Laborers

In the 1900s, laborers faced inequality in workplace. Workers worked longs hours under difficult condition. They faced danger such as sharp blades or toxic cotton dust everyday. They would also lose their jobs if they got injured. And still, they got very low wages.

Uprising of 20,000

This event was led by Rose Schneiderman, who was one of the key figures in the American labor movement. In this event, thousands of women that worked in clothing factories in New York walked off their jobs and protested. They stood on picket lines outside the factories. They demanded higher wages and better working conditions. The protest lasted for 14 weeks. Many of them were arrested or beaten, but they did gain some benefit from it. Some companies made settlements with the workers. However, their demands for unlocked factory doors and working fire escapes were never approved. Fortunately, the factory workers soon got another good opportunity to show their anger. In the 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory caught fire. Many women couldn’t escape because the factory doors were locked. One hundred forty-six workers died in the fire. In response, Rose Schneiderman said that the only way the workers can save themselves is by strong working-class movement.

Industrial Workers of the World 

Industrial Workers of the World was an organization that believed socialism would make workers’ life better. It welcomed all working people including the immigrants, African American, and women. It was mostly supported by unskilled workers who had low wages. Its goals are the elimination of private property and the fair treatment of workers. They would negotiate with the employers or strike when they didn’t succeed. The IWW grew to 100,000 members and increases in its power. However, this didn’t last long. The strength of IWW declined dramatically due to the government repression such as the Red Scare.