What labor union was involved in the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?
In Martinsburg, West Virginia, situated roughly 90 miles from Baltimore, B&O workers (most belonging to the local Trainmen’s Union) went on strike during the evening of July 16th, declaring freight trains would not move until the railroad restored the 10% wage cut.
What was the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and why was it important for the labor movement?
The first national strike began July 16, 1877, with Baltimore and Ohio Railroad workers in Martinsburg, West Virginia, and Baltimore, Maryland. It spread across the nation halting rail traffic and closing factories in reaction to widespread worker discontent over wage cuts and conditions during a national depression.
What started the Great Railroad Strike of 1887?
The Great Railroad Strike of 1887. By Amanda Diep, Maria Alverez. During the railroad buildings workers were often low wages, worked long shifts and worked in dangerous places. On july 16 workers for the B&O Railroad reached their limit with this treatment and they decided to go on strike. Wages were cut again and strikes blew up across the country.
What was the outcome of the Great Railway strike of 1877?
For all of its fervor and support, the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 ended by August 1, unsuccessful, its workers no better off at the end than when it began. Workers did not receive pay raises; legislation strengthened anti-union attitudes, and state militias were increased.
Why did the workers strike the railroad in 1877?
The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 began on July 17, 1877, in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Workers for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad went on strike, because the company had reduced workers’ wages twice over the previous year. The strikers refused to let the trains run until the most recent pay cut was returned to the employees.
What is the significance of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?
The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 was the country’s first major rail strike and witnessed the first general strike in the nation’s history. The strikes and the violence it spawned briefly paralyzed the country’s commerce and led governors in ten states to mobilize 60,000 militia members to reopen rail traffic.