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