This paper traces the origins of the American labor movement from the late colonial period through the first documented strike in 1768 and the formation of the Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers in 1794. It examines how early craft unions shaped the job-conscious orientation that still defines American trade unionism. The paper then argues that unions remain vital today as corporations prioritize profit over worker welfare, and outlines two key tactics for strengthening the labor movement: building solidarity across unions and community organizations, and using strikes and picketing to compel employers to meet workers' demands.
The labor movement in the United States began out of the need to protect the common interests of workers. For those in the industrial sector, labor unions typically fought for reasonable working hours, better wages, and safer working conditions. The labor movement also led efforts to stop child labor, provide aid to injured or retired workers, and secure health benefits for employees and their families.
The origins of the labor movement lie in the formative years of the American nation, when a free wage labor market emerged in the artisan trades during the late colonial period. The earliest documented strike took place in 1768, when New York journeymen tailors protested a wage reduction. In 1794, the Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers in Philadelphia was formed, marking the beginning of sustained trade union organization among American workers (A&E Television Networks, LLC, 2014).
From that point forward, local craft unions proliferated in cities across the country. These unions published lists of standard "prices" for their work, defended against diluted and cheap labor, and increasingly demanded shorter working days. This activity gave rise to a job-conscious orientation and, in its wake, produced the key structural elements that continue to characterize American trade unionism.
Today, unions continue to serve the same fundamental purposes for which they were originally founded. Executive and CEO compensation is rising while middle-class workers continue to face layoffs and stagnant wages. As a result, current union agendas focus on securing wage increases for employees, raising the living standards of the working class, ensuring safe working conditions, and expanding benefits for workers and their families.
Unions are especially important because most corporations are focused on maximizing profits, often at the expense of their employees. The nature of work in America is changing, and employers are increasingly trying to shed responsibility for providing good pension coverage, health insurance, reasonable working hours, and job safety protections. Instead, many companies are making workers' jobs and incomes less secure through part-time arrangements, downsizing, outsourcing, and offshoring.
"Solidarity-building across unions and communities"
"Strikes as a tool for union power"
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