Labor Unions & Health & Safety in the Workplace Sections 5 & 6

Labor Unions Between the Civil War & early 20th Century employees were forced to find jobs that they were not qualified for with poor conditions. Labor Unions - organizations that represent workers in negotiations regarding employee rights. Between the Civil War & early 20th Century employees were forced to find jobs that they were not qualified for with poor conditions. Labor Unions - organizations that represent workers in negotiations regarding employee rights.

Labor Unions Among the goals of Labor Unions formed in the early 1900’s were: Elimination of Child Labor Elimination of Laws used to break up unions Acceptance of the principle of collective bargaining Establishment of state & federal Bureau of Labor Passing of workman’s compensation laws 8 hour work days Among the goals of Labor Unions formed in the early 1900’s were: Elimination of Child Labor Elimination of Laws used to break up unions Acceptance of the principle of collective bargaining Establishment of state & federal Bureau of Labor Passing of workman’s compensation laws 8 hour work days

Labor Unions The push for labor unions was greatest in the 1930’s during the Great Depression. They flourished as the USA became a dominant producer and key player in the world economy after WW II. Membership in Labor Unions peaked in 1975 with 35% of workers in unions. The push for labor unions was greatest in the 1930’s during the Great Depression. They flourished as the USA became a dominant producer and key player in the world economy after WW II. Membership in Labor Unions peaked in 1975 with 35% of workers in unions.

Labor Unions Today about 12% of workers are in a union. Unions cover employees in: Management Service Occupations Construction & Maintenance Occupations Transportation Education Today about 12% of workers are in a union. Unions cover employees in: Management Service Occupations Construction & Maintenance Occupations Transportation Education

Labor Unions National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) - Federal agency established to administer the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) which we have already studied! The purpose of NLRA is to serve the public interest by reducing interruptions in commerce caused by industrial conflict. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) - Federal agency established to administer the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) which we have already studied! The purpose of NLRA is to serve the public interest by reducing interruptions in commerce caused by industrial conflict.

Labor Unions -In non-union jobs employers set the level of wages & hours of labor -In union jobs, unions negotiate with employers on behalf of the employees. This is called Collective Bargaining. -Employees now share the responsibility with employers to establish orderly procedures. -When collective bargaining fails the union can take a vote to strike. If agreement is made then a contract is signed/resigned. -In non-union jobs employers set the level of wages & hours of labor -In union jobs, unions negotiate with employers on behalf of the employees. This is called Collective Bargaining. -Employees now share the responsibility with employers to establish orderly procedures. -When collective bargaining fails the union can take a vote to strike. If agreement is made then a contract is signed/resigned.

Labor Unions Grievances - Differences of opinion over how contract provisions should be interpreted. Arbitrator - neutral party called in to settle grievance matters Grievances - Differences of opinion over how contract provisions should be interpreted. Arbitrator - neutral party called in to settle grievance matters

Health & Safety in the Workplace 3500 workers die per year in job- related accidents 1 in 5 workers injured while operating power saws said that no training was provided. 71% of 868 workers with head injuries said they had no instruction concerning hard hats 61% of 554 workers hurt servicing equipment said they weren’t informed about procedures to shut off electrical components workers die per year in job- related accidents 1 in 5 workers injured while operating power saws said that no training was provided. 71% of 868 workers with head injuries said they had no instruction concerning hard hats 61% of 554 workers hurt servicing equipment said they weren’t informed about procedures to shut off electrical components.

Health & Safety in the Workplace AVOID PROBLEMS! 1. Understand potential hazards 2. Learn safe ways to perform tasks 3. Apply what you know in a hazardous situation AVOID PROBLEMS! 1. Understand potential hazards 2. Learn safe ways to perform tasks 3. Apply what you know in a hazardous situation

Health & Safety in the Workplace Be informed Practice unsafe measures Beware of work fatigue Avoid the use drugs/alcohol on the job Use employee assistance program when possible Be informed Practice unsafe measures Beware of work fatigue Avoid the use drugs/alcohol on the job Use employee assistance program when possible

Health & Safety in the Workplace Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA) Created in 1970 Requires employer to provide a safe & healthful workplace Enforced by fines and random job checks OSHA guidelines must be posted at job site As an employee if you feel unsafe you may contact OSHA to report your employer (anonymous) Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA) Created in 1970 Requires employer to provide a safe & healthful workplace Enforced by fines and random job checks OSHA guidelines must be posted at job site As an employee if you feel unsafe you may contact OSHA to report your employer (anonymous)

Health & Safety in the Workplace Violent Crime & Worker Safety Avoid apprehending criminals yourself Don’t maintain eye contact Determine height, weight, race, etc. Give them what they ask for. Cooperate. Do not follow robbers outside Identify a vehicle if you can Violent Crime & Worker Safety Avoid apprehending criminals yourself Don’t maintain eye contact Determine height, weight, race, etc. Give them what they ask for. Cooperate. Do not follow robbers outside Identify a vehicle if you can

Health & Safety in the Workplace Stress as a Job Hazard Stress is a strain on persona endurance & feelings and is unique for each of us It frequently spills over into other areas of life and may be difficult to recognize Identify your stress triggers early! Exercise is a great stress reliever Communication can relieve stress Take breaks when you feel it building Stress as a Job Hazard Stress is a strain on persona endurance & feelings and is unique for each of us It frequently spills over into other areas of life and may be difficult to recognize Identify your stress triggers early! Exercise is a great stress reliever Communication can relieve stress Take breaks when you feel it building