Abstract
The paper explores the meaning of the term "labor" and notes the historical context that was responsible for its origin, as well as its changing and expanding definition. The paper also examines what the meaning of the "Labor Movement" is in Canada. The paper considers the history of the Labor Movement in Canada and whether the experiences of the past can provide guidance and lessons, both positive and negative, for the union activists and the Labor Movement today.

From the Paper
'This paper will examine the meaning of the term "labor" in the Canadian context, the historical context that was responsible for its origin, as well as its changing and expanding definition. Before the industrial revolution (roughly the mid 1800s) labor did not exist. The majority of the population worked and lived on self-sufficient, family operated farms. To supplement their income these farmers sometimes left their farms temporarily and earned some seasonal wages doing short-term work or day-laboring in towns. A small population of craftsmen that were usually concentrated in town produced certain goods in their own small workshops."

Tags:labor, canada, history

Abstract
This paper discusses the relationship among labor, capital, and the state in America on the basis of the book "The State and Labor in Modern America" by Melvyn Dubofsky, which details the history of how the state in America has addressed issues involving employers and employees and how the state has shaped labor policy. The paper looks at how Dubofsky tells this part of the story chronologically from the time when the federal government took a part in labor conflicts in the late nineteenth century. The paper shows how, prior to that time, labor was largely ignored in national policy.

From the Paper
"In his book "The State and Labor in Modern America", Melvyn Dubofsky details the history of how the state in America has addressed issues involving employers and employees and how the state has shaped labor policy. Dubofsky tells this part of the story chronologically from the time when the federal government took a part in labor conflicts in the late nineteenth century. Prior to that time, labor was largely ignored in national policy. Labor only became a public policy issue because of conflicts with the major representative of big business of that era, meaning the railroads. At least since that time, the battle has raged over whether or not state intervention helps or hinders labor relations or..."

Tags:labor, capital, state

Abstract
This paper discusses how the national labor movement of Japan has traditionally been controlled by the nation's political factions. The writer describes the plight of Japanese workers in modern times, as labor unions that served the needs of management rather than the workers were created. The writer also discusses the rise of a national labor organization called Rengo in the 1990s in response to the control of the employee unions by political factions. However, the political entities within the nation reacted by creating a "union" that sought to end the efforts of the national labor movement and force the maintenance of policies that were intended to continue to oppress the workers of Japan.

From the Paper
"According to Oaks "Japanese workers have failed to achieve labor rights that are standard fare throughout the developed world" (para. 4). In the 1980s it was evident that workers in Japan were faced with 46-48 hour days with no benefits, such as sick leave and a social security system for their retirement (Oaks para. 5). Oaks reported that regardless of the fact that the salaries that Japanese workers earned were comparable to workers in the United States, the ability of the Japanese worker to provide for his family was more difficult because of the increased cost of living (para. 6). The labor movement in Japan has continuously fought for worker rights that would address these problems. However, even when the government or political realm agrees to make changes to policy, those changes are generally masked by conditions of change that alleviate the actual policy from making a difference."

Tags:unrest productivity profit, International Labor Organization, law industry

Abstract
This paper describes the unfair labor practices during the 1930s. The author relates, section by section, the 1935 National Labor Relations Act, also known as the Wagner Act after New York Senator Robert Wagner who backed it, which was passed to counteract some of these unfair labor practices such as child labor. The paper explains how the existence of the NLRA helped pave the way for many of the labor laws, which are taken for granted today, including the civil rights laws of the 1950s and 60s.

From the Paper
"Section 8 of the NLRA listed, and prohibited, five unfair labor practices. Employers were prohibited from interfering with the employees union. This interference was interpreted as more than intimidation. Employers could not give conditions to any financial support they might offer. If they chose to contribute money or resources to the union it had to be with no strings attached.
Also, employers could not interfere with or restrain employees while they were exercise their right to organize or bargain collectively. Next, employers could not put conditions on employment, which could be interpreted to preclude or force union involvement."

Tags:unions, interstate commerce, unfair labor practices, benefits disabilities

Abstract
This paper examines how one of the most important laws concerning child labor was the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. It looks at how with its provisions imposing severe civil and criminal penalties and allowing for confiscation of good made with child labor, the Fair Labor Standards Act forced employers to stop using children in thousands of jobs. With remarkable success, the law simply outlawed child labor.

From the Paper
"Among the social reform advocates of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, no issue roused more determined calls for action than child labor. Florence Kelly of Hull House was among the first to report on the matter, but soon there were numerous rigorously researched reports, telling of children underpaid, overworked, uneducated, and profoundly unhappy with their lot. While many of the working children were in agriculture, the worst conditions were in manufacturing, whether in southern textile mills, northern canneries, urban tenements, or mountain coal mines. "

Tags:child, labor, children

Abstract
This paper discusses the labor laws relevant to the guarantee of a non-discriminatory work environment. It focuses on how labor laws are applied within the labor union environment in protecting against discrimination. It explains that the labor laws in the United States are primarily governed by the U.S. Department of Labor which oversees approximately 180 various laws and regulations governing employment.

From the Paper
"Labor laws in the United States are overseen by the Department of Labor which, collectively, oversees approximately 180 various federal labor oriented laws. This body of laws and regulations oversee many workplace activities relevant to more than 10 million unique employers and more than 125 million unique employees. The following major labor laws constitute some of the most broadly applicable and well-known labor laws. Additionally, since unions constitute some the largest forces in labor across North America, labor laws pertinent to unions are also discussed. However, it should be mentioned that regardless of union membership, union members are, of course, entitled to the same protections on the existing body of labor laws that any employee is as well as a host of other protections vis-?vis his or her union contract. Pay & Schedule The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) outlines the standards for wages and overtime pay, which affect most private and public employment in ..."

Tags:department, labor, laws

Abstract
This paper discusses the power of labor unions and their tactics.
The paper first explains that labor relations are a natural outgrowth of labor unions that depict the relationships between the unions and management. The paper then discusses how it is in both labor unions' and managements' interests to cooperate and work alongside each other.

From the Paper
"A labor union is a representative group that can bargain with management on such diverse issues as wages, working conditions, relations, and even health care coverage. They can also recommend to the union members certain actions be taken by the membership in order to influence the outcome of such bargaining. Unions are also known for the influence they wield in regards to politics and implementing or changing laws that affect their membership(s)."

Tags:labor, relations, strikes, negotiations

Abstract
This paper discusses child labor laws in the United States. It starts off by discussing the history of child labor in this country and why there was a great need for reform. It also tells the reader the struggle that reformers went through to get child labor laws on the books. Next, the laws regarding child labor are discussed for today's times. The consequences of violating the laws are also mentioned.

From the Paper
"The United States government has enacted many laws and regulations over the years to protect the rights of workers in this country from unfair labor practices, employment discrimination and abuse. One of the groups of people that the government has enacted this type of legislation to protect is that of children, some of the most vulnerable workers. Throughout this paper I will examine child labor laws in the United States. I will give the background for such laws and the history of child labor in this country, including situations which created the needs for these laws. Furthermore, I will discuss how these laws have evolved over the years and what effect child labor laws have on the workplace today. Although child labor is not a big issue today as far more youth are in school than working during current times, this was not always the case."

Tags:child, labor, laws

Abstract
The basis of Smith's theories about the division of labor in human production rests in his repeated reference to "the natural" effects of production. Marx, on the other hand, understands production as a structure that is premised on social inequalities amongst humans. Where Smith regards "self-interest" as the natural force behind increasing a nation's wealth, Marx regards differences in social class as the source of exploitation in labor. Smith idealizes the division of labor, and Marx & Engels both regard exploitation of social inequality as the basis for divisions in labor.

Tags:causes, division, labor

Abstract
This paper discusses two Hollywood films on labor unions, corruption and labor-capital conflict. It explores how each film depicts union activity. The films are Elia Kazan's 1954 "On the Waterfront" and Paul Schrader's 1997 "Blue Collar. The paper examines the different style and approach to union politics of each film.

From the Paper
Hollywood has often used its capacity as a producer of popular entertainment to address political and ideological concerns..."

Tags:labor unions, organized labor, film