Unions: Sociological and Economic Considerations
The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 addressed the sociological and
economic conditions of a different era. Your research paper should address this statement by examining the following:
1. Pick a Union, preferably one that has existed for at least 30 years.
Describe its purpose, its history, and the status of membership at its peak.
2. Research any instances where the Union has been involved in negotiations, lockouts, strikes, etc. Detail those events, including the issues involved, the perspectives of labor and management at the time, and the end result.
3. Research the current status of Union membership for the Union you chose. What external factors have contributed to its current status
(e.g. Right to work, economic conditions)?
4. Give your opinion as to the future of this Union.
Sample Solution
Unions: Sociological and Economic Considerations
Although it was once viewed by some as a criminal conspiracy, the U.S. labor movement has grown to include millions of members. Today, federal and state laws recognize the right of many types of workers to form a union, join an existing union, and be free from employer retaliation for exercising their labor rights. A labor union is an organization of workers who use collective bargaining to negotiate with employers for improvements to wages, benefits, working conditions, and other common interests. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is one of the largest unions in the U.S. it has over 2 million members. It is dedicated to improving the lives of workers, including nurses, healthcare professionals, public employees, and workers in the hotel, and hospitality industries. SEIU members and millions of other service and care workers across the country are on the front lines of the Covid-19 crisis every day, putting their health at risk to protect families and communities during this medical emergency.
