1. Chapter 8: Labor and Unions
Section 2: The Growth of Labor Unions

2. Labor Union
Organization of workers that negotiates with employers for better wages, improved working conditions, and job security

3. Capital – intensive Factory laborers 60 hours a week 10 cent an hour
Industrialization
Capital – intensive
Factory laborers
60 hours a week
10 cent an hour

4. Described working conditions
The Jungle
Upton Sinclair
Described working conditions

5. Two Major Unions
Craft Unions (plumbers, electricians, carpenters) International Union of Bricklayers
Industrial Unions (United Auto Workers)

6. KNIGHTS OF LABOR ONE OF THE FIRST UNIONS
Brought skilled and unskilled workers together
Offered membership to women and African Americans
Fought For:
8 Hour workday
Ending child labor
Wanted social and political reform

7. American Federation of Labor
AFL
Union of SKILLED workers
Higher wages
Better working conditions

8. Businesses where workers did not have to join a union
Open Shops
Businesses where workers did not have to join a union

9. Workers hired only if join the Union
Closed Shops
Workers hired only if join the Union

10. Congress of Industrial Organizations
CIO
John L. Lewis
Unskilled industrial workers
Women & African Americans and other minorities
United Steel Workers

11. Union Organization
Local Unions (work for a particular company or in a particular area)
National Unions (local unions from throughout the country get together)
Independent Unions (not affiliated with the AFL-CIO)

12. Challenges to Labor Unions
Union membership has dropped dramatically

13. Oppose Union because unions mean increased wages and lower profits
Employer Opposition
Oppose Union because unions mean increased wages and lower profits
Workers part of management teams
Move to parts of country where Unions aren’t strong
Other Countries

14. Changes in Employment Patterns
Shift from manufacturing-based economy to service-based
More women and teenagers in workforce

15. Negative Public Opinion
Companies move factories to another country
Union members wages are too high
Opposed to action of Union Leaders

16. Adopt a more cooperative spirit in the unions dealings with management
Union Responses
Adopt a more cooperative spirit in the unions dealings with management

17. GOVERNMENT & UNIONS
Government responses to Unions have changed over time
1800s government favored business interests over labor Unions
Chicago’s Pullman Palace Car Company factory went on strike
Government sent Federal troops in to stop strike
TODAY GOVERNMENT PROTECTS RIGHTS OF WORKERS