The Knights of Labor Essay - 1327 Words

The Knights of Labor represented the pinnacle of the up lift labor movement. They, at one time, had membership that numbered in the hundreds of thousands and nearly hit a million members. This organization was unique in its time because it espoused many of the ideals we hold today as statutory for an ethical and equitable society as well as employee and employer relationships. The Knights of Labor did not begrudge industry or capitalism, moreover they were less of a concern than the organization’s larger goal to protect and promote social equity in labor and society, for the common man. The organization was distinctive for is time. There were other labor unions, but the Knights supported trade craftsmen, common laborers, and worked†¦show more content†¦Today, many of these basic concepts are taken as common practice in the workplace while others are challenges still facing the employees of today. Child Labor laws were enacted within the 50 years following the knights. Fighting speculation and outlawing monopolistic practices was addressed through the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. The 8-hour workday and overtime was addressed under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Additionally, the arbitration of disputes between labor and management advocated by the Knights, has become a cornerstone of conflict resolution for labor relations. The Knights however, viewed these gains as the end to a means. These gains would be brought about through raising the working class by raising the intellectual, moral, and social life of the worker (Budd, 2010). The transition to a collective behavior is at the root of uplift unionism, and is the cornerstone of the Knights larger agenda. This concept enjoined the ideals of a fraternal brotherhood and gave the organization an advantage in the ability to relate to the society of laborers who felt oppressed at the hands of capitalists. It brought to those who joined, a sense of something more than just a loose association of workers fightingShow MoreRelatedKnights of Labor Essay1246 Words   |  5 Pages The Knights of Labor represented the pinnacle of the up lift labor movement. They, at one time, had membership that numbered in the hundreds of thousands and nearly hit a million members. This organization was unique in its time because it espoused many of the ideals we hold today as statutory for an ethical and equitable society as well as employee employer relationship. The Knights of Labor did not begrudge industry or the capitalism, more over they were less of a concern than the orga nizationsRead MoreKnights of Labor Essay731 Words   |  3 Pagesis evident in his dealings with the Knights of Labor. speak softly but carry a big stick, and you will go far. No other union had come into such heated conflict with Gould as did the Knights, as no other union had been strong enough to challenge Gould himself. 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