1、Labor union in the United StatesIntroduction: l Definition A labor union or trade union is an organization where workers gather automatically to achieve their collective aims such as improving the pays and benefit and working conditions, solving the grievance with the employers as well as reducing t

2、he working hours and load.1 This interest group can be an association of staffs who work for their common employer or the individuals in the same industry.In the United States, labor unions are legally recognized as representatives of workers in most industries.The fundamental ideals upheld by labor

3、 unions include the provision of member benefits, the right to collectively bargain and the right to take industrial action.2 Larger unions even take part in lobbying activities and electioneering to seek for political interest, since they have a large number of numbers.l History The origins of trad

4、e unions can be traced back to the late 16th century or 17th century.The onions are established spontaneously by the apprentices and helpers who want to cooperate to break the monopoly of medieval ICC.The one of the earliest organizations is called the Helper Union, which bargained with the business

5、man for the salary and working hours and even went on a strike in German and Italy.3 Unions began in the mid-19th century in response to the social and economic impact of the industrial revolution.As for the United States, trade unions remained weak throughout the 19th century.Only 2 percent of the

6、total labor force and less than 10 percent of all industrial workers, were members of unions.In 1881 the Federation of Trades and Labor Unions was founded.Five years later the organisation changed its name to the American Federation of Labor, which combined with the Congress of Industrial Organizati

7、ons to become AFL-CIO in 1955.4 As we all know, nowadays most unions in the United States are aligned with one of two larger umbrella organizations - AFL and CIO, which seem to have the power to influence a presidential election.The AFL-CIO is especially concerned with global trade issues, whose bra

8、nches handle the local affairs and fighting for workers around America.l Example of cases (1) In 1917, America took part in the First World War.After the outbreak of the war, the president set up the National Wartime Labor Management Committee, whose function was primarily to avoid labor riots.With

9、the development of the union, the medical insurance and retirement of workers got improved sufficiently.5 As the number of members in it who had much more advantages was in a significantly upward tendency, more non-members joined the union.As time goes by, the influence of unions became increasingly

10、 important.However, the conflict between workers and capitalists is still fierce.(2) The Great Depression of the 1930s was a turning point of labor campaign in American history.Capitalists had no idea to handle the crisis and finally sought for the cooperation with the leaders of labor unions.The go

11、vernment also admitted the legal status of labor unions, which were respected by the public later.It turned out that the compromise between capitalists and workers was effective for the recovery from the economical crisis, and the America returned to prosperity.6 (3)We can take the growth of CIO (Co

12、ngress of Industrial Organization) for example.7 Eight industrial organizations followed Lewis to get clear of AFL (American Federation of Labor) and cooperated to establish a new federation of labor named CIO.Lexis, the hero of American labor, used to be the chairman of AFL, began to reveal his exc

13、ellent talent for labor campaign.The moment CIO got formed, it played tough with auto industry.CIO appealed to workers of General Motor Co. to negotiate with their boss on pays and welfare.It was doubt that the company chose to ignore their action at first.Members of Labor Unions started to go on st

14、rike.Something interesting is that this time workers just cut down electric power and sit silently instead of parading on the street.In the meanwhile, CIO asked the workers of other auto industry such Ford and Chrysler to do their jobs as usual.The customer has been pushed to other car retailer duri

15、ng this disturbance, which had General Motor Co. suffer a severe economic loss.After the tough 44-day confrontation between labor and capital, the company finally admit the bargaining right of labor and approve most of their terms.This case brought CIO a big prestige of labor campaign.CIO helped wor

16、ker in steel and coal industry in the same way.The influence of this organization rocketed, catching up with AFL gradually.It could be clearly seen in the history that this labor union did make a brilliant benefit to the life of labor.Therefore from 1933 to 1938, the members of American labor unions

17、 increased 3 times than before.Labor campaign did not only raise the standard of wages and retirement, but it was a vital factor attributing to the recovery of American economy.There was the golden age when America got out of the valley and the country became strong, harmonious and prosperous.Unions

18、 did not need to take economic confrontation to protect worker rights any more, with CIO and AFL returning to one organization.l Pros and Cons Everthing has its own two sides, no exception with labor union. Pros: To be honest, there are dozens of benefits labor unions can bring to American workers.F

19、irstly, some experts hold the view that the system of collective bargaining can facilitate the efficiency of labor and improve their skills.To be more specifically, labor unions build up a positive and competitive atmosphere, in which workers learn more professional knowledge, keep pace with the adv

20、anced technology and devote more efforts and time to their position.In addition, these unions play an important role in behalf of workers.The existence of unions ensures common rights of workers, raising the standard of wages and working condition.Labor unions also protect workers from the terrible

21、result that is triggered by the arbitrary decision made by their boss.Last but not least, it is too hard for everyone to neglect the advantages of collectivity of labor unions.As we know, we are always not confident and brave to express our real opinion in public, especially in corporation we work i

22、n. we are taking risks losing our job when we complain about boss or something else.However, labor unions, served as our representatives, are supported by all members and protected by Law.According to the National Labor Law explained by the court, the collective action is obviously more effective an

23、d legal.And the non-members taking part in their activities are also permitted and free from revenge of their bosses.Thus, I really would like to say that labor is indispensable in modern industry. Cons: Nevertheless, disadvantages of labor unions do exist in American society.To begin with, as compl

24、ex and widespread social groups, labor unions may have undemocratic and corrupt phenomenon.For example, every worker in the union has to pay high dues, which may be used to supported officials in charge and offer them a very superior life.Litter companies are in danger of being threatened by local l

25、abor unions, which have no choice but to increase wage and to reduce working hours unreasonably.Unless the management follows the command of labor organizations, they will be disturbed with the strike and get out of order.Moreover, the increasing income gained by labor unions amplifies the unfairnes

26、s in the labor market.Due to the rise of wages of members of labor unions, companies will hire fewer employees than before.The average capital of workers increases so that bosses are more will to hire more qualified and skilled employees.The workers who are replaced are out of work and choose to ent

27、er some non-unions industry.In turn, the extra labor reduced the wage standard in non-unions industry.8 In summary, members of labor unions are living a better by sacrificing the interest of non-mumbers for first-rage workers usually come from labor unions.Labor unions are more like elite unions, tr

28、ying best to snatch social resource for their own members.Finally, I wanna to analyze problems labor unions caused to American economy.Labor union is such a monopoly that it has high proportion of workers in one kind of industry.The measure token by CIO to confront General Motors Co. is a typical example, showing Labor unions absolutely hold huge force to destroy companies and influence economy.No one can guarantee the misuse of power of unions will not take place.For one thing, terms of cooperation between labor and