-
U.S. Labour Movement
Began when more people started working for wages in skilled trades - New York tailors went on strike because of pay cuts -
First Long-lasting Union in the U.S.
Shoemakers in Philadelphia formed a lasting labour union (Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers) -
Industrial Revolution in Europe
Increasing number of new workers in the workplace that needed representation -
Increasing Local Craft Unions
More local unions in cities that protected trades from cheap labour, asked for shorter work days, etc -
First National Union
The first national union is created and it connects local unions of printers in the U.S. and Canada (International Typographical Union) -
Founding of the National Labour Union
This union launches and its purpose is to unite all workers and have fixed times for work days (8 hours) -
Growth of Knights of Labour
This labor organization grew a lot and focused on improving working conditions for employees -
Formation of American Federation of Labour
National trade unions created the AFL (because of conflicts with the Knights of Labour) and focused on better wages, working hours, work conditions -
Negative Impact on Unions
There is more competition and global trade also heavily affected unionized industries -
Loss in Unions
From 1975 to 1985, unions lose 5 million workers (mostly in private manufacturing, mining, and construction sectors). The election of Ronald Reagan in U.S. in 1980 also lead to him making anti-union policies. -
Decline in Organized Unions in the U.S.
Only approximately 17% of U.S. workers were in unions (significant decrease from 1950s) -
More Public Sector Unions
In the late 1990s, there were more public sector unions in Canada and the U.S. (healthcare, education, government, etc.) -
Some Unions Focus on Better Wages + More Labour Activism
Unions focused on increasing minimum wages and workplace conditions in retail, etc. There is much more labour activism from contract workers who want more job security. -
"Fight for $15" Movement
The U.S. and Canada experience this movement that focuses on raising the minimum wage and getting better working conditions (for fast-food, retail, other industries). There are also more strikes from teacher unions. -
Less Acknowledgement for Some Jobs
There are more jobs in this sector (Uber and taxi drivers, delivery workers, etc) but less acknowledgement for the lack of benefits, limited pay, and lack of job security. -
COVID-19 Pandemic
This event increases the effort workplaces put into organizing unions, specifically for healthcare, food delivery, and retail jobs. More use of technology/ media leads to more public attention to workers at different workplaces seeking better wages and conditions. -
Strong Unions in Public Sector + More Unions in Creative Industries
Unions in healthcare and education are still strong and continue to push for better pay and working conditions. Workers, especially young workers, in creative industries are addressing low wages and lack of job security more now.