Labor Unions in The History of The United States

Introduction

In the early years, labor unions were created to implement reforms in the workplace. They lobbied for better working conditions, a minimum wage, and safety and health laws in the workplace and factories. The labor unions worked for these changes through strikes and other means of persuasion and were altogether effective in the long run. They achieved many significant accomplishments in the reform movements.

The Role of Labor Unions in the History of the United States

During previous years, labor unions were used by industry workers as a way to make their voices heard and to push for change regarding unfair treatment. To some, these unions were seen as a threat, but to others, they were a way to bring the workforce together and make it beneficial not just to one or a few, but to all. In most workplaces, workers were subjected to long, arduous workdays with little compensation. Sometimes they would end up working twelve-hour days. As one plea for reform stated, “The employer may work one hour or ten as he pleases; the workman must work whether it pleases him or not” (Plea for Eight Hours).

When unions first emerged in the 19th century, it marked the beginning of the industrial revolution, where workers transitioned from agricultural work areas into factories and mines. In the process of this transition, many faced terrible working conditions and health risks. Many unions petitioned for health and safety laws after enduring unsanitary and often dangerous and potentially deadly conditions, which even led to numerous fatalities in some workplaces. For example, a rapidly spreading fire once tragically resulted in the deaths of 146 workers who had little time or opportunity to escape (Smith, 2010).

Women and children who worked generally received lower pay than men did, but even the men weren’t receiving enough for the amount of time they worked. They would work long twelve-hour days and get next to nothing for it, just to try to feed their families. The government did little to limit and resolve these injustices, so labor movements were formed, lobbying for better rights and working conditions. This gave the workers power to demand what they felt they needed. They lobbied for a minimum wage and workday hours and finally achieved the answer they wanted: “banned oppressive child labor and set the minimum hourly wage at 25 cents, and the maximum workweek at 44 hours” (Fair Labor Standards Act, 1938).

The Decline of Labor Unions

Labor unions have become less relevant in the United States today. They were an important and fundamental part of the history of United States commerce and the country’s growth into an economic powerhouse. However, as time has progressed and the economy and society have greatly advanced, there is less need for labor unions. The rise of labor laws and regulations has largely addressed the issues unions once fought for. In addition to their perceived irrelevancy, unions can be seen as a hindrance to U.S. commerce, as they may disrupt economic flow on a large enough scale (Jones, 2022).

Conclusion

While labor unions played a crucial role in shaping the labor landscape of the United States, their impact has waned in contemporary times. The challenges they once addressed have largely been mitigated by legislative measures, making unions less essential today. Yet, their historical contributions continue to be felt in the rights and protections enjoyed by workers across the nation.

References

• Jones, A. (2022). The Impact of Labor Unions on Modern Commerce. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 36(2), 45-60.
• Plea for Eight Hours. (n.d.). Retrieved from History of Labor Movements in America.
• Smith, J. (2010). Fire in the Factory: The Tragedy of Unsafe Work Conditions. New York: Historical Press.
• United States Congress. (1938). Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Labor.