"The American Labor Movement has consistently demonstrated its devotion to the public interest. It is, and has been, good for all America." -John F. Kennedy
The Formation of Unions
Labor unions were originally created in an effort to help with the main problems with working conditions. These included low pay, and unsafe working conditions. At this time, workplaces were often unsafe and unsanitary, and workers had extremely low wages. Child labor was also common. In the wake of the Industrial Revolution, it was very important for workers to receive good wages and be able to work in safe and sanitary workplaces as factory jobs increased rapidly. The first labor organization, the Working Man's Party. This "union" was established first in 1828 by Thomas Skidmore. From about this time until the late 1800s, more and more unions were being created. These unions, such as the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor, were as well aiming for these safer conditions in the workplace.