The first US unions sought to improve workers’ pay and working conditions through collective bargaining and organized strikes. Early labor organizations formed in response to the harsh realities faced by workers in the industrial age, where long hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions were the norm.
Initially, these unions focused on specific trades or industries, bringing workers together to demand better wages and safer environments. They organized strikes to halt production and pressure employers to listen to their demands. For instance, they would often call for shorter workdays, higher pay, and the end of child labor.
By presenting a united front, workers demonstrated the power of solidarity. The idea was simple: if workers stood together, they had a better chance of getting their voices heard. Increased organization and coordination among workers led to significant attention from the public as well as government officials.
Moreover, unions began advocating for legislation that would protect workers’ rights, including the establishment of minimum wage laws and regulations regarding workplace safety. Over time, these efforts laid the foundational framework for labor rights that continue to evolve today.