Americas Laborer unrest Essay

Industrial action and labor unrest

Industrial action or protests by labor unions that support worker rights constitute labor unrest. It was widespread in the west’s mining industry in the 19th century, and it subsequently spread to totalitarian nations like the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China. America witnessed a lot of labor unrest after the Civil War. The organization of the acts, Congress, organization, conflicts, and the resulting repercussions following a protracted time of labor unrest in the United States are all topics that will be discussed in this essay.

Oppression in the coal and mining sectors

Industrial workers had long faced oppression, particularly in the coal and mining sectors. They called upon the labor movement which advocated for peace and solidarity forever until when their employers could allow for exercise of democratic rights at work and better pay. There was a feeling that holding solidarity campaigns would make things dull and some of them may even lose their jobs. The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was the most significant labor body that fought for the peoples’ rights. However, the AFL had some restrictions that hindered laborers from engaging in different production activities all over the United States. Samuel Gompers, the leader of the AFL, said that he could no longer side with the organization’s president since he insisted that the industry was to consist of both unskilled and semi-skilled laborers. After the death of Gompers, William Green succeeded him, but there was a lot of struggle with the industrial unionists. In 1933, a representative from the Illinois coal mine reported that employees were not satisfied and the future of the company was not bright.

Labor unrest in Harlan County

The unrest was not only in the coal mines but the entire Harlan County. The county was nicknamed ‘Bloody Harlan’ where bold strokes created a significant gap between labor and capital. There was neglection of Harlan industries and abuse of their families. There was a need to unite all sectors through the Harlan County Coal Operators Association. In early 1933, the Congress had shown the public how union and industry presidents took their employees for granted, yet they always advocated for better working conditions. Johnson, Carey, and some congressmen traveled to Washington DC with a newspaper and the general’s photograph in hand. They went through several offices in the commercial building where they insisted that he was to sign the papers and allow them to go for a demonstration. In August 1933, Heywood Broun made a regular article in the New York World-Telegram and explained the wrong side of the government and their employees.

Increase in labor unions and demonstrations

In 1934, there was overcrowding in labor unions like the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ union had an increment of 160, 000 members and the new total was 200, 000 people. Also, the United Textile Workers Union had an increment of 320, 000 members. The Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America realized a rampant increase of members to almost 120, 000. This was the journey towards solidarity and uniting all workers in the nation. Employee complaints were published in the New York Times and people began demonstrating in streets. Each individual could gather in their company gates and organized walks all over the town. After failing to calm them down, the police forces were ordered to take action and disperse people. Out of anger, cars were burned, and there was also the destruction of property. In Pittsburgh, demonstrators went to up to the level of seeking ammunition to fight the police. It was no longer a demonstration as the situation turned into kales. People were shot from their cars, balconies, and even behind chimneys. There was a shedding of blood as almost all businesses in the United States were at a standstill.

Conclusion

In conclusion, labor unrest was strategically planned for quite a long time. The constant problems were the primary cause for the rapture and demonstrations in the streets. Many people began realizing that they had to use force to be recognized. The Congress played a part and ignited employees and unions to understand that there was a need for better treatment by their employees. Unions like Amalgamated Clothing, International Ladies’ Garment, and United Textile union of America had more people registering. After peacefully demonstrating, there were no fruits, and the final result was conflicted as people fought physically leading to injuries and damage to property.

Bibliography

Chapter one: Industrial American and labor unrest in Post-Civil War America: p.6. Vol 2, Sixth Edition. Pearson Learning Solutions, 2015.

Chapter seven: Social and Political Change During World War I and the 1920s: p. 276

Mc Gaughy, We Have Nothing to Fear but Fear itself: Postwar struggles, 400-406. Vol 2, Sixth Custom Edition. Pearson Learning Solutions, Inc 2015.