Trade Unions Events
National Labor Union founded (1866) – First national federation of U.S. labor unions
advocating for an 8-hour workday and labor reforms.
Great Railroad Strike (1877) – Nationwide railroad worker strike over wage cuts; violent
clashes with state militias and federal troops.
Knights of Labor peak (1880s) – Inclusive labor organization grows, advocating for
workplace reforms, 8-hour day, and equal pay.
Haymarket Riot (1886) – Labor protest in Chicago turns violent after a bomb is thrown;
damages public perception of labor movements.
Homestead Strike (1892) – Violent clash between steelworkers and Pinkerton agents at
Carnegie Steel plant in Pennsylvania.
Pullman Strike (1894) – Nationwide railroad strike led by American Railway Union;
federal troops intervene, resulting in deaths.
Formation of American Federation of Labor (AFL) (1886) – Focused on skilled workers
and collective bargaining; becomes dominant labor federation.
Steel Strike (1919) – Massive strike for better wages and conditions; suppressed with
government and company opposition.
Great Depression labor unrest (1930s) – Rise of sit-down strikes and union organizing,
especially in the auto and steel industries.
Formation of Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) (1935) – Focused on industrial
unionism for unskilled and semi-skilled workers.
Flint Sit-Down Strike (1936–1937) – UAW occupation of General Motors plants leads to
union recognition.
World War II labor mobilization (1941–1945) – Unions agree to no-strike pledges in
exchange for wage stability and collective bargaining.
Taft-Hartley Act restrictions (1947) – Legally limits union power; leads to right-to-work
laws in some states.
Labor Movement decline (1950s–1960s) – Automation, globalization, and anti-union
policies reduce union membership growth.
Landrum-Griffin Act enforcement (1960s–1970s) – Federal oversight of union practices,
finances, and democracy.
National Labor Union founded (1866) – First national federation of U.S. labor unions
advocating for an 8-hour workday and labor reforms.
Great Railroad Strike (1877) – Nationwide railroad worker strike over wage cuts; violent
clashes with state militias and federal troops.
Knights of Labor peak (1880s) – Inclusive labor organization grows, advocating for
workplace reforms, 8-hour day, and equal pay.
Haymarket Riot (1886) – Labor protest in Chicago turns violent after a bomb is thrown;
damages public perception of labor movements.
Homestead Strike (1892) – Violent clash between steelworkers and Pinkerton agents at
Carnegie Steel plant in Pennsylvania.
Pullman Strike (1894) – Nationwide railroad strike led by American Railway Union;
federal troops intervene, resulting in deaths.
Formation of American Federation of Labor (AFL) (1886) – Focused on skilled workers
and collective bargaining; becomes dominant labor federation.
Steel Strike (1919) – Massive strike for better wages and conditions; suppressed with
government and company opposition.
Great Depression labor unrest (1930s) – Rise of sit-down strikes and union organizing,
especially in the auto and steel industries.
Formation of Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) (1935) – Focused on industrial
unionism for unskilled and semi-skilled workers.
Flint Sit-Down Strike (1936–1937) – UAW occupation of General Motors plants leads to
union recognition.
World War II labor mobilization (1941–1945) – Unions agree to no-strike pledges in
exchange for wage stability and collective bargaining.
Taft-Hartley Act restrictions (1947) – Legally limits union power; leads to right-to-work
laws in some states.
Labor Movement decline (1950s–1960s) – Automation, globalization, and anti-union
policies reduce union membership growth.
Landrum-Griffin Act enforcement (1960s–1970s) – Federal oversight of union practices,
finances, and democracy.
