Organized Labor Labor Unions An organization that helps workers improve working conditions, wages, and benefits. Membership peaked in the 1930’s at 30% Today, about 10% of US workers belong to a union 10

Labor Movement – 1800’s Rise of factories led to difficult and dangerous working conditions. Long days, long weeks, low pay Discontent grew to organized protests Strikes – work stoppage Higher wages, shorter hours, safer workplace 10

Labor Movement – 1900’s Pro-union Legislation: 1932 Norris-La Guardia Act Outlawed yellow-dog contracts 1935 National Labor Relations Act Gave workers the right to organize 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act Created the minimum wage, outlawed child labor, and established OT 10

Decline of the Labor Movement Unions could be an obstacle to replace outdated and inefficient production methods. (Featherbedding) Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 Right-to-work laws ban mandatory union membership President can delay a strike for 80 days 1981 PATCO 10

The Decline of Unions Less Blue-collar jobs More women in the workforce More jobs shifting to the south Most union goals have been achieved Shorter work weeks Safer workplace Better benefits 10

Types of Union Workplaces Closed shop Hires only union members, now illegal Union shop Hires nonunion members, but requires them to join the union with a certain time. Agency shop Hires nonunion workers and does not require them to join the union. However, they still need to pay union dues. 10

Labor Imperfection Restrict Membership Collective Bargaining Union card, license, certification Collective Bargaining Union represents large number of employees, with many different goals. Seniority and Protection 10

Collective Bargaining Mediation A settlement technique in which a neutral mediator meets with each side to try and find a common ground. Nonbinding. Arbitration A settlement technique in which a third party reviews the case and imposes a decision that is binding. 10