The Knights of Labor and the Haymarket Riot: The Fight for an Eight-hour Workday

by Brexel, Bernadette (2003)

Abstract

Labor unions flourished for a number of reasons: abysmal working conditions; a lack of concern for workers safety; low pay and nonexistent benefits; and a 10-12 hour workday. The Knights of Labor, one of the strongest unions, focused on achieving an eight-hour day. After a worker was killed at a labor rally, the crowd broke out in violence. Firing into the crowd, the police killed four workers. The long-term effect of this riot was widespread fear of unionism, and a delay in the acceptance of the eight-hour day.

Links to Reference

• https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=L1kpZWQXxnEC
• https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Knights_of_Labor_and_the_Haymarket_R.html?hl=&id=L1kpZWQXxnEC

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