# data[].attributes.body
With the rise of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, a transformation from agrarian and craft work to industry and machinery jobs shifted society. Working conditions were often hazardous, offered low pay and many companies used children for dangerous work. This created a need for worker protection.

"Labor unions are associations of workers formed to protect workers' rights and advance their interests. Unions negotiate with employers through a process known as collective bargaining." (Sandroff, 2022)

Labor Unions are considered the backbone of the labor movement as they advocated for safer working conditions, fair hours, better pay, and tried to end child labor. Prior to the formation of Unions, people could work up to 100 hours per day.

# data[].attributes.body
Prior to any labor standards or protections for workers, the working conditions were poor.

Wages were very low especially for minorities and children

There was no regulation on working hours, many people regularly worked 12 hours or more per day

Limited or no breaks

Machinery did not include safety hazards and children were allowed to operate them

Smoke inhalation from the machinery caused lung issues

No worker protection for injuries, people would lose their jobs when injured at work

# data[].attributes.body
The Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers was the first labor union established in America in 1794 by Philadelphia shoemakers.

Their goal was to establish some protection for their pay but also to protect them from scab workers. These workers were willing to work for lower pay which put their jobs at risk. The union organized strikes that eventually led to "The Conspiracy Trial" of 1806. This trial made unions with the purpose of controlling prices or wages illegal in the US until 1842.

# data[].attributes.body
Black workers, women and immigrants were often excluded from Unions and underpaid in the workforce. Those who were in unions were able to keep up with union dues and make additional contributions. This exclusion led minority groups to form their own unions such as The American League of Colored Laborers.

In 1867, the National Union for Cigar Makers was the first union to accept women and Black workers.

# data[].attributes.body
The National Labor Union was created in 1866, with the goal of limiting the workday for federal employees to eight hours. While their initial efforts failed, may Americans were drawn to the idea and began supporting change.

In 1867, a law was passed in Illinois that mandated an eight hour workday. Unfortunately, many employers chose not to adopt the new standard leading workers to strike.

# data[].attributes.body
A nationwide strike of 350,000 workers occurred on May 1, 1886. These workers organized and collectively did not work in an effort to demand that employers abide by an eight hour work day. They also wanted to influence state governments to enact mandates.

While the strike was planned for only one day, many workers continued to strike for many weeks with their demands. Some employers gave in and offered an eight hour day and some increased wages.

# data[].attributes.body
Some anti union tactics included firing and blacklisting union sympathizers, recruiting strikebreakers; deploying spies, and private security forces most notably, the Chicago based Pinkertons. Unionists were labeled as anarchists and communists as a way of dividing workers.

# data[].attributes.body
A 70 year fight towards an eight hour work day had finally paid off when President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938. The law went into effect in 1940.

Congress originally set the legal work week to 44 hours per week but an amendment set the hours to 40 hours per week.

Worker Protections under FLSA

Established a federal minimum wage

Provides protection for overtime pay

Employers must keep track of employee time and pay records and place a sign of FLSA requirements in the workplace

Protects children and prevents child labor.

# data[].attributes.headline
Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959

# data[].attributes.subject
Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959

# data[].attributes.body
In the late 50's, the Committee on Improper Activities in Labor and Management uncovered significant corruption between employers and unions.

The Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act required labor unions to disclose their financials and required companies to disclose their anti-union efforts.

# data[].attributes.body
In 1983, 20% of American workers were members of Unions, while only 10.3% of workers are in Unions as of 2021.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that wage and salary employment increased for all major work groups which led to a decline in Union membership rates in 2020.