (1996). In 1827, laborers who worked the same industry, regardless of their specific job formed industrial unions. It was as a result of these two types of organizations being born out of necessity that provide a voice for the protection, health, and well being of the American workforce in today’s modern society. Since the early 1800’s labor unions have went through many changes. Many of these changes are the results from violent labor dispute activity throughout the history of labor unions. It is the purpose of this