working women
After the Civil War, women's wages increased tremendously. Women made up 18% of the working class by the early 1900s. The majority of women worked as teachers, nurses, sails clerks, domestic servants and industrial workers. Most women worked in the garment industry and food processing plants. They were payed less than men, even when they held the same job. Since it was assumed that a woman had a man supporting her, the man needed the higher wages. Most unions excluded women.
An Irish immigrant, one of the most famous labor leaders, was Mary Harris Jones. She was an labor organizer for the Knights of Labor, then organized mine workers. She was later labled the most dangerous woman in America.
In 1900 the international ladies garment workers union was founded by Jewish and Italian immigrants. The membership consisted of mostly female workers in New York City. Membership rapidly spread and by 1909 a strike of 20,000 garment workers achieved better wages and benefits for employees, as well as union reconginition.
In 1903, a union specifically for women was established. The union was named the Women's Trade Union League and was the first national associtation dedicated to promoting women's labor issues. They pushed for an eight hour work day, a creation for minimum wage, an end to evening work for women and the abolition for child labor.
An Irish immigrant, one of the most famous labor leaders, was Mary Harris Jones. She was an labor organizer for the Knights of Labor, then organized mine workers. She was later labled the most dangerous woman in America.
In 1900 the international ladies garment workers union was founded by Jewish and Italian immigrants. The membership consisted of mostly female workers in New York City. Membership rapidly spread and by 1909 a strike of 20,000 garment workers achieved better wages and benefits for employees, as well as union reconginition.
In 1903, a union specifically for women was established. The union was named the Women's Trade Union League and was the first national associtation dedicated to promoting women's labor issues. They pushed for an eight hour work day, a creation for minimum wage, an end to evening work for women and the abolition for child labor.