The twentieth century witnessed major evolutions in the American workplace, from mass production, to automation, and all the way to the digital economy we know now. Workers' lives have evolved similarly, mostly gaining from the benefits during the century. American workers mostly have their unions to thank. Yet figures show that union membership is falling, which is precisely what Justin Wilson was alluding to when he declared in the NY Times: "Labor union membership is an outdated concept for most working Americans". The fact that Wilson, as managing director of the Center for Union Facts, is a strong opponent of unions should not distract from this fact. However, is this decline, as Wilson puts it, really linked to the American workers considering union membership an "outdated concept", or are there other factors at stake? Will the Employee Free Choice Act, which President Obama supported and still supports, be the answer to this situation? This essay will first of all examine the outdated character of the concept, before focusing on the Act in itself and its provisions. It will then be possible to address the issue of the efficiency of the Act.
Labor unions played a major role in the history of American workers. The AFL and the CIO used to be forces to reckon with earlier. Union membership reached a peak in 1958, with 30% of all workers unionized. The Thirties, Forties and Fifties were like a "union golden age". Besides high membership, they obtained the first minimum wage in 1938, as well as the forty-hour week, both major steps for American workers. Major breakthroughs were also made in 1970, when the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed.
[...] The number is now even smaller, with, according to the US Chamber of Commerce, only of unionized workers in the American private sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics acknowledges a total of 12% unionized workers. According to the Bureau, union membership underwent a new 10% decline in 2009. This data seems to validate Wilson's “outdated” claim. But are the reasons behind this decline only to be found in employees' disdain of unions? The reality is more complex: industrial states like Ohio or Michigan were homes to some major auto, steel or mining firms. [...]
[...] Some think the Act could be the answer to union discrimination. III) Efficiency of the Act? But is this really the case? Will it bring to an end this “outdated concept” that Wilson sees? One has to reckon that the Act's provisions are very noble, but similarly, one may wonder if the absence of private ballot really is the answer to the decline in memberships. Indeed, intimidations are bound to intensify when the management know exactly who signed in favour of a union. [...]
[...] In this context, and with the economy still fragile, having to sign a card in front of their boss just isn't the answer to the issue of employee representation. What is needed is a real change of mind: employers should not be afraid of their workers, as the US Chamber of Commerce does give the impression. Can an Act really do that? Indicative Bibliography: American labor history and comparative labor movements [Texte imprimé] : a selected bibliography McBrearty, James C. (1941- . ) / University of Arizona Press / cop A history of trade unionism in the United States [Texte imprimé] Perlman, Selig / BiblioBazaar / cop. [...]
[...] The Act is currently at the center of many a debate. Opponents such as Wilson argue it is a response to a false problem. Unsurprisingly, the business world does not hold the Act in high esteem, as Wal-Mart plunged 10% the day the Employee Free Choice Act was discussed in Congress. Fierce opposition comes from Wall Street, but also from smaller businesses. The US Chamber of Commerce, which represents many American business owners, has vowed to defeat the Act which it calls the “Check Card Bill” - , saying it would be a threat to business in these still fragile times and that it would, with time, turn against workers, with job cuts. [...]
[...] Union membership: an outdated concept? Labor unions played a major role in the history of American workers. The AFL and the CIO used to be forces to beckon with. Union membership reached a peak in 1958, with 30% of all workers unionized. The Thirties, Forties and Fifties were like a “union golden on top of high membership, they obtained the first minimum wage in 1938, as well as the forty-hour week, both major steps for American workers. Major breakthroughs were also made in 1970, when the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed. [...]
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