Labor Unions

The History, Structure, and Important Issues Facing Labor

Unions

What is a Labor Union? A Labor Union is an association of

workers that seeks to improve the economic and social well-being of its members through group action.

Labor Unions A labor union represents its

members in negotiations with an employer over all aspects of an employment contract Including wages and working

conditions Benefits and retirement

Why did Unions begin??? Unions began for many reasons. Many of these reasons come from

the fact that people felt more and more disconnected from their work.

Loss of Freedom Machines were too loud, they took

away talking, and singing. Factories prohibited talking

because they were concerned with production and wanted the workers to focus on work.

Loss of Identity There was a gap in terms of the

numbers between workers and employees.

Long hours, Low wages Many work days were 12 hours, 6

days a week. No vacations or days off for

sicknesses No unemployment compensation Factory workers earned $3-12 per

week.

Dangerous Conditions No payment for injuries suffered on

the job. 230,000 people killed on the

railroad. Coal miners- cuts, broken fingers,

lung disease

Child Labor Children became an economic

necessity because families needed the extra money.

Work as young as 5 yrs old. Gave up school to work

Sweatshop System “sweaters” made in homes Manufacturers provided supplies

but workers had to furnish tools (needles)

Payment on piecework basis Average weekly earning= $5 for

100 hours of work

Pullman’s Town Outskirts of Chicago, 1880 Company town for sleeping RR car Workers and families lived in town Pullman had its own government

and schools. Regulated