POWER IN THE HANDS OF THE EMPLOYEE
THE HISTORY OF LABOR UNIONS AND HOW THEY HELP WORKERS GET AHEAD TODAY
Labor unions have been instrumental in guaranteeing fair wages and safe working conditions for employees of countless industries for many years. Many of the fair labor laws we enjoy today came about as a result of negotiations with unions. And, while today’s working conditions still aren’t always fair, unions remain an important player in that ongoing struggle. A labor union is a group of workers who come together to make decisions about their workplace and how to improve conditions for employees. While workers have formed unions to protect their rights and negotiate for fairer working conditions since just after the American Revolution, unions did not gain serious followings until the Industrial Revolution in the 1860s. A vast influx of immigrants to the United States in the latter half of the 19th century dropped the price of labor, and workers’ pay and working conditions suffered as a result. In the first half of the 20th century, particularly during World War I and the Great Depression, labor unions gained prominence in the workforce. They organized strikes and protests against big, private businesses during this time, which made Congress more sympathetic to the plight of workers, and they became a controlling force in the economy during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Even though some say labor unions aren’t as influential now, unionization continues to be an important tool for employees to get the rights and wages they deserve. Today, 14 million workers throughout the United States are members of over 60 different unions: electricians, elevator mechanics, plumbers,
steamfitters, stage hands, even professional athletes and many other industries. Just like in the early days, members can rely on a collective voice to promote fairer wages and benefits, better work hours, workplace health and safety, and a number of other work- related issues. One of the key things we see unions provide today is the training and education that allows workers to move up quickly. Building and trade unions in this area have intensive apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training with a master-level practitioner and classroom instruction. That’s a great alternative for someone who doesn’t want to go to college and doesn’t want to be stuck behind a desk all day. In high end commercial construction, most of the skilled work is performed by unions. And, while it may be more expensive on the front end, contractors know they are saving construction costs over the life of the project because the job is done right and on time the first time. And, if you spend any time around union workers (no matter the specific trade or industry), you’ll notice one thing they have in common — pride in their work. Over the years, we’ve seen that pride over and over in working with a lot of union workers and their families. That’s a big reason why Frank Kearney often visits and gives seminars for local unions and executive boards to update them on changes in the law and how union workers can best protect themselves and their families after a serious injury or medical condition. We just really enjoy working with people who work hard to get ahead.
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