Preview

Why Are Labor Unions Important To Society?

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
495 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Why Are Labor Unions Important To Society?
Imagine a society in which the rules of the workplace are dominated by the employers. Employers would treat their employees poorly in an attempt to maximize profits. Employees would be working in unfair conditions and have no control over their own safety and rights. This is why labor unions are so important to society. Labor Unions prioritize the rights and safeties of all workers so that employers don't treat the employees unfair. Throughout the history of our country labor unions have proved their credibility in fighting to make society a better place. And today labor unions are still involved in improving society fighting on issues like paid family leave, and the wage gap between men and women's. Labor unions have done a tremendous amount of work to make the US what it is today but, there is still an immense amount of issues to fix. …show more content…

Monopolies controlled the markets and were very tyrannical in their rule. But, with growing frustration of their tyranny began the progressive era. In this era of our history labor unions embarked on becoming a force in which middle class citizens had a fighting chance against tyranny. Labor Unions fought for Better work conditions like, higher pay, equal pay, child labor laws, equal rights, safer working conditions, and countless other issues. Labor Unions brought justice to the workplace. They created the middle class, and were the centerpiece of the greatest movement of the century. A movement that made America what it is today, an opportunity to fulfill your dreams in a free environment. The opportunities that labor unions have made possible for all citizens is incredible. Where would America be without Labor Unions? The labor unions are so much more than just an influence in the workplace, they are a power for freedom and opportunities that have made America what it is

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Better Essays

    While many do not see the benefits of labor unions, for the union worker the benefits include higher wages, better benefits and safer working conditions” (Hamlett, 2018). This is how deals are worked out and people come to an agreement and common ground on issues. Communication is always a good factor to have and represent when working with others and…

    • 1487 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    At the beginning of the union attempts there was little change in the way things worked in the economic world. However, after a couple decades of their persistence the corporations began to weaken at the knees and start allowing some leeway in the area of ‘giving into their demands'. In a census of Hours and Wages of Industrial Workers, it was seen that in 1875 the workers wages took a dip until 1882, in which the salaries increased steadily until it was almost $40/day more than 20 years before. This really raised workers up on the totem pole of society, and managed to keep a steady flow of positive change throughout their futures.…

    • 589 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Cinderella Man Case Study

    • 747 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The labor unions where organized groups fighting for equal rights among workers and there employers. They did this to get equal wages, hours, and better working conditions.…

    • 747 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The labor union focused on work conditions and equal pay. Some workers had difficulties adjusting to the factory industry. The working conditions were not that great. The labor union workers began to make demands of their bosses.…

    • 508 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The labor unions were founded with the goal of helping the wage earners gain power. The two labor unions, The Knights of Labor formed in 1877 and the AFL formed in 1886, sought worker rights, better wages, hours, and working conditions during this era. Although they never achieved the 8 hour workday they did manage to cut the average workday for industrial workers by 30 minutes from 1875 to 1891 (Doc. A). The labor union’s goal of better pay and working conditions was offset particularly by the immigration factor. Due the new inventions industrial jobs that once took three to four hundred skilled workers now required 100 unskilled laborers (Doc. D). Although this new format produced cheaper products, it also transferred even more power to the employers. If an unskilled worker tried to join a union in attempt to better himself he was instantly fired and replaced by the abundant supply of immigrants. The labor unions were far too weak to be able to accomplish the goals they had set out for themselves.…

    • 866 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    The National Labor Relations Act states that “Employees have the right to organize, form, join or assist in labor organizations and use collective bargaining through representation” (Vitez, n.d.). The NLRA encourages the establishment of labors unions. Employees can be represented fairly. This also discourages dishonest practices by the employer. A union aids in helping improve the work environment at an organization.…

    • 807 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    They worked long hours with small breaks in dangerous conditions with little pay. Many people would complain, and most of these people would end up getting fired so at the time people were too scared to stand up again their bosses and demand better pay or better working conditions. This was when labor unions were formed. Labor Unions are groups of people usually working in the same field or profession that protest against their bosses together in order to try and pressure them to change their current working conditions. Additionally, they work to protect the right of laborers in America by ensuring that employers aren’t unfair towards their…

    • 563 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Unionization was one of the major social developments of the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Unions were the workers response to big corporations. Early labor leaders pushed for an eight hour work day, an end to child…

    • 274 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Labor unions were formed to fight these unfair treatment of employers. Including the previously stated, no sick days, bad wages, and general unfair treament. Strikes and boycotts were held as a weapon to fight. People held strikes, ceasing work until their employer met needs. During the forming of these unions, some actually saw problems intead of progress.…

    • 201 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Until 1842 labor unions were illegal. In 1890 the Sherman act was passed that outlawed monopolies. Because people were trying to get fair wages and fait working conditions people promoted the labor union. In order to achieve what they wanted workers would go on strike. Some failed but some also prevailed. An example of one strike that worked was one against the railroads in 1886 where the owner had to restore the wages he had cut. One that didn’t work was in Chicago against the McCormick Reaper Works that lead to the Haymarket riots where many people including police men were killed or injured.…

    • 533 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Labor union Labor Unions began forming in the late 1800’s. They formed to provide workers with more rights. However they were opposed on many fronts. The unions faced an uphill battle against business owners and even other workers. From 1865 to 1940, the development of labor unions was generally a negative force leading to economic disruption and unnecessary laws that stifled businesses and hindered job growth.…

    • 802 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    In the years of Post-Civil War the United States was on a path of capitalism, big-business, and becoming a Global Force that all countries would begin to recognize as powerful. Though this time period shown progression for industry and for the U.S. economy it also marked a rise of the working class, and of social stratification because the big business owners became richer and more powerful while the poor workers scavenged for jobs to feed their families. Disgusted by the poverty wages they received while the factory owners were reaping enormous profits, workers organized into Labor Unions that agitated for change. Labor Unions were generally successful in organizing workers but not particularly successful in achieving their…

    • 1041 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    In the 1800’s, most people worked unfairly. Working conditions, at the time, were terrible: people worked in disturbing environments which caused many health issues and affected people’s lives in numerous ways. People also worked extremely long working hours: normal shifts were normally 12-14 hours a day. Most workers had very low wages: female and children workers were paid a lot less than male workers. These situations often led to many possible deaths, injuries, and health problems which was, many times, unbearable for the workers. The unfairness and mistreatment led to labor unions. Labor unions occur when individuals consolidate to have the ability to raise their voice in order to protect their rights and desires as workers. In this case,…

    • 131 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Labor Unions In Canada

    • 1540 Words
    • 7 Pages

    The workforce was once a very undesirable and rather dangerous environment. Things such as negotiations, safety laws, job security, and a consistent 8-hour workday did not exist. However, since the Industrial Revolution, the work force began to see significant improvements as to how the workforce functioned all thanks to the foundation of something called unions. What is a union? It is an organized association of workers formed to protect and further their rights and interests. These rights include working conditions, better wages, and security in the workforce. In the beginning, most unions were developed in manufacturing and resource companies such as steel mills, textile factories and mines. Eventually, however, unions began to expand into…

    • 1540 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Organized Labor Movement

    • 630 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Organized labor has played a critical role in shaping our society for both good and bad.…

    • 630 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays