In the 1820's the first unions formed to demand better working conditions. Why were skilled workers more successful in getting what they wanted than unskilled workers?

The reason why skilled workers were more successful in getting what they wanted than unskilled workers was that they weren't as expendable as unskilled workers.

Explanation:

The reason to back this answer is that in the first place, unskilled workers were more replaceable than skilled workers. Because skilled workers performed tasks that were difficult, specialized, and that required a process of teaching and learning in new employees if they replaced their formers, skilled workers. Therefore, they found out that they could negotiate with the owners of the factories and obtain better resources.