Knights of Labor
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The Knights of Labor was a national organization that welcomed all workers. It even welcomed unskilled workers from different industries. It wanted the workers to think of themselves as part of one big work force. It also encouraged them to have peaceful protests instead of violent ones.
American Federation of Labor
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Samuel Gompers (head of a cigarmaker union) met up with leaders of smaller unions. The unions included the masons' union, hatmakers' union, and Gomper's own cigarmaker's union. Everyone in the American Federation of Labor was, unlike the Knights of Labor, a skilled worker.
Child Labor
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Child Labor was a big problem during the Gilded Age. Many families were barely making enough to feed everyone, so the children were put to work in factories and sweatshops. The children were also poorly paid and overworked.
Labor Conditions
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The labor conditions were also very hazardous. There were no existing safety regulations during this time so it was hard to get compensation for an injury on the job. Also, many people would get diseases from the harsh working environment and the employer would not be held responsible.