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The Establishment of the Department of Labor in 1913 was pivotal in the history of labor rights since it was the first time the US government had a cabinet-level department dedicated to the welfare of workers. The department contributed to the following acts.
The Keating-Owen Act of 1916 attempted to restrict child labor hours and the sale of child labor produced goods.
The Federal Employees' Compensation Act of 1916, which provided compensation for workers injured on the job. This led to the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938 established a minimum wage and limited child labor
The Coal Strike of 1902, led by the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), involved approximately 140,000 miners in the anthracite coalfields in eastern Pennsylvania. This strike was one of the first instances in which the federal government intervened in a labor dispute.
Demands:Â
A 20% wage increase
An 8 hour workday instead of 10-12
Recognition of the UMWA
Improvements in safety conditions
George F. Baer opposed the miners' demands. President Theodore Roosevelt intervened by inviting coal operators and union representatives to the white house to negotiate
Resolution:
A 10% wage increase
A 9 hour workday
No formal recognition of the union
The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911 was a tragedy in New York City which resulted in the deaths of 146 workers who were mostly immigrant women. Fire spread quickly due to the flammable fabrics and wood. The lack of safety measures led to the high number of deaths.
Locked doors prevented unauthorized breaks and stealing materials, locking the workers inside.
The building only had 1 fire escape which collapsed during the fire.
There was no sprinkler system or fire alarms.
Results:
New laws were past mandating safety measures, including installation of sprinklers, fire escapes, and unlocked exits.
Unions such as the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union gained traction.
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