1. Labor Unions Great Depression

2. What are they and why were they formed? Labor Unions are organizations formed by employees with the intent to protect workers from being taken advantage of by their employers. Employees were tired of poor working conditions and knew that individually they had no power, but together they could influence their bosses.

3. Sit-Down Strike One of the first occurred in Flint, December 30 th, 1936 at the General Motors (GM) Plant. The UAW (United Auto Workers) was afraid that GM would close the plant and open a new plant where the Union was not as strong. Workers stayed in plants for the strike so no new workers could come in. Women organized first aid stations and child care to assist striking workers. http://www.sos.state.mi.us/history/museum/explore/museums/hismus/1900-75/depressn/laborun.html

4. Labor Union is Formally Recognized On March 12 th, 1937, GM recognized the UAW (United Auto Workers) as the official bargaining agent for the employees. As a result of the success of the UAW, other unions grew and spread across the country. http://school.phippy.com/uniongrowth/what_a_union_is.html