George Pullman's solution to improving the lifestyle of his workers at the end of the nineteenth century. Student suggestions for improving the workplace of today. This debate concerns the Pullman workers, the Pullman Company, the American Railway Union, and the Federal Government. The debate can take place between all four entities or just between the workers and the company. An employer may offer whatever wages and working conditions it chooses.
Governments are justified in using force to prevent unions from causing economic harm.
After the depression of 1893, the Pullman Company was forced to lay off workers and cut back the remaining workers' wages. The company did not, however, lower the rents it was charging workers living in the company town. The employees approached the company to demand higher wages and lower rents. They were refused. Subsequently, the Pullman workers went on strike.