Final answer:
Labor unions and leaders focused on improving member welfare through bargaining and strikes. tactics varied among groups like the Knights of Labor and the AFL, with later unions facing declines due to economic changes. overall, unions were pivotal in shaping the labor landscape.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we compare and contrast the goals and tactics of labor leaders and unions, we see a dynamic history of organized labor's development in response to industrial changes. Labor unions and their leaders aimed to improve not only wages, but also working conditions, benefits, and worker protection. Collective bargaining and strikes were two primary tools used in pursuit of these goals. Groups like the Molly Maguires, Knights of Labor, and the American Federation of Labor showcased a range of philosophies and methods.
The Knights of Labor had an inclusive membership and aimed for broad social reforms, while the AFL focused on skilled workers and specific worker rights. Meanwhile, the creation of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) marked an era of even more aggressive tactics, such as the sit-down strike used effectively by the United Auto Workers. Throughout different periods, the agendas of these groups reflected the concerns of their constituency, advocating for such aspects as workplace safety and the end of child labor, amongst others. unions like the AFL and CIO later faced declines due to structural economic changes, a shift towards white-collar labor, and corporate avoidance of union-friendly states. The history of organized labor is characterized by both cooperation and conflict, including violent clashes that underscored stark views between labor and management. Despite challenges, such as political backlash and industrial resistance, labor unions significantly shaped the labor landscape.