LABOR UNIONS

A trade union, or as it is sometimes called a labor
union, is when a group of workers band together to
achieve goals related to their job. Trade Unions are
often in the news, especially when they are striking or
picketing. However, many people do not know the
history behind these organizations, what they do for
members and the pros and cons of trade unions.
Trade unions originated in Europe during the industrial
revolution. Because of the machinery that had become
commonplace, skilled labor became less in demand so
employers had nearly all of the bargaining power.
Employers mistreated the workers and paid them too
little for the work they did. Trade unions were organized
that would help in the improvement of working
conditions.
The concept of the trade union has evolved over the last
one hundred years, but the underlying concept is the
same. Union members want their employers to treat
them with respect and pay them a fair wage. During the
early and middle portions of the twentieth century,
laborers were a major force in America and around the
world. They have lost some of their influence in the past
few decades, mainly because of financial struggles.
The largest union organization in the United States
today is AFL-CIO, which has millions of members
across the country. What do trade unions do for their
members? It varies from union to union, and not every
union will offer every type of benefit. Unemployment
benefits and insurance are very common benefits and
are useful to members in many industries. Collective
bargaining and industrial action allow members to
negotiate with their employers over wages and working
conditions. A final activity that many unions participate
in is supporting candidates or lobbying for laws to be
passed or repealed.
Public Opinion – Labor Union Debate
With everything the media says about unions, one may
wonder if they are good for our economy and business
in the United States, or if they cause more harm than
good. This is a very good question, and there is no
simple answer. Unions can help workers in industries
that are regularly underpaid or mistreated. With a union,
workers do not have to worry that employers will
drastically cut pay or lay off worker with no notice. But,
with all of these benefits come some risk, and these
risks are what cause criticism of unions by the media.
Unions take the power out of the employer's hands on
many issues. There are examples of cases where
workers were engaging in sexual or racial harassment,
but were protected by their unions and allowed to keep
their jobs. Poor workers and excellent workers often
receive the same pay and raises, giving no reason for a
person to work harder than necessary at their job.
Unions can make workplace politics even more
complicated. There are a lot of issues to consider when
you look at unions. They will likely have a place in
certain industries for quite some time; however, they will
likely never reach the numbers and influence they held
in the early part of the twentieth century.