1. National Labor Union (1866-1872):
- Advocated for an eight-hour workday, equal pay for equal work, and worker cooperatives.
- Organized strikes and boycotts to improve working conditions.
2. Knights of Labor (1869-1949):
- Advocated for shorter work hours, better wages, and safe working conditions.
- Organized large-scale strikes, including the Great Railroad Strike of 1877.
- Promoted the idea of producer cooperatives and worker control of industry.
3. United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) (1890-Present):
- Fought for better wages, safer working conditions, and union recognition in the coal mining industry.
- Led numerous strikes and played a significant role in the labor movement.
4. American Federation of Labor (AFL) (1886-1955):
- Formed by a coalition of craft unions and skilled workers.
- Focused on collective bargaining, strikes, and lobbying to improve wages and working conditions for its members.
5. Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) (1905-Present):
- Advocated for industrial unionism, organizing workers in all industries, regardless of their skill level.
- Employed direct action tactics, including strikes and sabotage, to achieve their goals.
6. Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) (1935-1955):
- Formed by unions that split from the AFL, representing unskilled and semi-skilled workers.
- Organized major industrial unions, such as the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the United Steelworkers of America (USW).
These early labor unions played a crucial role in improving the lives of workers, reducing work hours, increasing safety regulations, and establishing the right to organize and collectively bargain. Their activities paved the way for the larger labor movement and various labor rights laws in the United States.