1. A Summary of Labor Unions Mr. Way, Economics, 4-9-12

2. Colonial Times-1800 European style “guilds” for several industries. For others, Union-like activity was a spontaneous decision among large groups of individual laborers. The first recorded strike was by newspaper printers in 1786.

3. Early 1800s Unions developed standard tactics for achieving concessions: –Strike with picket lines until demands are met –Violence against “scabs” –“Closed shop” rules Many saw unions as illegal price manipulators, for colluding on the price of labor. However, the authorities often condoned union activity for political expediency.

4. Mid 1800s In 1842, Commonwealth v. Hunt firmly established the right of Unions to organize and protest In 1848, Karl Marx published the Communist Manifesto, with profound impacts on labor issues. Some unions called for radical societal change. Others wanted to work within the system.

5. Late 1800s Americans distrusted Marxism, so radical unions lost to “business unionism” “Business unionism” says that unions will work within capitalism to help workers. 1881, Samuel Gompers created the American Federation of Labor (AFL), which was a coalition of unions 1880-90s, many states barred employers from firing workers for joining a Union.

6. Early 1900s During WWI, the government began actively supporting Unions. Under government sponsorship, membership rose to 12% of labor force. Companies that refused unions were seized by the government.

7. 1920s Government stopped encouraging unionism, so membership dropped. However, gov’t did enforce collective bargaining on railroads nationwide. Created Interstate Commerce Commission, a gov’t agency that set prices based on “costs” Gov’t first directly involved in union/business disputes.

8. 1930s No “no-union” contracts Limited liability for crimes committed during strikes No suing a union for losses during negotiations. Created standard rules for Union leadership Equal pay for equal work Even non-members must pay Union dues National minimum wage + overtime

9. Post-WWII -Bad time for unions: -“Right-to-work” laws first appear. -Limitations on union donations to politicians. -End of “secondary strikes” -Secret elections for unions -New restrictions on operations of unions.

10. Public-Sector Unions Prior to 1962, government workers were not allowed to be in Unions; society needs their services, so can’t strike. After 1962, public sector unions were allowed, and they rapidly became extremely large and powerful. Public-sector unions remain the most powerful unions today.

11. Summary questions: 1.What things did Unions do that were illegal? 2.What is a “scab” and how do they harm Union goals? 3.What are some of the most important achievements of Unions? 4.Do you think Unions are still necessary?