United Mine Workers Strike

Definition

The United Mine Workers Strike was a major labor strike led by coal miners in 1902. They demanded higher wages, shorter workdays, and recognition of their union. The strike threatened coal supplies for winter heating across America.

Analogy

Imagine if your phone battery refused to charge until it got better treatment – more efficient charging time with less overheating. That's what happened during this strike; coal miners stopped working until they received better conditions.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: This is a process where workers negotiate as a group with their employers over wages, benefits, hours worked etc., instead of individually negotiating these terms.

Labor Union: An organization formed by workers who join together to achieve common goals such as protecting integrity at work or improving safety standards.

Arbitration: This is a method of resolving disputes outside of court, where an impartial person (an arbitrator) makes a decision.