The Past, Present and Future of Labor Unions Essay

ABSTRACT: Labor Unions have become an important factor in our industries. For many years, labor unions have served as the main voice of the workers to their employers. The continuous effort of labor unions in helping the laborers ensure their rights in their jobs, acquire all the benefits they need and to eliminate the injustice experienced by workers in their workplace is still an ongoing process. In order to understand labor unions in general, knowing the roots of it is the best way to start. In this paper, the progress of the labor unions throughout history, the issues faced the developments it achieved, laws passed and the problem faced by today’s unions will be tackled. Table of Contents I.†¦show more content†¦By following the chronological timeline of how unions emerge and develop into what they have become today, it is easier to understand its concept of unions and the problems it faced during the era of modern industries. Looking up where unions actually originated can be traced back to the early history of America. Throughout time, unions did their best in acquiring the rights needed by their members and having a power in the workplace. The events that labor unions have participated and contributed a lot in the history of the United States. The first workers who fought for their rights did play a very important role in America’s fight for independence. Carpenters disguised as Mohawk Indians were the active participants at the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Also, the Declaration of Independence was signed by the Continental Congress who met in Carpenters Hall in Philadelphia during 1776. In 1827, the Mechanics’ Union of Trade Associations was formed by several trade unions in Philadelphia, which is said to be the first U.S labor organization that united workers in different crafts.1 The first nationwide federation called the National Trades Unions was founded in 1834 but was short lived becau se of the economic crisis of 1837 and the resulting depression, which led to a drastic loss in union membership. After the Civil War, large enterprises were developed, which employed thousands of workers, resulting in an increase inShow MoreRelatedLabor Unions : Past, Present And Future State1923 Words   |  8 PagesLabor Unions: Past, Present and Future State. Labor Unions were and still are an essential element in today’s businesses. In earlier years, labor unions aided employees by serving as the main voice to their employer. 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