Labor Unions

Labor Union A labor union is an organized group of workers whose aim is to improve working conditions, hours, wages and fringe benefits. Labor Unions can help you as a worker, because they can engage in collective bargaining for better working conditions and pay. (One of the key goals of unions is to get wage increases for their members)

Labor Union Labor unions arose largely in response to changes brought by the Industrial Revolution in the early and mid 1800’s. Manufacturing brought a new type of occupation to America: the factory job.

Labor Union Strike – an organized work stoppage intended to force an employer to address union demands. In a market economy consumers have more power.

Governmental Regulations Federal and State agencies regulate industries whose goods services affect the well being of the public.

Regulation & Deregulation Deregulation : The government can no longer decide what role each company can play in a market and how much it can charge its customers. Supporters say it makes the economy more productive and efficient.

Fair Labor Standards Act In 1938, this law created a minimum wage – the lowest amount employers could lawfully pay for most types of work and required employers to pay for work beyond 40 hours a week.

Month/YearMinimum Hourly Wage ($) October October October January March September September February February May January January January January January January April April October September

Equal Pay Act of 1963 required that male and female employees in the same workplace performing the same job receive the same pay.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited job discrimination on the basis of race, gender, color, religion or nationality. The Civil Rights Act also created the Equal Opportunity Commission to enforce the law’s provisions.

Affirmative Action A set of public policies & initiatives designed to help eliminate past and present discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Due to the 14 th amendment (guarantee of equal protection) the government has a duty to fight discrimination.

Affirmative Action Affirmative Action provides advantages for people of a minority group who are seen to have traditionally been discriminated against, with the aim of creating a more egalitarian society. This consists of preferential access to education, employment, health care or social welfare.

Environmental Protection Agency Created in 1970, enacts policies to protect human health and the natural environment. Monitors things such as pollution levels from industries

Workplace Safety Congress passed the Occupation Safety and Health Act (OSHA) in Required employers to provide workplaces free from serious recognized hazards and to comply with occupational safety & health standards as well as health information and training.

Consumer Protection Bureau of Consumer Protection protects consumers against unfair, deceptive or fraudulent practices. Examples: Warning labels on tobacco products and alcohol Labels on packages must include information about safe operation of equipment or expiration dates of perishables.

Labor Disputes Due to historical abuses b y corporations, the government protects workers from unsafe working conditions. Department of Labor: requires employers to provide safety equipment Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services: helps to resolve labor and management conflicts.