Why Unions?
Factory Conditions
factory
The turn-of-the-century industrialization in America brought a surge in factory jobs, but this prosperity coexisted with harsh conditions for workers, sparking discontent.
Poor Working Conditions:
Despite industrial growth, factory workers faced challenging conditions.
Long Hours, Low Wages: Enduring 12-hour days, 6 days a week, workers barely earned a living wage.
Lack of Benefits: They had no vacation or sick days, and factories were unsanitary.
Collective Action and Union Formation:
Dissatisfied workers sought change through unity and collective action.
Fear of Individual Complaints: Individual grievances often led to dismissals.
Strength in Strikes: Multiple strikes prompted the formation of unions advocating for improved treatment.
The Rise of Workers' Unions:
Collective efforts led to the formation of unions, a pivotal moment demanding better treatment.
Demand for Change: Unions became the voice for improved conditions.
Effective Advocacy: United workers forced industries to address concerns, marking a turning point in workers' rights.
Poor working conditions in factories in the late 1800s encouraged workers to ____________.
leave early
form unions
hire more workers