Do Now: Labor Unions Answer the following in 3-5 complete sentences: Write what you know about labor unions.

Quiz Review

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Labor Unions Objective: Describe and evaluate labor unions.

Preview: Unions Pete Seeger – John HenryJohn Henry What does John Henry say to his father when he is just a baby? This is an important song in the history of American workers. After listening to the song, why do you think that is?

John Henry Lyrics John Henry was about three days old, Sittin' on his papa's knee. He picked up a hammer and a little piece of steel; Said, "Hammer's gonna be the death of me, Lord, Lord. Hammer's gonna be the death of me.“ The captain said to John Henry "Gonna bring that steam drill 'round. Gonna bring that steam drill out on the job. Gonna whop that steel on down. Down,Down. Whop that steel on down.“ John Henry told his captain, "A man ain't nothin' but a man, But before I let your steam drill beat meDown, I'd die with a hammer in my hand. Lord,Lord. I'd dies with a hammer in my hand."

What is a labor union? Labor Unions: Worker associations that bargain with employers for wages and working conditions. What do they do? They negotiate for the benefits of their members No NOT increase membership in labor force

The establishment of labor unions Poor working conditions No benefits No 8 hour work day No overtime pay No minimum wage 6 days a week No child labor laws Brief history of labor unions

Reading Fun Time Origins of the Union Movement Golden Age of Labor Unions Modern Union Movement Time Period Union Actions and Successes Union Setbacks List and Define ALL Vocabulary!!!

Unions’ Effects on Union and Nonunion Wages On average do union workers receive higher pay than comparable nonunion workers? Weekly earnings for union workers were about 27% higher than for nonunion workers Today, union members earn more than non-union workers with similar skills by 10-15%

Pros and Cons Pro Union They are a valuable collective voice makes the employees feel more confident, less intimidated, and more secure in their work. Union members earn more than non- union workers with similar skills by % improve wages and working conditions.

Cons Anti Union They are less effective in production and efficiency. companies that employ union labor are less competitive. The threat of losing your job and wages if management retaliates The possibility of violence The possibility of corrupt or incompetent union organizers.

Unions & Expression John Lennon – Working Class Hero Working Class Hero The sound of the machines are crying Each crank gives off a horrible screech Overused and worn out with exhaustion Sweat dripping down their faces Never ending ache from overworking Not enough hours in the day to meet the demands 16 hour shifts with barely any pay Just when all hope was lost Workers organized One after another Declaring their injustices Demanding better privileges Noble protest of the Americans Glorious fight for civil rights But with advances come obstacles State troops shooting Killing some, injuring many But with time success finally came After many trial and errors Progress peeked through. For a Better Tomorrow By: Josh Ann Yasol Music Poetry

Create a union Song/Poem/Speech With a partner (or by yourself) Write a song, a poem, or a speech that either supports or opposes union membership Brainstorm reasons to support your position Organize the reasons into a logical order before writing You must write at least one page!