Labor Unions
Labor Unions: Relevant or Irrelevant? Good or Bad?
During previous years, labor unions were used by industry workers as a way to make their voices heard and to push for change regarding unfair treatment. To some, these unions were seen as a form of threat but to others it was a way to bring the workforce together and make it beneficial to not one or a few, but to all. Labor unions have become irrelevant in the United States today. They were an important and fundamental part of the history of United States commerce and the country’s growth into an economic powerhouse (Jacob Silverman. How Labor Unions Work). But, as time has progressed and the economy and society have greatly advanced, there is a less need for labor unions. In addition to their irrelevancy, unions are unbeneficial to the United States commerce. To begin with, unions were formed initially for the common good and as a form of protection, but now they abuse their power to the detriment of its members. More importantly, they create a competition between the workers’ standard of living and the competitive strength of the employer. Furthermore, they decrease the amount of jobs available in the economy.
Unions were formed initially for the common good and as a form of protection, but now they abuse their power to the detriment (disadvantage) of its members. When unions first came into existence in the 19th century, it was the beginning of the industrial revolution where workers moved away from agricultural work areas into factories and mines. In the process of this transition, many faced terrible working conditions: long hours, little pay, and health risks. Women and children who worked, generally received lower pay than men did, but even the men weren’t receiving enough for the amount of time they worked. The government did little to limit and resolve these injustices so therefore, labor movements raised; lobbying for better rights and working conditions; collective bargaining. This gave the workers
During previous years, labor unions were used by industry workers as a way to make their voices heard and to push for change regarding unfair treatment. To some, these unions were seen as a form of threat but to others it was a way to bring the workforce together and make it beneficial to not one or a few, but to all. Labor unions have become irrelevant in the United States today. They were an important and fundamental part of the history of United States commerce and the country’s growth into an economic powerhouse (Jacob Silverman. How Labor Unions Work). But, as time has progressed and the economy and society have greatly advanced, there is a less need for labor unions. In addition to their irrelevancy, unions are unbeneficial to the United States commerce. To begin with, unions were formed initially for the common good and as a form of protection, but now they abuse their power to the detriment of its members. More importantly, they create a competition between the workers’ standard of living and the competitive strength of the employer. Furthermore, they decrease the amount of jobs available in the economy.
Unions were formed initially for the common good and as a form of protection, but now they abuse their power to the detriment (disadvantage) of its members. When unions first came into existence in the 19th century, it was the beginning of the industrial revolution where workers moved away from agricultural work areas into factories and mines. In the process of this transition, many faced terrible working conditions: long hours, little pay, and health risks. Women and children who worked, generally received lower pay than men did, but even the men weren’t receiving enough for the amount of time they worked. The government did little to limit and resolve these injustices so therefore, labor movements raised; lobbying for better rights and working conditions; collective bargaining. This gave the workers