Do you believe there was a strong need for unions during this period?
Yes, indeed there was a strong need for unions back in the early 1900s. During this time, workers were mistreated and unfairly fired. The working conditions were poor, and employers maintained all-time low pay. However, unions combined efforts with labor advocates to remedy all these poor working conditions. In fact, the unions greatly influenced laws securing better working conditions, employee protection and pay. The unions were also instrumental in ending the rampant issue of child labor in most industries (SNHU COCE Assistive Technology, 2016).
Does the same need exist today?
Unions are not outdated; in fact, they are needed as much today than ever. It is obvious that unions have allowed us to have better working conditions than it was back in the 1900s. Unions have been and are still a vital force for democracy in the society (SNHU COCE Assistive Technology, 2015). They do not only guarantee this democracy in the workplace but also in the entire community, locally, nationally and globally. Because of the unions, democracy works better today. They continue to play a pivotal part in pressing for better environmental, economic and social policies through political actions and coalitions with other institutions who share common goals (Riccucci, 2007).
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What has changed over time that has affected the role of unions in society?
Over time, we have seen employers shed the responsibility of giving good pension coverage, health insurance, job safety protections and reasonable work hours. Some of the changes still make trade unions much needed in the society. Moreover, employers are busy making employees’ incomes and jobs less secure via part-time, downsizing, offshoring jobs and contracting out jobs (SNHU COCE Assistive Technology, 2017). The changing nature of work means that employees require the collective bargaining power and voice of unions to prevent employers from making the workplace look as it did in the 19 th century. Labor unions played an important role in the past, and they still do today and even in the future. The working people deserve the collective power, representation, fair treatment and pride in work in the workplace (University of Wharton., n.d).
References
SNHU COCE Assistive Technology (2017). OL-318: Origins of the Labor Movement CC. YouTube. Retrieved on Mar. 3 2017 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5yBldDvJ_s
University of Wharton. (n.d). State of the Unions: What It Means for Workers — and Everyone Else. Retrieved on Mar. 3, 2017 from http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/state-of-the-unions-what-it-means-for-workers-and-everyone-else/
Riccucci, N. M. (2007). The Changing Face of Public Employee Unionism. Review of Public Personnel Administration , 27 (1), pp. 71–78. Retrieved on Mar. 3, 2017 from http://journals.sagepub.com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/doi/pdf/10.1177/0734371X06290967
SNHU COCE Assistive Technology (2015). OL-318: 1930's GM Sit-Down Strike CC. YouTube. Retrieved on Mar. 3, 2017 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t0M7KsRE5c
SNHU COCE Assistive Technology (2016). OL-318 Module 1 Homestead Strike CC. YouTube. Retrieved on Mar. 3, 2017 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwGo8yWwJJs
