The Required Post

The U.S. Labor Movement has seen many ups and downs. The Movement has worked tirelessly towards giving the workers their right. They protested against child labor and unsanitary work conditions; the American Federation was credited for working against child labor. The first union was created when in the 18^th century by the men; women also contributed by organizing an union against the sweat shop’s condition. In my history class, I learned that the most successful and effective labor union was called The Order of the Knights of Labor. They not only enlisted the laborers but also the producers, thus creating a booming growth within the organization. They also created an active working-class culture that involved women and educational projects. They fought against the big railroads companies and demanded eight hour a day. At many time they succeed, but unfortunately they met their downfall during the Haymarket Riot. During a protest, a bomb was exploded killing seven policemen and wounding several individuals. After this deadly incident, the Knight of Labor was labeled as extreme anarchists and many people left the organization. I had learned a lot about the Labor Movement and their woes and struggles; however, I did not know much about the U.S. Farm Worker’s Right until I went to the UFW website. I knew the Ceaser Chavez dedicated his life organizing the farm workers and brought awareness to the cause of the farmers. I also knew that the farmers lived in a poor and unsanitary conditions and did not earn much. They were also affected the most by the Great Depression and had to move place to place to look for work. When they did receive a job, they were not only cheated by their bosses, but they also did not receive the wage or benefits that they received. Many farmer did not even lived to see their 50^th birthday. On the other hand, I did not know that United Farm Workers of America was discovered by Ceaser Chavez. This organization works to “provide farm workers and other working people with the inspiration and tools to share in society's bounty,” and their core values consist of integrity, innovation, non-violence, and empowerment. Currently, they are working towards banning Methyl Iodide, a cancer-causing agent, which is being used in CA’s strawberry fields. 

This image stood out to me because it showed the ongoing struggles between the working class and the upper class in the United States. It not only depicts the past struggles of the laborers and the farmers against their rich bosses, but it also shows that the woes of the working class have still not ended. When I saw this image, I thought of the Occupy Wall Street. Many individuals-- mostly working class-- took to the street to band together as "the other 99%" to show that  they feel wronged by the corporate forces and want a change. In many states, they gather together in solidarity to express a feeling of mass injustice.