One hundred and twenty-one years ago this month, in July of 1890, a small group of Kansas trade union leaders adopted a constitution for a new, centralized state labor organization. With the decline of the Knights of Labor in the 1880s, Kansas lacked a unifying organization for its many craft unions. Topeka printers, barbers, plumbers, carpenters, and others had recently established a successful central union representing their common interests. This increased the desire for a statewide organization. Meeting in Topeka in July of 1890, this group created the Kansas State Federation of Labor (KSFL).
The constitution of the KSFL outlines the group’s purpose, operations, and resolutions. Among their common interests included 1) demanding an eight hour workday, 2) recognizing a “Labor Day”, 3) encouraging the patronage of “union shops”, 4) and condemning the employment of children under fifteen years old.
The strength of the KSFL fluctuated dramatically over the next sixty years in response to economic booms, busts, and the two world wars. But many of its reforms were eventually adopted. Kansas Governor Lyman Humphrey established a statewide “Labor Day” in 1890. In 1901 Kansas passed an eight hour work day for state workers. And in 1905, Kansas began restricting the employment of children in manufacturing and heavy industry.
Marc Karson’s A History of Trade Unions in Kansas provides a brief history of the KSFL up to 1956, including its opposition to “right to work” legislation, which Kansas ultimately adopted in 1958.
For additional sources documenting labor unions in Kansas, visit Kansas Memory and select the category Government and Politics - Reform and Protest - Labor movement.