Labor Unions - Good or Bad

686 Words3 Pages
Are Labor Unions Good or Bad Labor unions have a long history going back as far as the 1700’s. During this country’s Industrial Revolution, they were instrumental in protecting employees from employers who exploited the labor force with low wages, long hours and zero benefits. The National Labor Union was granted legislation in 1866. This legislation mandated ten hour work days and better wages. But, employers found loopholes in the law and the exploitation of the work force still continued. As the country’s infrastructure expanded, so did the need for a labor force. Labor unions started to form everywhere and in practically every type of job. More federal and state laws were enacted to protect this growing labor force. These laws provided further protection for the work force. As the unions grew stronger, though, employers got weaker. One of the more crucial legislative acts to the union movement was the passing of the Clayton Act in 1914. The Clayton Act made it known that "the labor of a human being is not a commodity or an article of commerce". The Clayton Act, in more general terms, legalized strikes and boycotts. This was a huge step towards the cause of the labor unions (Murray). But that was then. This is now. Labor unions today have put a strangle hold on this country. It is as if the roles have reversed. Employers are now the ones being exploited. Unions are forcing employers, city governments and state governments to pay outrageous benefits and pensions. This country’s economy is falling apart and they still maintain the attitudes from the past. “Pay us what we want or we will go on strike”. Unions are even exploiting their own members. Members are required to pay dues for the “right” to work. But the money is never used for the support of its members. That money is used for union elections and to support or threaten certain
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