Coal Strike in Pennsylvania, 1901

Definition

The Coal Strike of 1902 was a major strike by the United Mine Workers of America in the anthracite coal fields of eastern Pennsylvania. Miners were on strike asking for higher wages, shorter workdays and the recognition of their union.

Analogy

Think about it like a school walkout. Just as students might refuse to attend classes until certain demands are met (like better food in the cafeteria or less homework), so too did these miners refuse to work until their conditions improved.

Related terms

Anthracite Coal: A type of coal that has a high carbon content and is known for its high energy output when burned.

United Mine Workers of America (UMWA): An industrial labor union traditionally representing coal miners and other extractive workers, but also hospital workers, public employees, manufacturing workers, and others.

Arbitration: A method of resolving disputes outside of court where an impartial person or panel makes a decision.