Labor Day

In the late 19th century, U.S. industry was booming. Millions left their farms and moved to the cities to work in factories, mills, stockyards, shipping centers, mines, and railroads. However, 80-hour workweeks, low wages, few days off, and dangerous work environments eventually became a pressure cooker. Labor unions formed to improve workers’ lots. Two strains of pushback developed, and Chicago was a flash point. Some were content to fight for worker unionization and improved pay and working conditions. Others advanced...Read More