Before labor unions, workers were treated unfairly and harshly. Working conditions were horrendous and unsanitary, wages were not humane, there were no benefits and death was highly probable. After the formation of labor unions that all changed. Workers achieved better salary, working conditions and benefits such as sick days and paid vacation. Examples of important figures that fought for and with labor unions are William Sylvis and Samuel Gompers. William Sylvis experienced firsthand the cruel treatment of workers before labor unions were created. He helped form the National Labor Union. NLU was comprised city trade assemblies, national trade unions, and reform organizations Sylvis fought for eight hour workdays, tenement-housing reform,