History of Unions in America - Term Paper Example

History of Unions in America Introduction Trade unions constitute formal channels employees in different societies find opportunity to engage their employers on various issues that affect their work and related work conditions. Trade unions in different societies are formed, organized and managed different but one striking similarity that seem to connect all of them irrespective of culture and geography is their ingrained slogan ‘champion for the cause of worker’. Majority of trade unions are formed to pursue collective workplace goals that include workers wages, benefits, work rules, power, working conditions, and many more (Shmoop Editorial Team Para. 1). In America, unions possess along history that in one way or the other can be compared to America’s independence history. Since the formation of first organized union in the early years of 1830, America’s unions have had rough journey, characterized by; struggle, setbacks, falls, and sometimes resistances. For about one and half century, unions in USA have played a great role in defining America’s work environment and how people live, although this role has to be viewed both within lenses of success and failure (Shmoop Editorial Team Para. 2). History of Unions in America Unions in 1700s and early 1800s The history of America’s labor unions is extensive and complex intertwined within the early history of America (American Federation of Government Employees-AFGE Para. 1). The history is first linked to arrival of Europeans on American soil in the early 15th century where the passion for the visitors was to search for economic opportunities. On arrival on the American land, Europeans found bountiful economic opportunities that were unavailable in their home countries and in order to perfectly exploit these opportunities, requests were made to home countries to supply them with craftsmen. Responding to the call of settlers, home countries sent many craftsmen and working people to America and as settlement became more permanent, these craftsmen and working people started to form primitive unions, popularly known as guilds, where majority members were carpenters and cordwainers, cabinet makers and cobblers (American Federation of Government Employees-AFGE Para. 1). The essence of these early primitive guilds centered on restricting competition among tradesmen and establishing and ensuring work standards among craftsmen guided the activities (Chaison p.1). Early unions were victims of multiple employers’ and legal control, restrain and manipulation. One characteristic of these early organizations of unions was that, they did not live long since their goals were largely short-lived like reactions to employers’ attempts to cut wages or reduce job skills. Further, early employers did not give early unions chance to stabilize and grow as they perceived the unions to be illegal conspiracies whose main agenda was just to raise wages far beyond the rates individual workers could accept (Chaison p.2). The notion of illegality of unions became prevalent during this moment especially with the ruling of Cordwainers Conspiracy cases, a situation that saw many unions become moribund and weak. What the ruling meant for many American organizations was that, no formal organization in terms of workers could be recognized in the legal spheres and therefore all activities of agitating for workers interests became illegal. Nevertheless, even with this ruling, the industry growth in many parts of America continued to be witnessed and this led to emergence of numerous challenges and problems for workers. The Period from 1830-1870s The period saw America experience great transformation in terms of numerous reforms in both governance and industry organization. Working conditions in majority of industries was poor and wages were way below employee size of work. Legal battles began between employers and some informal unions, which despite the Conspiracy ruling had constantly struggled to voice the workers needs and problems. Lifeline to unions’ activities was born in Connecticut in 1936 when Thompsonville Capet Manufacturing filed a legal suit against some labor leaders accusing them of causing gross damages to the company by instructing workers not work and subsequently influencing others to follow (Travel and History Blog Para. 5). In the ruling, presiding judge in the Connecticut court acquitted labor leaders when the judge observed that soliciting for combined efforts to agitate for increase in wages did not amount or translate to illegal activities (Travel and History Blog Para. 5). The case and its aftermath ruling formed the basis for future union activities that saw legalization of the ten-hour work Act among many states. The Commonwealth of Connecticut again became pioneer in the struggle for recognition of laborer needs and child labor laws. This was due to landmark legal rule in the Commonwealth vs. Hunt case, in the highest court of Massachusetts. In the ruling, the presiding judge gave unions’ lifeline when decision was made to legally recognize unions and banned use of conspiracy doctrine on unions’ activities (Chaison p.2). At the same time, there was passage of first child labor law in 1836 where ban was put on employment of children aged fifteen years and below (Travel and History Blog Para. 7). Labor organizing started to take place at an accelerated speed and in 1869, there was the formation of Order of the Knights of Labor. The Period 1880s-1920s This was the period for industrial revolution in America. Industry growth was on the rise and demand for work was increasing, as urbanization became the order of the day. Immigration was also at its highest order especially of unskilled laborers to most of USA industrial towns. Working conditions in majority of industries were poor as employers initiated systematic activities of wage reduction, non-improvement of working conditions, and rampant mistreatment of workers (Travel and History Blog Para. 11). As a result, the period was characterized by increased chaos by workers ranging from destructions, burning and sometimes killing of employers. Subsequently, activities of unions continued to increase in major USA cities and industrial centers, where for instance, the subscription number of workers in the Knight of Labor increased especially with recognition and acceptance of African American membership in the organization. Some of the notable Acts that propelled the efforts of trade unions during this period include Antitrust Act of 1914; Adamson Act of 1916; and Workers Compensation Act for Federal Employees (Travel and History Blog Para. 12). The Period 1930s -1970s This was the period characterized by the world wars and majority of white workers were mobilized and sent to fight. As a result of this, many women, African Americans and minorities became faces of industrial labor in major American cities. The activities of labor unions became more pronounced especially with Supreme Court ruling on the irrelevance of Clayton Act. Depression affected many workers during this period but unions did not relent in their struggles and activities. Some notable aspects of the period include workers sit-down strike strategy, which led to majority of companies in diverse field to recognize unions and integrate them in decision-making for solutions (Brenner, Day, and Ness p.232). In addition, major achievement of the period included enactment of Public Contract Act, Fair Labor Standards Act of 1937, Equal Pay Act and Civil Rights Acts legislated and enacted in 1960s. The Period of 1980s and beyond The period is largely characterized by increased economic hardship for majority of households, reduced industry growth and widening economic gap between African American and white Americans workers. Unemployment is drastically high with job strain being further made worse by increased immigrants in major industrial cities of USA. As a result, there is increase tendency for low-paying jobs, employers preferring immigrants and unskilled laborers who demand less as compared to natives. At the same time, presence of women in job market continue to increase and the role of modern unions is based on agitating for improved working conditions that include provision for maternal leave, increase funding for day care facilities, and also legislation of laws that make it possible for child-care costs to be made tax deductible (Travel and History Blog Para. 13). The position of Unions in modern America A bleak picture is what majority of authors have adopted to define modern American unions given their shrinking nature and less workers become members to these unions and struggle for power between management and union leaders continue (Schramm pp.1-2). For the last fifty years, activities of unions in America have suffocated although at this moment it will be great injustice to declare death of union in the country. For instance, it is estimated that less than 13% of American workers today belong to unions and when government employees are subtracted then the figure is likely to be much lower (Schramm p.2). As a result of this inadequacy in membership, American unions of the 21st century are regarded to wield less power when compared to their counterparts of 1920s (Paarlberg p.1). Different reasons have been identified as to why modern day unions are waning in influence and power and one such reasons has to do with increasing tendencies by employers to make their businesses free from union activities (Miller Para. 17). Majority of companies and organizations today have devised safe-evasion strategies to avoid unionization of their employees and such safe nets of evasion include use of legal strategies to evade unions and appointment of employees to company boards, accompanied with increased rewards systems for employees (Miller Para. 17). Changing economic situations in the modern world constitute another area putting pressure on unions and reduce their influence. Poor economic situation for many households has made it impossible for agitations of increased wages become a frequent thing for unions to do. This aspect is further reinforced by increasing tendencies of modern workers to shun and be wary of unions as they tend to safe guard their jobs even with low wages. This phenomenon is predominantly among young employees and women who regard unions’ activities to be irrelevant especially given their desire to remain in employment (Miller Para. 17). As a result, many unions have large membership of employees who are either retiring or about to retire and who exhibit little enthusiasm in union activities. Another reason is framed on the idea that unions have been victims of fall as a result of their success. There exist paradox in this statement but the essence in the statement is that, when unions successful led to increase in wages, companies’ production costs increased. When production costs skyrocketed, products prices were increased, a situation that resulted in less sales as more foreign cheap goods were preferred and this led to majority of companies to downsize their labor. With workers loosing employment, unions’ membership declined and there was no immediate replacement, a situation that has continued to characterize unions since then. Unions have therefore suffered from continued attrition of employees while at same time no replacements are being realized. The other reason has to do with increasing adoption of technology in majority of companies and making lower ranking jobs irrelevant. Given that unions for a long time have benefited from members of junior ranked employees, the scenario is changing in the face of modern technology and more people-young and educated become attracted to white-collar jobs where union activities are scarce and not easily embraced (Miller par. 17). What is the future of Unions in America? Earlier it was established that two schools of thoughts exist in America today concerning the role of unions. What should be remembered is that eulogy of unions at the moment is immature and indeed unwelcome. It has been observed that the future of unions however bleak and unpromising it might be, there is no any likelihood that unions will vanish from the American societies. Today there are sections of society’s economic aspects where presence of union activities remains viable and strong. For instance, the following certain areas are still perceived to exhibit presence of unions: auto industry, public education, print journalism, and politics (Shmoop Editorial Team Para. 5). In the auto industry, for instance, at the General Motors, the presence of union is strong, an aspect that is perceives to contribute to problems facing General Motors. For example, many workers of the company are members of United Auto Workers and some of the negotiated agreements between the union and the company concerning workers benefits and conditions have become problem for the company to fulfill (par. 6). The economic hardship facing companies in 21st century has led to many analysts to suggest to the United Auto Workers Union to revise some of its agreements with the company to ensure continuity and growth of the company and as a way of establishing good future working and cooperation relations. Another area union still exert influence is among USA teachers. Observation made that as unionization of employees in private sector continue to decline, there is increasing unionization of public employees (Shmoop Editorial Team par. 6). At the moment, it has been established that America’s teachers union wild immense powers that are used positively and negatively especially in influencing America’s educational system. Although presence of union in education sector is pronounced greater than in other sectors, it is perceived that little has been achieved in agitating for more reforms in the education sector by the union. There is much to be done in the America’s educational system in terms of improvement and beneficial reforms, which calls for participation of union in ensuring American child, and teacher reaps maximum benefits from an improved educational system. At the same time, activities of unions are still much alive in newsroom (print journalism). Many journalists in America are proud members of a union that remains thorn in the flesh of many media employers. Just like any other sectors, economic hardships have not spared to the print journalism field as more media houses and institutions grapple with need to cut on cost while remain sustainable and viable in economic hardships. As a result, union activities has sometimes collided with interest of employers threatening security of some employees but also putting media houses at crossroad of either reducing workforce or succumbing to competitors. Therefore, the act of balancing has not been easy and it is from this aspect it is recommended that union activities in this sector should integrate interests of both stakeholders with less attempts to pinch one stakeholder over the others. Therefore, the future for union in activities in America will still be present and active although the stamina of yester years may not be evident. This will require unions in identified sectors to remain adaptive of modern day changes and dynamics in order to remain relevant. Conclusion Today, influential perception among many people is that unions’ stamina and arsenic power that has characterized it for a long time continue to wax and wane given the bloody struggle for power in the places of work. Moreover, unions’ status in the lives of Americans remains unstable and this has to do with Americans ‘love-hate’ attitude towards unions. As a result, today in America, there exists two schools of thoughts concerning fate of unions: those who consider unions to be the avenue for liberation and empowerment of American worker, and those who perceive unions to be the obstacle to development and progress in modern world (Shmoop Editorial Team par. 1). Nevertheless, great strides have been made and American society today is what it is as a result of early pioneers in the field of labor unions. Since the establishment of first unions in late 1870s and subsequently establishment of unions in 1900s, much time has elapsed and fortunes have changed greatly which in turn translates that unions cannot remain static but rather need to be dynamic. Modern day financial crises, economic underperformance, and globalization of the world have all combined to influence activities of unions and today the gusto, which 1920s unions had, is slowly dying. Therefore, what is important is for new modern unions to realize the essence of changing times, remain dynamic, integrate more stakeholders, and adopt more take-give approaches in their negotiation for workers benefits. Works Cited American Federation of Government Employees-AFGE. “Early history of labor unions in America”. National Council 238 of EPA locals. 2007. 15 October 2011. http://www.afgecouncil238.org/history/early-union-history Brenner, Aaron, Day, Benjamin & Ness, Immanuel. The encyclopedia of strikes in American history. NY: M.E. Sharpe, 2009. 15 October 2011. http://books.google.com/books?id=EHzk54IjNpEC&pg=PA232&dq=history+of+Unions+in+America&hl=en&ei=pQSZTpjTO8qyhAfIk72KBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAjgK#v=onepage&q=history%20of%20Unions%20in%20America&f=false Chaison, Gary. N. Unions in America. NY: SAGE, 2006. 15 October 2011. http://books.google.com/books?id=3MFpA4d1QnUC&pg=PA1&dq=history+of+Unions+in+America&hl=en&ei=oaaYTqqIAoezhAel-aWfBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=history%20of%20Unions%20in%20America&f=false Miller, David. “The labor union movement in America.” Social Studies Help Center. 2001. 15 October 2011. http://www.socialstudieshelp.com/Eco_Unionization.htm Paarlberg, Michael. “Organized labor’s bleak future.” The Guardian, 29 March 2011. 15 October 2011. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/mar/29/us-unions-ohio Shramm, Jennifer. “The Future of Unions”. The Workplace Visions, no 4, 2005. 15 October 2011. http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:KwylaxYf56cJ:www.shrm.org/Research/FutureWorkplaceTrends/Documents/Visions1005.pdf+future+of+labor+unions+in+USA&hl=en&gl=ke&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShcCJ1RGJMO2Zh76vJsVJpXuuhomN00jbzgV7hoptZzPggkXBRzwh7qzGGu6EVvEPrRh1U44xYIAGv-DhEEgxe9Oi_d_vMzuDvSrlEpvGuTdpb_doJqOy1gCuv07HvKxoFFPx8m&sig=AHIEtbRCczXEUM9C4CW1AqNMFElMTS5SRA Shmoop Editorial Team. “History of Labor Unions”. Shmoop University, Inc., 11 November 2008. 15 October 2011. http://www.shmoop.com/history-labor-unions/ Travel and History Blog. “United States History: The beginning of the American labor movement”. N.d. 15 October 2011. http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1678.html Read More