Question

Do you think how unions have changed over the years and whether it is simply a matter of time before all states are "right-to-work" states? or whether unions will grow in stature and strength in the years to come?

Answer 1

The unionization labor dates back to as old as 17th century i.e. even prior to the Industrial revolution. The objectives of labor unions in these early days were minimal compared to present considering the awareness and a benchmark to compare in those days.

Below are the objectives of early labor unions -

1. Increasing the minimum wages of the industrial workers

2. Improving the working conditions

3. Providing job security and workplace safety to the workers

4. Resolution of disputes between labor and management and within labor

5. Ensuring the workers have reasonable hours at work in a day

6. Aiding the workers who are old, injured and retired.

Apart from the above objectives, the recent labor unions have added more responsibilities for the betterment of labor as highlighted below -

1. Providing fringe benefits like health and life insurance, bonus, retirement benefits etc.

2. Offering rewards and recognition on good performance

3. Increasing flexibility at work.