History of Labor
By: Kyra Grandall
Conditions Pre-Union
The laborers worked 10 hour days 6 days a week, unskilled workers got paid $1 to $1.50 a day, and skilled workers got 2 times that. Women and children and African Americans got a lot less, accidents were very common and pretty much ignored. There were also dangerous work conditions, dirty work environments and they were labored under extreme temps.
Why Unions Formed
Examples of Unions
- The Knights of Labor
- American Federation of Labor
- American Railway Union
- Wisconsin State Employees Union
Conditions Post Formation of Unions
History of Unions in Wisconsin
Unions in Wisconsin were started in 1865. In 1867, the Knights of St. Crispin which was a union of shoemakers became nation’s largest union and also became a part of the Panic of 1873. In 1886, 7 workers were killed due to a peaceful march that was requesting 8 hour days. In 1893, the State Federation of Labor was founded. In 1935 the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union was established in Madison, now it is one of the largest unions.
The labor unions have always struggled and will continue to struggle.