During the Gilded Age, the rapid industrialization and urbanization led to significant changes in the labor landscape. As new industries emerged and factories expanded, workers often faced harsh conditions and exploitation. Long working hours, low wages, and unsafe environments were common, making it difficult for workers to support themselves and their families.

One notable event during this period was the Haymarket Affair in 1886. It was a protest rally that turned violent when a bomb exploded, resulting in the deaths of both police officers and civilians. The event highlighted tensions between workers and employers, as well as the struggle for better working conditions and workers' rights.

In response to these challenges, labor unions began to form and grow in influence. The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was one such organization, founded in 1886. Led by prominent figures like Samuel Gompers, the AFL aimed to improve the lives of workers through collective bargaining and strikes. Their efforts focused on achieving better wages, shorter working hours, and safer working conditions.

The infamous Pullman Strike of 1894 further exemplified the labor movements' fight for workers' rights. Workers at the Pullman Palace Car Company went on strike to protest wage cuts and unfair treatment. The strike eventually spread across the country, leading to a massive disruption of railroad traffic. President Grover Cleveland, concerned about the impact on the economy, sent federal troops to suppress the strike, resulting in clashes and several deaths. Although the strike was not entirely successful, it shed light on the importance of labor organizations in advocating for workers' rights.