The American Railway Union (A.R.U.) was founded on June 20, 1893 in Chicago, Illinois. Led by Eugene V. Debs, the A.R.U. very quickly became the nation's largest organized union.
The American Railway Union began in 1783. The union sought to unite all railway workers regardless of the craft or trade they provided the railway.
Eugene V. Debs
The American Railway Union, founded in Chicago on June 20, 1893, was created in hopes of uniting the railway employees from all types of jobs into one large union.
Railway workers lead by Eugene V. Debs.
Railway workers lead by Eugene V. Debs.
Eugene V. Debs
By boycotting Pullman cars
the union lost support
Originally Grand Secretary to the railway craft union, the Brotherhood of Railroad Firemen, Eugene Debs saw the need for union representation among all railroad workers, rather than just crafts. He resigned and formed the first industrial union, The American Railway Union in 1893.
Sherman Antitrust Act
By boycotting Pullman cars