Growth of Labor Unions
"Power goes to two poles: those who have money and those who've got the people" ~ Saul Alinsy
United States: Prior to the first Industrial Revolution there were no labor unions. Everyone worked in agriculture and there were no large productions. Then, when the first Industrial Revolution began it also started labor unions. Factories were constructed and citizens went to work at the factories. Because the country was new to the idea of factory systems and mechanization, the working conditions were atrocious. In the factories there was disease, low pay, long work hours, and they were very dangerous.This is why labor unions formed; to protect the workers’ rights. Many labor unions went on strike, and many succeeded, but many failed. This was more potent within the second Industrial Revolution. Furthermore, today there are still labor unions, but they are more organized and less strikes occur because working conditions are more efficient and improved. In 2009, 12% of American workers were part of labor unions. In addition, labor unions have continued to change working conditions since the Industrial Revolution. |
Germany: Labor unions have been in Germany since 1848 and are presently still running in the country. The Federation of Trade Unions in Germany is called the DGB. The DGB formed on four principles; anonymous representation that didn’t focus on religion or politics, labor unions are organized by leaders who coordinated the union following certain terms, interest representation was created, and legislation is responsible for protection of the workers. As of 1995 the workforce in Germany held about 35 million people and 9.8 million of those citizens were in the labor unions. Unions take place in the metalworking, chemical industry, educators, civil services, police, food industry, and many more. Trade unions have helped develop Germany to the flourishing economy it has today. |
Comparison: Though labor unions were formed around different times in Germany and the United States, they both had the same purpose. Labor unions formed in order to raise the wage, protest wage cuts, improve working conditions, and/or lower working hours. Both labor unions in the United States and Germany are still standing in the present day, working to protect our world’s workers. Key Points:
United States revolution began in the 19th century Germany's revolution began in the 18th century Labor Unions have been around since 1848 in Germany and are still running the country today Labor Laws were put in place during the Great Depression causing many Unions to form (U.S) |