The Factory SystemThe conditions of factory workers and the fight for a better life.

The Factory SystemIn the 19th century factories were made to produce more goods efficientlyCloth, once made by hand, was now made in a textile factory

Factory WorkersMen, women and children came to work in the factoriesMany came from the farms to get better jobs in the cities

Labor ConditionsPeople usually worked six days a week, for ten to fourteen hours a dayMany jobs were unsafeChildren often worked, too

Labor UnrestWorkers organized strikes against poor working conditions and low pay.A strike is when workers leave their jobs as a protest.In some cases workers formed unions, an organization of workers, to improve their pay and working conditions

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory FireIn 1911 a fire broke out in Triangle Shirtwaist Factory146 people died in the in the blazeThe factory doors were locked to prevent employees from leaving and theft

Knights of LaborThe Knights of Labor formed after the Civil WarThe union organized both skilled and unskilled workersThey fought for an 8 hour day and equal wages for women and an end to child labor

American Federation of LaborThe AF of L was a craft union that organized skilled workersThey worked to improve wages and working conditions through bargaining with employers.Their leader was Samuel Gompers

Women WorkersWomen workers formed a union for garment workers In 1912 immigrant women went on strike to protest low wages. In Lawrence Mass.The strike lasted two months, and the strikers won a pay raise and their other demands.

Labor LawsAfter worker protests the government established labor laws including:8 hour dayLimited child laborImproved safetyAllowed workers to organize unions

***********