Units Of Organized Labor And How They Are Related

This booklet is part of a series of units designed to help students take and defend a position on public issues. The booklet is premised on the idea that the study of how various labor-related conflicts were resolved in the past can throw light on the problem of how they ought to be resolved here and now. That is why this particular unit looks at the history of organized labor rather than concentrating just on current labor-related issues. Terms are defined and questions for discussion are presented. The material stresses that the reason for discussing a public issue is not to win the argument, both to understand more clearly one's own views and the reasons that support them, as well as differing opinions. Students are encouraged to view questions as: (1) ethical or value questions; (2) questions of definition; and (3) questions involving facts and explanations. The document is divided into six sections. The first is an introduction that identifies the central issues of the unit and how they will be approached. The second discusses the nature of work from the beginnings of industry. Perspectives of three workers and a manager are compared. The third section, "Labor Organizes," gives an overview of the labor movement from 1840 to 1900, discusses problems faced by organizers, and describes the Pullman Strike of 1894. The fourth section discusses the relationship between the government and the unions from 1900 to 1940. This section ends with a description of the Battle at the Overpass, a violent encounter at Ford Motor Company in 1937. The fifth section presents an overview of labor from 1940 to the present, and the challenge that labor problems present to the government. The last section is a review. Each section contains exercises and discussion guides. In the accompanying teacher's guide the units use historical, fictional, and contemporary situations. They assist students in using a structured approach to issues analysis and in developing the skills of reasoned discussion. Teachers should view the materials provided as possible strategies for developing discussion of public issues, and should pick and choose among the materials according to their own goals. The guide provides section by section assignments and activities. An 11-item bibliography and handouts are included. (DK)

The author is convinced that there is a ruling class in America today. He examines the American power structure as it has developed in the 1980s. He presents systematic, empirical evidence that a fixed group of privileged people dominates the American economy and government. The book demonstrates that an upper class comprising only one-half of one percent of the population occupies key positions within the corporate community. It shows how leaders within this "power elite" reach government and dominate it through processes of special-interest lobbying, policy planning and candidate selection. It is written not to promote any political ideology, but to analyze our society with accuracy.

Organized labor is about the collective efforts of employees to improve their economic, social, and political position. It can be studied from many different points of view—historical, economic, sociological, or legal—but it is fundamentally about the struggle for human rights and social justice. As a rule, organized labor has tried to make the world a fairer place. Even though it has only ever covered a minority of employees in most countries, its effects on their political, economic, and social systems have been generally positive. History shows that when organized labor is repressed, the whole society suffers and is made less just. The Historical Dictionary of Organized Labor looks at the history of organized labor to see where it came from and where it has been. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, a glossary of terms, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 400 cross-referenced entries on most countries, international as well as national labor organizations, major labor unions, leaders, and other aspects of organized labor such as changes in the composition of its membership. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about organized labor.