United States 1866

Synopsis

The first congress of the National Labor Union (NLU) was held in Baltimore, Maryland, on 20-23 August 1866. The purpose of the NLU was to bring together disparate labor unions to work for common goals important to all working men and women. Its primary concern was to reduce the 10-hour workday to eight hours.

One of the NLU's most outstanding accomplishments was the passage of labor reform for federal government workers, including attainment of the eight-hour day. The NLU was also largely responsible for the creation of the Department of Labor.

Timeline

• 1846: American inventor Elias Howe patents his sewing machine.
• 1851: Britain's Amalgamated Society of Engineers applies innovative organizational concepts, including large contributions from, and benefits to, members, as well as vigorous use of direct action and collective bargaining.
• 1856: British inventor Henry Bessemer introduces his process for producing steel cheaply and efficiently.
  William...