Unions
The exhibition workers formed a union shortly after being hired. With the unstable economy and epidemic of unemployment, they needed s fighting tool of their own to ensure fair conduct. Unfortunately, it took wage reductions, layoffs and deaths to help the union gain strength. As stated previously, Burnham was constantly conscious of the union's presence and the detrimental effects it could cause if it were to take action.
Many workers traveled to Chicago looking for work at Jackson Park, despite its terrible conditions. Due to the higher demand for jobs than the supply, the expedition owners could cut pay and set low rates securely knowing that someone would be willing to work to put food on the table. However, near the completion of the exhibition and after four deaths in four months, the union carpenters used their power in their value and “walked off the job, demanding a minimum union wage and other long-sought concessions” (218). They knew that the fair was far from complete with not much time left, and Burnham needed them. They were successful.