The Labor Movement

test - 12/17

Labor Unions

An organization of workers formed to protect their rights and interests.

Sweatshop

A workplace with poor conditions where workers labor for low pay.

Child Labor

The employment of children in industries, often under hazardous conditions.

Knights of Labor

An early labor union founded in 1869 that organized both skilled and unskilled workers, advocating for workers' rights.

AFL (American Federation of Labor)

A federation of labor unions in the United States founded in 1886 that focused on skilled workers and practical labor issues.

Collective Bargaining

The negotiation process between unions and employers regarding working conditions.

Haymarket Riot

A violent confrontation between labor protesters and police in Chicago in 1886, leading to a decline in the labor movement's image.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

A deadly industrial disaster in 1911 that killed nearly 150 workers, resulting in improved labor safety regulations.

Strikes

A work stoppage initiated by employees to demand better conditions or pay.

Harmless Activism

Efforts to bring about change without resorting to violence, like the public rallies advocated by Powderly.

Why did American workers form labor unions?

To advocate for better working conditions, better wages, reasonable hours, and better safety measures.

What challenges did women face in the workplace?

Low pay, long hours, hazardous working conditions

How did the Haymarket Riot affect public perception of labor unions?

Due to the fact of a violent clash that occurred between the police and protestors made the public think that labor unions were violent and not trustworthy which negatively impacted their image.