1. The Changing Labor Market of the USA
Labor Unions
The Changing Labor Market of the USA

2. What do workers deserve?
Rights?
What do workers deserve?

3. Union Reading

4. History of Labor Unions
Industrial Revolution (late 1800’s) led to abuse of workers
Child labor, dangerous working conditions & long hours were common
They eventually formed unions to gain power in negotiations (leverage)

5. Decline of Labor Unions
Union membership has been falling since 1950
1953 peak of 35% of labor force
2006 dropped to 12% of labor force

6. 2009: More Government Unions workers than Private
Gov’t = 52%

7. Government

8. Worksheet Questions
Reasons to Join
Reasons to NOT Join

9. Union: Pay & Job Security
Worker Pay & job security based on Seniority
Seniority is the # years worked for company
Merit is often not considered in pay
Working hard is not necessarily rewarded

10. Working for a Union

11. American Airlines & Unions