5 Labor Unions & Workers’ Rights
Jessica Dunker
Labor Unions & Workers’ Rights (required)
Labor Unions have a long history in the U.S., primarily due to the Industrial Revolution and the lack of government oversight or regulation of ethical business practices. Labor Unions continue to overcome the challenges and issues that persist, despite the movement’s major gains.
Watch this video to learn more about labor unions.
Considering what the Labor Unions fought against, it is a shame to know that many Americans are still living this way a century later.
Today, people are working several part-time gigs, or a full-time gig and a part-time gig for extra money. The absurdity of this living standard has overwhelmed the nation and its most vulnerable communities. Individuals and families are struggling financially, and it is not for a lack of effort.
Directions: Read the following article to learn more about the current realities for unions nationwide.
Rosalsky, Greg. “You May Have Heard of the ‘Union Boom.’ The Numbers Tell a Different Story.” NPR, 28 Feb. 2023.
Discuss & Reflect:
- What are some of the major reasons for the decline in union enrollment?
- What companies were listed that are new to unionizing?
- How have “Right to Work” laws affected unions in specific states?
- Which industries seem to be “shrinking” in size?
- How does “high turnover” affect unions?
- How are unions in other countries operating? What’s different?