Growth of Labor Unions 8.2 Labor Union—An organization of workers that negotiates with employers for better wages and improved working conditions. Development of unions— Long work days Low wages Unsafe working conditions Young children working in factories

Labor Unions 8.2 Knights of Labor—An industrial union that was open to workers from all trades. Offered membership to women/minorities Supported 8 hour work days Wanted to end child labor Ended in early 1900’s when it was no longer supported by the skilled workers.

Labor Unions 8.2 American Federation of Labor—Concentrated efforts to focus on gaining higher wages and better working conditions rather than striving for social changes like the Knights of Labor. Open Shop—Workers do not have to join the union in order to work. Closed Shop—Workers must join the union in order to work at a place.

Labor Unions 8.2 Congress of Industrial Organizations— Sought to organize unskilled workers Members included: United Steel Workers, United Auto Workers, and United Mine Workers. Later the CIO joined forces with the AFL and formed the new union AFL-CIO.

Union Forms of Organization 8.2 Local Unions: Made up of people who work for a particular company or in a particular area. National Unions—Hold more national power and are made up of all the local unions. Provide local members with lawyers and national representation on big issues. Independent Unions—Stand alone unions; Ex. NEA

Unions in Decline 8.2 3 Reasons for Union Decline Employer Opposition Changes in employment patterns Negative public opinion

Reasons for Decline 8.2 1. Employer Opposition—Increased wages mean decreased profits for company owners. Methods of opposition: Show importance of workers—include workers on company management teams, on board of directors. Some companies have moved their businesses from strong union areas to other areas of the country. Some have moved production to other countries.

Changes in Employment Patterns U.S. shift from manufacturing based economy to a service based economy. Negative Public Opinion—Many people feel that union demands for higher wages/benefits have encouraged companies to move their factories outside of the country. Also, some think that unions are corrupt.

Union Responses 8.2 Union Responses: Tried to adopt a more cooperative spirit in dealings with management. Agreed with companies on national issues. Rapidly rising costs of health insurance. --Unions have tried to address new issues of concern for workers; ex. Skill training, career development. --Improving training for union organizers.

Governments and Unions 8.2 Governments responses to unions over time has changed. Laws were passed to protect the rights of workers. Since 1940, legislation has been passed to limit the power of unions.

Unions Exercise What is General Motors/Ford offering to their union factory workers in order to reduce their supply of cars in the U.S.? What does that do to the unions power and dollars in their treasury? See Google– General Motors automobile workers buyouts 1 page paper (double spaced, size 12 type) Due tomorrow