Unions and Labor The Hunger Strike American Labor

Unions and Labor

“The Hunger Strike”

American Labor Movement

Some More History…

What Are They? ? ? • Legal representatives of workers • Craft, Industry, General/Trade Unionism – Locals…nationals…internationals • Political Role? – Motivate members to vote a particular way… – Align with other activist groups – Social Unionism? • Unions, activists, organizations align for social/economic justice – Political leanings of unions? ? ? • Represent Public/Private Sectors

Philosophies… • Service Model: – worker rights, providing services, and resolving disputes • Organizing Model: – building up confidence, strong networks, and leaders within the workforce • Hybrid…

What Do They Do? • Have legal rights… – Collective bargaining: negotiate with employers over wages and working conditions • Labor contracts – Industrial action: enforce strikes or resistance to lockouts in furtherance of particular goals • “runaway shop”? ? ? – Move work elsewhere…union not business related • Outsourcing!!!! – Provisional Benefits: some health, professional training, legal advice and representation – Political activity: favorable legislation

Cont’d Improve overall working environment Wages • Hours • Conditions

Umbrellas? ? ?

Busting? ? ? • • • Union Busting Anti-union campaigns $1 Billion industry Union Avoidance Jackson Lewis LLP: – How to Stay Union Free in Today's Era of Corporate Campaigns

Membership • Private union membership down 10% • Lowest since 1932… 1960 s the peak • Why the decline? ? ? – Outsourcing to other countries • US=consumers? – Geographical labor shift – Service jobs up… – Women? • In 2008, 12. 4% unionized, up 428, 000 from ’ 07 to 16. 1 million

Media Unions?

Writer’s Strike!!!

Actor’s Strike!!! VS.