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Atlanta's Washerwomen Strike
The Washerwomen Strike began as a small protest, but it quickly grew to include three thousand Black laundry workers who were fighting for better pay, more control, and respect at work. They went on strike, becoming one of the first big examples of union organizing in the U.S. Ultimately, they succeeded in their goal. The strike not only led to higher wages, but more importantly, it helped establish better recognition and rights for laundresses and all Black women workers. -
Homestead Steel Strike
The Homestead Steel Strike of 1892 was a violent clash between Carnegie Steel workers and Pinkerton detectives. It had a major impact on the labor rights movement by revealing the brutal tactics used by corporations to crush unions. This turned public opinion against the use of private security forces in labor disputes. Although the workers initially showed strong solidarity against corporate aggression, the strike ultimately led to a decline in union power within the steel industry. -
Pullman Palace Car Company Strike
The Pullman Palace Car Company Strike was a major railroad strike and boycott that caused major disruptions to rail traffic in the Midwest. It involved 250,000 railroad workers across about 20 railroads. While the strike showed the strength of the labor movement, the violence that occurred led to a loss of public support. However, the event also played a role in making Labor Day a national public holiday in the U.S. -
Mother Jones
After seeing the labor uprisings of the late 1800s, Jones became involved in workers' movements and later joined the fight for miners' rights at the start of the 1900s. She began organizing miners for the United Mine Workers. In 1903, to raise awareness about ending child labor, she led a march of 100 children from the textile mills of Philadelphia to New York City, eventually bringing them all the way to President Theodore Roosevelt’s home on Long Island. -
McKees Rocks Strike
The McKees Rocks Strike started after workers were paid less than usual. When 40 riveters told the company they wouldn't work without knowing the pay rates, they were fired when they returned to work three days later. This became the breaking point. Within 48 hours, 5,000 workers went on strike. The strike showed that Slavic workers could organize effectively, even under difficult conditions. -
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire tragically killed over 140 young women workers. It highlighted the terrible working conditions in sweatshops, sparking public outrage and fueling the labor rights movement. The fire led to the creation of important labor safety regulations in New York State, including fire safety codes. This tragedy also boosted support for worker unions and pushed for better workplace protections. -
Samuel Gompers
Samuel Gompers was the founder of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), a national labor organization focused on improving the working conditions of millions of American industrial workers. Gompers had the most significant influence during President Woodrow Wilson's administration, especially between 1912 and 1920. During this time, the AFL, under his leadership, reached a peak of political influence and successfully passed much of its program with strong support from the White House. -
Frances Perkins
Secretary Frances Perkins helped create the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which set a minimum wage and banned child labor in many workplaces. She was especially influential in designing the Social Security Act of 1935. Perkins also established the Immigration and Naturalization Service, where she worked to enforce liberal immigration policies. However, some of her efforts faced resistance, particularly from Congress. -
A. Philip Randolph
A. Philip Randolph founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and was a trailblazer in promoting racial equality within the labor movement. He played a key role in campaigns to improve wages and working conditions for both Black and white workers. Randolph was a leading organizer of the 1963 March on Washington and was one of the leaders who met with President John F. Kennedy after the march. -
Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez's efforts through his union led to the passage of the 1975 California Agricultural Labor Relations Act, which is the only law in the nation that protects farm workers' right to unionize. On April 10, 1966, a crowd of 10,000 farm workers and supporters gathered at the California state capitol to celebrate a victory in one of the most significant strikes in American history. This strike helped make Cesar Chavez famous as the leader of the National Farm Workers Association. -
I’ve Been to the Mountaintop - Martin Luther King
In his final speech, "I’ve Been to the Mountaintop," Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. talked about the progress of the civil rights movement and the need to keep fighting for justice and equality. He encouraged unity and nonviolence, even in the face of challenges. King ended with the powerful message that, although the journey was hard, the goal of equality was within reach. -
Puerto Rican Obituary - Pedro Pietri
is a poem by Pedro Pietri that talks about the struggles of Puerto Rican immigrants in the U.S., especially in New York City. It describes how hard they work but are often ignored and treated as unimportant by society. The poem uses the idea of an obituary to show how these workers are forgotten, highlighting issues of labor, identity, and immigrant life. Through its strong language, the poem draws attention to the unfair treatment of Puerto Ricans and other immigrant groups. -
He Showed Us the Way - Cesar Chavez
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Address to the Commonwealth Club of California - Cesar Chavez
