History of Labor Relatrions

A History of Labor Unions

Labor unions first organized in the United States during the 18th century. Skilled workers of the time wished to secure sufficient wages, improved working hours, and improved working conditions. Early unions’ purpose was to support workers in obtaining better wages, working conditions, and benefits. These unions were small and usually formed to orchestrate strikes. After the strike, the unions disbanded. Laws in the United States at the time supported business owners and courts would often fine or jail union organizers for conspiring to raise wages.

In 1827, a group of small trade unions in Philadelphia formed the Mechanics’ Union of Trade Associations. This was the first association that brought workers of different crafts together. In addition to unions seeking to secure good wages for its members, they also advocated political and social reform. In 1834, the first national federation called National Trades Union was formed. The federation was disbanded three years later due to poor economic conditions.

After America’s civil war, industrialization sped up and unionization accelerated. The unions had similar goals, but lacked political influence. In 1881, representatives of a variety of unions met in Columbus, Ohio to form the American Federation of Labor (AFL). The AFL was not a union, but an association designed to advance the shared goals of its member unions. The AFL joined with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in 1955 to form the AFL-CIO.

Today, the U.S. has laws protecting citizen’s rights to organize and maintain a union. No longer can union organizers be imprisoned or fined. Unions and their supporting associations made lawmakers aware of the common worker’s plight in America. Congress enacted numerous labor laws to protect the rights of American workers.

Unions and Labor Relations

Labor Relations During Unionization

Labor relations is a three-tiered process for both management and the union;...