The Early Labor Movement

A detailed Summary of The Early Labor Movement

The Early Labor Movement, 1794- 1836

The early labor movement, between 1794 and 1836 had many strengths and weaknesses. Leadership of skilled workers in the union movement and the increased demand for these workers in the building trades were two of these strengths. Also important were the success of strikes for the ten-hour workday and the creation of the Working Men's party. The movement also had its weaknesses though. The loss of jobs due to new production processes and the employer's hostility to organized labor and unions were two of these. These strengths and weaknesses come together to define the labor movement.

One of the things that guaranteed the success of the labor movements was its dominating strengths. One of the most important strengths was the leadership of skilled workers during the union movement. This is shown by the formation of unions by the cordwainers, printers, and the mechanics. These artisans helped out the movement extremely. Also, with the success of the Industrial Revolution, many new jobs were created in the building trade. And, of course, with the new jobs, there comes a need for people to fill the jobs. This increased demand for skilled workers helped the economy and was one of th

On the other hand, the early labor movement also had many weaknesses. As industries gained more technology and new production process, the loss of jobs and status in the workplace was imminent. Some examples of this were in the hatting, printing, and weaving industries. These "threatened mechanics" formed together in the 1820s and 1830s to form craft unions. They produce a "labor theory of value." This stated that the price of a good should reflect the work put into the production of that good. Another group threatened by industrialization was the journeymen shoemakers. The master shoemakers lost their status when the craft was turned into a type of "assembly line." When this happened the masters were just mere bosses in the shoemaking industry. These craft unions formed a new radical form of democracy that wanted universal suffrage and more taxes on luxuries, which were owned mostly by the rich. There were also rules or laws formed by employers that worked against organized labor. First, in 1828, women mill workers in New Hampshire struck against tow of these rules. The first rule stated that the women were to be fined for showing up late to work. The second rule initiated a system where employees would receive certificates upon their parting from the company, which stated that they were faithful employees. This worked against unions because potential st

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Approximate Word count = 928
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History