Historic American labor strikes that halted entire industries
Some of these closures were violent
LIFESTYLE History
The first general strike in the United States took place in 1835. This dispute in Philadelphia marked a turning point in early American labor relations. Employees began using strikes as a way of imposing bargaining power against employers while protesting dangerous working conditions, unfair treatment, low wages, and other grievances. Some of these stoppages became notorious for the violence and intimidation directed towards those on the picket line. Others are noted for achieving their goals relatively peacefully. All, though, sent shockwaves through society.
Click through and revisit more historic American strikes that helped shape—or dismantle—American labor policy.