The Pullman strike of 1894 was a significant event in American labor history that stemmed from a combination of factors related to the working conditions and economic hardships faced by workers in the Pullman Company. Here are the main reasons why the workers went on strike:
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Wage Cuts: The Pullman Company had reduced wages for its workers, which significantly impacted their ability to make a living. Despite these wage cuts, the rents for housing in the company town of Pullman remained unchanged.
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High Rent: Workers faced financial strain due to the combination of reduced wages and high rents for their accommodations in the company town. This created a sense of unfairness and desperation among the workers, as their living expenses did not decrease even as their incomes were slashed.
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Poor Working Conditions: Beyond wage issues, workers also faced poor and dangerous working conditions, which contributed to their dissatisfaction. Many workers felt that their safety was not prioritized by the company.
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Lack of Rights and Representation: The workers' grievances were compounded by a lack of representation and the inability to negotiate effectively with management. This led to growing frustrations and a desire to organize and advocate for their rights.
Samuel Gompers and the American Federation of Labor (AFL) provided support and encouragement for the strike, advocating for the rights of workers across the nation. The Pullman strike eventually escalated, leading to a nationwide railroad strike that involved major disruptions in rail traffic and drew federal intervention. This labor conflict highlighted the struggles of workers during this period and brought attention to the need for labor reforms in the United States.