labor unions Essay

Labor unions represent workers interests and the collective bargaining process provides a way to manage the conflict (Noe, 2003). More than ever, union employees have come to see unionizing as a way to achieve an

Labor unions have existed in one way or another since the birth of our country in 1776. They were created in an effort to protect the working population from abuses such as sweatshops and unsafe working conditions. From the start of our Nation there were a few unions organized unions in a scattered fashion, but many were disbanded after they had achieved their goals, such as when the printers and shoemakers briefly unionized in Philadelphia and New York City in 1778 to conduct the first recorded strike for higher wages. Three years later in 1971 the first successful strike happened, when Philadelphia carpenters campaigned for a ten-hour workday. This caused the need for skilled and unskilled laborers to skyrocket during the Industrial Revolution and the Civil War and also got the ball rolling with Labor unions. At this point in our Country, there had been nothing done yet for workers’ rights, conditions, pay, and so on. People at this time saw that they could come together and do something to make their lives better for themselves and their families. Many of these dates were important in shaping our country’s labor policies into what they are today. In 1847 New Hampshire enacts as the first state to enforce a 10-hour workday law. In 1909 the International Ladies’ Garment workers’ Union calls a strike in New York, demanding a 20-percent raise and a 52-hour workweek. Within two days, more than 20,000 workers from 500 factories walk off the job. This largely successful uprising

In labor as in all things there is strength in numbers it is this strength that American labor unions provide. Labor unions provide a collective voice for those who had not previously been heard. As the professor in the “Frustrated Labor Historian” Dr. Horace P. Karastan is left with the dilemma what are the three most important events in American labor union history it would be difficult to choose with so many important moments. There are however several events that stand out as being turning points in giving employees unquestionable protections. The Norris-LaGuardia Act of 1932 allowing employees the right to organize. Further the Wagner Act protecting employees from reprisal from employers for organizing spurring the growth of unionization. The Landrum-Griffin Act of 1959 building on the Wagner Act as well as the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 which granted protections from the unions. It is these Acts that have changed the landscape of American labor union history and leave us with the unions that we have today.

Throughout American history, labor unions have served to facilitate mediation between workers and employers. Workers seek to negotiate with employers for more control over their labor and its fruits. “A labor union can best be defined as an organization that exists for the purpose of representing its members to their employers regarding wages and terms and conditions of employment” (Hunter). Labor unions’ principal objectives are to increase wages, shorten work days, achieve greater benefits, and improve working conditions. Despite these goals, the early years of union formation were characterized by difficulties (Hunter).

The labor union movement over the years has shaped the way individuals work and live for both the nicest and unpleasant. Some would think the unions influence has created a power struggle between management and union leaders. In today’s time, some citizens insist the existence of unions are a must to aid in employee freedom, while others view the labor unions as just another problem in the line of progress. The purpose of labor unions was for employed workers to come together and collectively agree on fundamental workplace objectives. The rise of the union came about after the Civil War- responding to the industrial economy. Surprisingly at the least unions became popular within the 1930-50’s and began to slowly decrease,

In the early 19th century Americans fought hard for rights in their respective job industries, which brought about the concept of, and formed, unions: organizations meant to protect workers from unfair working conditions and fight for better pay. Unions fought for their workers with the notion that labor is not just a product to be sold, bought and interchanged, but a service given to the employee that allowed them certain entitlements. The history of Unions in America is one with strong beginnings, to what seems to be volatile future.

The rise of capitalism as the dominant economic system in the United States made the rise of unions inevitable; given the natural division between those with capital that control the means of production, and labor, who is treated simply as another factor of production (Hodson & Sullivan, 2008). While labor unions have made significant improvements to the working environment, with the regulation of safety, environment, labor and wage; labor unions have also contributed to the decline of U.S. dominance in industries like steel, automotive, education and airlines. In today’s global economy, can labor unions continue to be a force for good in the United States, or have they become harmful institutions?

Unions have been integrated in North American society. For the business world, unions pose a threat the expanding the corporation’s profits; for workers, unions are an opportunity to gain power in the workplace. Unions are used to balance the division of power throughout the world, yet they are not without their faults; for example, workers must pay union fees. Unions, while fundamentally a mediator between workers and corporations, pose a threat to the community; lawsuits, threats, lack of jobs, store closures, physical threats and actions.

Unions played the vital role of providing a voice to the much needed desires of American workers that were suffering under harsh and cruel working conditions. By giving a voice it made it possible for unions to provide a platform for ideas to be secured and projected in appropriate methods. Through unions, standards were then set which overall improved the quality of life for all workers and provided benefits for those

Unions continue to serve the same purpose for which they were founded. Current union agendas include increasing wages, ensuring safe working conditions, and increasing benefits for workers. The relevancy of unions continues to be called into question by the American public. However, despite the unions struggle to win over the public, they are an important part of the American legacy.

Though, unions are declining, the role of union have evolved over time. Now, it is more common to view unions’ primary role as collective bargaining, which is the product of the economic decision and making process with unionism of the private sector. A long time ago, Union was seen as the shield that protects American workers against some of the abusive employers. Many public sector employees have unionized. However, the National Labor Relations Act was designed for the private sector. Despite that, union has become a model for most public sector collective bargaining right. Regardless of the success that Unions have with collective bargaining in the private sector, there are still a few who are opposed collective bargaining in the public sector. Of course, there are some differences between the public and private sectors.

People might have lack of information about what union have done for us. lets go back and see how Unions have impact our society specially our labor environment. Maternity Leave, weekends off, overtime recognition, fair wages, out long discrimination, ending child labor, health coverage and sick days, Protection for whistleblowers, also the Union protect specially those workers who are below the income scale.

Labor Unions have become an important factor in our industries. For many years, labor unions have served as the main voice of the workers to their employers. The continuous effort of labor unions in helping the laborers ensure their rights in their jobs, acquire all the benefits they need and to eliminate the injustice experienced by workers in their workplace is still an ongoing process. In order to understand labor unions in general, knowing the roots of it is the best way to start. In this paper, the progress of the labor unions throughout history, the issues faced the developments it achieved, laws passed and the problem faced by today’s unions will be tackled.

Since the beginning of the 19th century, labor unions in the United States has played an important role in the workforce. Even though the promotion of Labor Unions has decreased over the period time, its significance is still relevant and it has created an atmosphere for employees to have their voice be heard and value on the job within many organizations. Becoming a part of a particular labor union, has also provided employees to have the opportunity to create a more financially stable environment independently and as well for their families. It has also brought forth equal opportunity to employees no what matter race, gender, orientation you may be. Although both unions nationally and internationally has one purpose as a whole, it has its

Many people argue that without unions, workers will once again face poor working conditions and low pay. Fortunately, in the modern era, there are already laws and regulations that protect working conditions and pay scales. Should circumstances ever return to the horrendous conditions that once plagued the workplace, there would be no law barring public workers from rejoining unions of their own free will. It is important to recognize that needs and conditions are not fixed, but are ever-changing with the time period. Just because unions once played a major role in advocating for workers, does not mean that they will always be a necessity.