The Changing Labor Market of the USA Labor Unions The Changing Labor Market of the USA
What do workers deserve? Rights? What do workers deserve?
Union Reading
History of Labor Unions Industrial Revolution (late 1800’s) led to abuse of workers Child labor, dangerous working conditions & long hours were common They eventually formed unions to gain power in negotiations (leverage)
Decline of Labor Unions Union membership has been falling since 1950 1953 peak of 35% of labor force 2006 dropped to 12% of labor force
2009: More Government Unions workers than Private Gov’t = 52%
Government
Worksheet Questions Reasons to Join Reasons to NOT Join
Union: Pay & Job Security Worker Pay & job security based on Seniority Seniority is the # years worked for company Merit is often not considered in pay Working hard is not necessarily rewarded
Working for a Union + ----
American Airlines & Unions http://www.npr.org/2012/04/23/151223955/bankrupt-american-airlines-spars-with-unions