The rise of modern trade unionism in America - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages... A labor union or a trade union refers to a body that represents workers. Through the leadership of the union, negotiations and bargains take place with the employer on behalf of the employees who in this case are the members of the union. The negotiations are mainly on rules that govern the employee, working conditions; bargain on wages and workplace policy on employee safety among others.In the history of America, the gilded age is a term used to refer to the exceptional polarization of wealth and wastage of the same by the upper class of people in the US after the civil war. This is precisely the period between the 1870s and the 1890s.This polarization of wealth resulted from the expansion of both the population and industries in the United States, (Arthur M. 2000).During this period, there was an extremely rapid growth in small factories mines, stores and other corporations. There was also diversity in race due to the increased immigration rates. The growth in businesses inflated immigration due to the availability of employment opportunities. The wealthy entrepreneurs established corporations, enterprises and major businesses.The gilded age was largely characterized by massive industrial growth. The productivity of American manufacturing was way beyond that of France, Germany, And the Great Britain. The mileage of Railroad grew three times more for the period between 1860 and 1880.The setting up of new areas for the purposes of business farming contributed to the creation of a marketplace that was national. It also inspired a boom in the mining of coal and production of steel.
The large desire for capital made it possible for the consolidation of America's financial markets. By the year 1900, economic focus had spread to most of the other ranches of industrialization. Large corporates were dominant in the agriculture and industrial sectors of the economy. The steel industry was also up and coming.
There was an increase in the mechanization of the industries and this largely marked the Gilded Age as a cheaper alternative to creating more products. At this time it was recommended that efficiency was sought through the use of machinery rather than workers in order to contribute to fewer motions in a shorter duration of time. The redesign lead to acceleration in the speed of the machinery in the various factories while at the same time increasing the output of the factories and reducing the factory requirements for labor that was skilled, (Fine, Sidney, 1996).
The mechanization rendered the unskilled laborers not busy. They were commonly involved in the repetitive and simple tasks with the guidance of an engineer and a foreman who was skilled. The rates of wages increased by the day and so did the numbers of both the skilled and unskilled laborers. Colleges for engineering related courses were added I numbers to meet the demand of expertise and skilled labor force.
This turn of events and the massive industrialization contributed to the setting up of a diverse working class that created the wealth that was amassed by the up coming financiers and industrialists. These wealthy industrialists more often than not influenced the business process or even carried out unethical financial manipulations. Due to their unbecoming behavior in financial manipulation, these wealthy industrialists were popularly known as the robber barons, (Smythe, Ted C.; 2003).
During this time, there was a minor labor movement that was established by the name of American Federation of labor, (FLA).This movement was however politically involved and featured close associates of the democrats and republicans. Almost all the eligible people into this movement were ...Download file to see next pagesRead More