Category: History

The History of Unions in America

• Facebook
• Goodreads
• Instagram

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The History of Unions in America

Unions– love them, hate them– they’re an integral part of our labor history in America. And they’ve been in the news a lot recently. Between the fights with teacher unions and return to school plans last year to now Starbucks and Amazon locations voting to unionize– there are a lot of big feelings on this topic. But why is it so controversial?

Some Background History of Unions in America

The early forms of unions were craft guilds or mutual aid organizations working to protect workplace entry and conditions for skilled artisans. It didn’t raise too much resistance because these artisans were small in number as were the organizations who hired them. It wasn’t until industrialization that more of a gap between the workforce and employers came to be. Soon, workers began to see a threat emerging against both their wage and status.

The mid to late 1800s became a violent time in labor history. Unions utilized general strikes and rallied for standards like an eight-hour work day and livable wages. However, big businesses were heavily involved in government and local law enforcement as well as cohesive in supporting their own common interests. It was also socially accepted for employers to use brutal violence against striking workers. Therefore they succeeded in limiting the growth of trade unions and quashing most of their efforts at the time.

The turn of the century brought a new approach to union efforts. The American Federation of Labor was founded with the belief that individual unions were too fragmented to withstand the violence orchestrated against them. Instead, they recruited unions to band together under one large organization. Under AFL support, they were able to withstand the onslaught of retaliation from employers with unemployment pay and benefits.

The National Civic Federation (NFL) went one step further and brought leaders from both the trade unions and corporations together. Their explicit goal was diplomacy and with them the premise of collective bargaining was born.

Where the Controversy Comes In

On paper, unions appear to be entirely altruistic and no-brainers. However, as with everything in life– nothing is that simple. With larger organizations there are compromises in the name of the greater good at the expense of the individual. There are also politics that come into play.

Over the years, workers have rebelled against the idea of wages being garnished to support the union for what they felt was little return for their own individual benefits. Right to work laws came into play to support worker’s individual choice to opt out of union protection.

But on the other side, is it fair for a worker to be forced to choose between their safety, health or newborn infant and their paycheck? Or for an employer to mislabel a worker as an independent contractor to avoid paying benefits and taxes?

Just as the girls in the Triangle were fighting against the injustice railed against them– there are still many employees in this country with the deck stacked against them. Whatever the answer is– unionizing, legislation, or consumer support against corporations– we must be aware. The job is not done. Support is still needed– the fight for Worker’s Rights is far from over.

Enjoy this post? Here are more reads you might like:

Privacy Policy

Workplace Safety- What have we learned since the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire?

• Facebook
• Goodreads
• Instagram

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why do we still need to discuss the importance of workplace safety? Let’s examine how it’s still an issue today!

Current workplace safety statistics

I’d love to say US workplaces are safer today than they were the time of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. However, that’s not necessarily the case. Yes, there are more safety protocols and inspections, but workplace safety is still a very valid concern.The U.S. ranks in the top 30 of countries with the most fatal workplace incidents each year. This is higher than most developed countries.

In general, U.S. fatal workplace injuries are steadily increasing and are at their highest in years. In 2023, there were 5,283 fatal work injuries recorded. This equates to a 3.5% fatal occupational injury rate for every 100,000 workers!

To illustrate- that is the equivalent of one worker dying every 99 minutes!

OSHA reports an average of 200 workplace fires per day, with more than 5,000 people injured by workplace fires a year. The current death toll due to fires and explosions in the workplace is an average of 200 deaths per year. And that is not necessarily in professions expected to be working with those elements.Then there are also accidents, falls, slips, violent acts, etc. These statistics come largely from incidents on construction sites, transportation workers, factories etc., and most are entirely preventable.

Child labor violations are also on the rise!

Since 2018 the US has seen a 69% increase in illegal child labor. In 2015, the lowest point in data, the Wage and Hour Division found 1,012 minors employed in violation of child labor laws in the U.S. In 2024, that number has almost quadrupled to 4,030! In addition to the numbers, the concern is investigators are finding a rising number of children working in dangerous jobs like meatpacking plants, loading docks and metal shops.

Workers’ Financial Concerns

A significant number of workers are also struggling to make ends meet, with many unable to afford basic living expenses. Concerns are high regarding increasing costs and salaries failing to keep up with inflation. There are also major concerns about job security with many employees fearful of rising layoffs. Workers’ mental health is deteriorating with nearly half (47%) identifying work stress as their primary trigger.

What should we do with this information?

We start by identifying and talking about it. One of the biggest issues is a lack of knowledge. We think it’s 2025, that can’t possibly still be happening. And yet, it most definitely is.

We then must examine solutions. Labor Unions were steadily declining in past decades, but since Covid that’s changed. They are now at the highest in favorability ratings since the 1950s with 70% of Americans currently approving of labor unions. As of 2024, one in six Americans live in a union household. When asked why members are joining, the top answers are better pay and benefits and employee rights and safety.

Things We ALL Can Do to Help

Buy from Unionized Shops– Unionized Stores and Union-made products means workers have more power over their pay, safety and other important issues. While no union is perfect, supporting unions provides workers with a better way to balance power for their protection and rights. If you are curious about whether a store or chain is unionized, a simple Google search can most likely help you find out.

Support Union Efforts– When unions go on strike, listen to them and support them with your wallet. Whether it’s local or a national company, avoid crossing a picket line when you can. That means going into a place that has striking workers and spending your money there. This sends a message that you disagree with the workers’ demands.

Share Information– When you hear about a worker strike or a petition to improve conditions, share that information with others. Use social media to share posts or bring it up in conversation. Many people do not know about these issues and sharing this information will help support workers. You can find out about ongoing strikes and protests HERE. You might think they’re not happening, but there are 46 labor actions listed so far in 2025 alone.

Recognize Workers’ Memorial Day on April 28th. This is an annual international day of remembrance for workers who have been killed or injured on the job.There are many organizations who host memorials and ceremonies. This is also a great time to participate in social media campaigns. You can also participate in the National Security Council’s Safe at Work pledge which sheds a light on both preventable accidents and the increase in homicides and suicides in the workplace.

Workplace Future

As we discuss the future, these issues of worker’s rights, well-being and safety need to come to the forefront.We need to educate others about these worker concerns and channel those brave garment workers to stand up for change today!

Continue to learn about history with these posts:

Privacy Policy