A summary of why an organization, such as unions, was needed in the 20th century

Question

A summary of why an organization, such as unions, was needed in the 20th century. Why did employees seek the protection of a union in the 1930s? What part did the National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Acct) play in union organizing? What were some major union highlights – needed to show you have a good understanding of the creation of unions? After your research, do you feel that employees still need unions in the workplace? If YES, explain why and if NO, explain why. Be specific in your response – use data from academic sources and news outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, New York Times, etc. Make sure that your sources have authors - and please don't use any sources that are for or against unions. Verify that the reporting is objective.

Explanation / Answer

Employees sought the protection of a union in the 1930s mainly due to the aftermath and the consequences of the Great Depression. Great Depression led to low wages, poor working conditions and lack of security for the workers. All these developments upset the workers and hence they sought the protection of a union to protect their common interests.

The National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) played an important role in union organizing. This act was passed in the year 1935 by President Roosevelt and the act gave the workers the right to join unions. The act also gave the workers the right to engage in collective bargaining through their union representatives.

Some major union highlights were – protection of collective interests of the workers. The primary elements of the collective interests of workers are guarantee of a minimum wage and increased income, improved working conditions, resolution of disputes, and provision of education and training.

No, I do not think employees still need unions in the workplace. This is because the labor market has become highly dynamic and as a consequence only 11% of the U.S. workers are now a part of a union. The Union’s ability to affect the wages of nonunion workers is negligible now. Secondly unions no longer are able to counteract racial inequality. This has been the case since unions fell into sharp decline since 1970s in the private sector. Thirdly unions are no longer able to provide a political voice to lower-income Americans.

My sources:

1. Freeman, R., and J. Medoff. What Do Unions Do? New York: Basic Books, 1984.

2. Lawler, John. J. Unionization and Deunionization: Strategy, Tactics, and Outcomes. Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina Press, 1990.

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