UNION ORGANIZATIONS
"Be it Resolved, That we urgently call upon the wage-earning class to arm itself in order to be able to put forth against their exploiters such an argument which alone can be effective: Violence, and further be it Resolved, that notwithstanding that we expect very little from the introduction of the eight-hour day, we firmly promise to assist our more backward brethren in this class struggle with all means and power at our disposal, so long as they will continue to show an open and resolute front to our common oppressors, the aristocratic vagabonds and exploiters. Our war-cry is "Death to the foes of the human race.""
--- The Central Labor Union's fiery resolution, adopted in 1885.
In 1842, the Supreme Court Case of Commonwealth v. Hunt held that it was legal for workers to organize a union. This was a step forward in voicing the rights of laborers. However, union progress was impeded by the linguistic problems immigrants of various ethnicities encountered. As a result, labor unions tended to be small, and were often limited to skilled citizens.
The first all-inclusive labor union was the National Labor Union. It championed higher wages and the eight-hour day, but soon lost support after a depression in 1873 and unsuccessful strikes in 1877.
the knights of labor
"The recent alarming development and aggression of aggregated wealth, which, unless checked, will inevitably lead to the pauperization and hopeless degradation of the toiling masses... "In the sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread," we have formed the Knights of Labor with a view of securing the organization and direction, by co-operative effort, of the power of the industrial classes; and we submit to the world the objects sought to be accomplished by our organization, calling upon all who believe in securing "the greatest good to the greatest number" to aid and assist us:II. To secure to the toilers a proper share of the wealth that they create....
XI. The prohibition of the employment of children in workshops, mines, and factories before attaining their fourteenth year.
XIII. To secure for both sexes equal pay for equal work.
XIV. The reduction of the hours of labor to eight per day...."
--- Taken from the Preamble to Knights of Labor Constitution, January 3, 1878.
Led by Terence V. Powderly, the idealistic, radical Knights of Labor was known for its sharp critique of laissez-faire capitalism, arguing that it threatened the future of the American republic. Its primary method of settling labor disputes was through arbitration. Unlike most labor unions, it represented all types of workers, including unskilled, women, blacks, and immigrants, which explains its enormous popularity. It was ahead of its time, even calling for equal pay for women and men.
Membership in the Knights of Labor increased rapidly in the 1880s, but after the Haymarket Square Affair, public opinion was against the Knights' radicalism, and membership dropped rapidly. By the twentieth century, they were practically extinct.
"...the signs of a great movement by the class of the unskilled, which had finally risen in rebellion.... The movement bore in every way the aspect of a social war. A frenzied hatred of labor for capital was shown in every important strike... extreme bitterness toward capital manifested itself..."
--- John Commons in his History of the Labor Movement in the United States.