Union+Groups


 * __UNIONS:__**

AFL ( American Federation of Labor)~ In 1886, Samuel Gompers organized the AFL in Columbus, Ohio, which was open to skilled workers only. The AFL was a large organization of many different unions. The AFL focused on getting higher wages, shorter hours, and improved working conditions. This led to collective Bargaining which meant unions negotiating with management for workers as a group. The AFL supported strikes to get what they want.

Knights Of Labor~ In 1869, Workers formed this for skilled workers only, which was very risky since businesses fired employees who joined unions. In 1879, Terrence Powderly was elected president of the Knights of Labor and he let immigrants, African Americans, women, and unskilled workers join. Powderly did not believe in strikes, he would rather have strikes and rallies. Also, Powderly wanted workers and employers to share ownership and profits.

ILGWU (International Ladies Garment Workers Union)~In 1900, The ILGWU was organized by Garment Workers. In 1909, more than 20,000 women and men in the ILGWU walked off their jobs. After a couple of weeks employers met some of their demands for better pay and less working hours. Mother Jones' reforming union~ Marry Harris Jones, Mother Jones, an Irish-born immigrant, devoted most of her life to helping workers. She disapproved of children working in dangerous conditions, " Barefoot...reaching thin little hands into the machinery." Mother Jones helped get children out of work or lessen their hours.