Free Coal Miners In Pennsylvania Essay Example

The coal industry in America in the nineteenth century was a major foundation for industrialization. It served as a fuel source. In addition, it also provided efficient and cheap power for steam engines, forges, and furnaces across America. When the coal miners managers brought sophistication to the coal mines, miners responded by forming industrial trade unions. Influence of coal to the America people was so pervasive such that by twentieth century it had become a necessity.
The experiences of the miners in Pennsylvania were a major contributor to the formation of trade union and labor movement in America. The first problem that these miners experienced was the shooting of Irish immigrant coal workers. The immigrants were executed by officers while not being harmed (11.50-12.10). After these incidents, the miners united and this was the first step towards a labor movement.
In 1890, after mother jones advocated for the state to recognize the workers, the miners formed the united mine workers of America (23.20-24.00). Mother Jones used this strategy to boost her labor movement but the miners used this as a motivation to form a labor movement. On May 12, 1902, 150,000 mine workers went on strike. The united mine workers of America went for five months on strike which was the longest ever in the history of America (33.28-34.00). The coal miners felt that the mangers of the mine paid them less for a work which is very dangerous and difficult. Companies, shops, and people suffered as a result of the strike. Bituminous coal affected these companies which closed eventually (34.35-35.00). After 154 days, the president, Roosevelt, met with the president of the mines and after a long discussion the miners were called back to work and their pay was increased by 10% (50.30-50.50). The experiences of the miners enabled them to form a labor movement which helped them negotiate better deals and this helped all the laborers of America who followed suit eventually.