The Change of Labor Movement during Industrialization

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The labor movement in the U.S. changed drastically with the Industrial Revolution era. It altered the way employers conducted business and impacted the labor of skilled craftsmen. As the revolution altered the workforce and companies became decentralized, commerce became more mobile. Industrialization changed the way employers conducted business and dramatically changed the working conditions for employees necessitating the need for a more formalized labor relations process. Labor unions became more widespread during this era with several rising to the top: Knights of Labor (KOL) American Federation of Labor (AFL) Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). Well-known events took place amidst intense labor negotiations which included the Haymarket Riot and the Pullman Strike. Additionally, in an effort to establish and standardize fair trade practices in interstate and international commerce, the government enacted laws that were directed toward labor unions and the labor relations process. These laws have either benefited or were detrimental to labor organizations. Haymarket Riot In the mid-1880s, groups across the country went on strike in an effort to persuade employers to shift to eight hour workdays. On May 4, 1886, thousands of people gathered in Chicago to meet in a peaceful protest regarding an event that occurred the previous day in which some strikers were killed by police. The group met at a place known as the Haymarket Square. The event turned violent. Police fired into the crowd and someone set off a bomb. However, it is unclear as to which incident occurred first. What is known is that several people were killed and hundreds were injured. The event became known in history as the Haymarket Square... ... middle of paper ... ...t is today. Conclusion Key events in the history of labor unions such as the Homestead Strike, Haymarket Square Riot, and Pullman Strike have largely impacted union memberships. The passing of federal laws have also impacted union memberships. Additionally, federal laws have been enacted throughout the years that protect both employers and employees. These laws along with the labor relations, technological advances and globalization have greatly helped shape Human Resources into what it is today. Works Cited Guerin, L. (2013). CHAPTER 16: Sarbanes-oxley act of 2002 (SOX). Essential Guide To Federal Employment Laws, 343-354. Holley, Jr., W., Jennings, K. & Wolters, R. (2012). The labor relations process. (10th ed.). Fort Worth, TX: South-Western Cengage Learning Woods, D. (2010). HR lessons ...from history. Human Resources (09648380), 62.

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