Final answer:
The United Auto Workers (UAW) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) were two pivotal labor unions that significantly impacted worker rights. UAW's sit-down strike against General Motors led to improved wages and working conditions, while CIO's large-scale strikes and bargaining resulted in transformative contracts with employers like US Steel.
Step-by-step explanation:
United Auto Workers (UAW) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO)
One notable labor union that fought for better working conditions was the United Auto Workers (UAW). The UAW, led by Walter Reuther, focused on the automotive industry. Their list of demands included fair wages, reasonable working hours, improved workplace safety, and health benefits.
In a historic action, UAW executed a sit-down strike at several General Motors factories. This strike was part of a new aggressive tactic where workers would occupy the workplace, halting production and forcing the employers to negotiate.
The outcome was favorable for the workers, with GM being forced to negotiate, resulting in higher pay and better benefits for employees.
The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), under the leadership of John L. Lewis, was another significant labor union.
The CIO was known for organizing workers across industries, including those in steel and manufacturing. The CIO's actions often involved large-scale strikes and collective bargaining efforts, which led to groundbreaking contracts providing higher pay, shorter work hours, and safer conditions.
Notably, their persistence led to a substantial contract with US Steel that improved pay and benefits for employees.