Best and Worst Historical Developments of the American Workplace

Best and Worst Historical Developments of the American Workplace

The American workplace has a long and rich history. American workers have fought long and hard. From the time of indentured servitude and slavery, workers have struggled. There are still many struggles in today’s workplace with many more to come. Many of today’s workers do not realize the battles both won and lost, so that they might have some of the very freedoms they enjoy today. Organized labor played a huge role in laying the groundwork for things such as the 8-hour workday, paid holidays, and many other benefits workers take for granted (Melvyn Dubofsky, 2010). Some of the struggles of labor unions past are repeating themselves. With this, I believe that both the best and the worst historical developments of the American workplace revolve around unions and organized labor. With the abolishment of slavery and the constant flow of immigrants, business had access to an abundance of labor and took full advantage of the opportunity (Pope, 2010).

The struggles of workers during the 19th and 20th centuries should not be taken lightly. Workers achieved many gains in their employment situation and at the same time, almost lost just as many (Forbath, 1989). The best historical development in the American workplace has to come from labor legislation. Early labor unions fought for the rights employees enjoy in today’s society and the American workplace. The battle that was fought, and ultimately won, allows most employees the privilege of working an 8-hour workday. Many will argue that unions cause a loss of personal freedom, but this is not necessarily true. Prior to workers organizing, foremen controlled who worked, when the worked, and for what wage the employee would earn (Jacoby, 1953). Foremen were in control of labor and all things employee related so there was no explanation except personal discretion in most matters. Just as with the Pullman Strike of 1894, employees’ wages...