Question

source: western union telegraph company employee contract, 1883
1, name of city in consideration of my present reemployment by the western union telegraph co. hereby promise and agree to and with the said company that i will forthwith abandon any and all membership, connection or affiliation with any organization or society, whether secret or open, with anywise attempts to regulate the conditions of my services or the payment thereof while in the employment now undertaken. i hereby further agree that i will, while in the employ of said company, render good and faithful service to the best of my ability, and will not in anywise renew or re - enter upon any relations or membership whatsoever in or with any such organizations or society.
dated..... 1883. signed..... address... (seal)
accepted for the western union telegraph co....., superintendent

1. why would the western union telegraph company make their employees sign this contract?
2. what does this document tell us about the power of labor unions in the 1880s?

Explanation:

1. The Western Union Telegraph Company likely made employees sign this contract to prevent union - related activities that could disrupt operations or demand changes in working conditions and pay. By having employees abandon membership in organizations that attempt to regulate service conditions, the company aimed to maintain control over its workforce.
2. This document indicates that labor unions had enough power in the 1880s to be a concern for large companies like Western Union. The company felt the need to include such restrictive clauses in employment contracts to counteract the influence of labor unions and prevent employees from organizing to improve their situations.

Answer:

1. To prevent union - related disruptions and maintain control over the workforce.
2. Labor unions had enough power to be a significant concern for large companies.