American Labor Unions

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, especially in large urban centers, organized labor, which has often played a major role in local life and politics, is seen at best as meddling and unnecessary and at worst as tools of unscrupulous politicians and demagogues. The author points out that, at times, some of the aspects of union membership, which provide for their members' social and financial security, are viewed as detrimental by business owners and municipal governments. The paper states that unionized construction firms can serve as "fronts" for the activities of the Mob and labor union and construction rackets are a major source of income for New York's leading crime families.

From the Paper:

"Union contracts stipulate that workers must enjoy a level of independence requisite to the good performance of their jobs. On this level, unions perform a service that is extremely valuable to both the individual worker and to the larger society that makes use of his skills. The worker performs his job to the best of his ability because he believes that he is responsible for the quality of his work. Society benefits from the limitations imposed on the boss or manager who may be more concerned with cost overruns than with quality. Worker independence in the construction and plumbing industries may make the difference between the building that stays up, and the one doesn't, and between the bathroom that functions properly, and the one that doesn't. "

More papers on American Labor Unions:

• Analytical Essay # 144029 : "American Labor Unions Prior to World War II"
• Term Paper # 44878 : "Labor Unions"
• Analytical Essay # 123792 : "Future of Labor Unions"

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