Abstract This paper discusses how the national labormovement 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 labormovement 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 explains that the post-World War II years in Canada witnessed the fight for labor reform, resulting in great strides by the labormovement in advancing the conditions, rights and wages of the workforce. To illustrate the history of this achievement, the author discusses the origins of the post-war collective bargaining system, the labormovement in Quebec, ethnically split labor markets, immigrant working women and the organization of the civil service. The 1946 steel strike, the 1965 postal strike and the generational conflict in the labormovement of the 1960s are also presented in the paper to underscore the difficulties encountered by the Canadian labormovement.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Growth in Union Membership and the LaborMovement Government Legislation - Supports Collective Bargaining
Government Order-in-Council P.C. 2685
NASCO Organized by SWOC
New Policy and Collective Bargaining Act Passed
Labor Court - Collective Bargaining Act Details
Corporatism Evolves into Business Reform
Liberal Humanism and Economic Planning
Ethnically Submerged Split Labor Market
Porters Unionized in 1942 and Establish Agreement in1945
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "It is related that, in June of 1940, the government proclaimed order-in-council P.C 2685: a declaration of principles which the government hoped labor and management would adopt. It was the government's hope to proactively address unrest in the industrial sector and thereby "prejudice the war effort." This order was a formula that addressed resolving disputes and provided encouragement to employers to recognize unions voluntarily as well as good faith negotiation and dispute resolution in a conciliatory fashion."
A look at the impact of globalization and immigration on the workforce through a review of "A New LaborMovement for the New Century", by Gregory Mantsios.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 3 sources, 2002, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper addresses three specific questions involving the modern labormovement. These questions focus on the effects of globalization and immigration on the workforce, both domestic (USA) and foreign. The book, "A New LaborMovement for the New Century", by Gregory Mantsios shall act as a source for this paper.
Abstract This paper outlines the historical development of the labormovement, especially focusing on role of women and minorities. It describes how women and minorities have suffered in the past and are presently still in process of being granted equal opportunity in labor.
From the Paper "The formation of gender and minority roles is prompted by changes or developments in economic conditions, and this can be seen in the way that different some cultures face problems with gender and minority status even though they are economically advanced countries. The economic status of individuals may not necessarily rid them off their stereotyped roles, as even today, as it was in the past, women and minorities still strive for equality in labor."
Abstract This paper studies some of the real unknown heroes of the American labormovement who contributed to the boom in manufacturing in the beginning of the last century. It details Pauline Newman's work in the New York Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and its known violations to women workers.
In the factory's terrible fire, 146 women were killed, mostly Jewish. It reports how William Shepherd, a journalist, covered the incident and how Upton Sinclair, the famous writer helped end this slave labor by writing about it. This paper gives an historical overview of this time in American history and concludes that these three people did a great deal in order to end the suffering of the workers.
From the Paper "In the beginning years of the last century, working conditions were grave, and life was a struggle for American workers coming from all walks of life. Many of these workers were immigrants, trapped in miserable and dangerous working conditions, struggling for a small livelihood in their new country. The jobs the immigrants performed were vital to America's booming manufacturing, yet most Americans barely knew these people existed and treated them like outsiders. Who was really fighting for them, then? As we look back upon a time when humans were used freely as slaves and kept in unsafe conditions, we are thankful to a few people who gave voice to all those hurt. As we look back to some of these heroes, such as Pauline Newman, William Shepherd, Upton Sinclair we are better able to understand a story that we can only read about. "
Tags: American, heroes, labor, working, conditions, workers, immigrants, slaves, unsafe, New, York, women
This paper contains an historical overview of the U.S. labormovement between 1790 and the 1820s and discusses the birth pangs of the early efforts which gave way to greater and more secure victories for workers.
Abstract This paper examines the vital role of labor unions in the U.S. which existed long before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The writer of this paper gives a detailed historic overview of the U.S. labormovement during which time significant innovations and advancements were made to provide the foundation for today's thriving network of unions. The paper also discusses the last decade of the 18th century that saw the institution of unions in its infancy in which new bands of workers united to protect each other and their interests despite being met with much opposition by their employers.
From the Paper "The 1820s saw several potential routes to progress on the labor front. A rush of utopian fervor and a desire to avoid some of the industrial hells of Europe prompted the establishment of the Lowell Experiment in 1820, providing a safe, hygienic, clean environment for female textile mill workers in Lowell, Massachusetts. The mill also paid extremely high wages and such benefits as library privileges and sitting rooms. A utopian community was also formed by Robert Owen in Illinois and Indiana in 1825; however, this organization failed after three years.
The women's labor movement was also felt in 1824."
Abstract This paper focuses on poverty during the labormovement of American industrialization in the early 1800s. It discusses the research which indicates that poverty was in abundance during this era for those in slavery, as well as for women and immigrants. The paper further discusses how society treated these different groups, and how poverty was both forced into their lives, and was a consistent way of life.
From the Paper "Early American industrialization found a growing change in the ability of America to manufacture goods. Yet, with this growth workers sought improved labor conditions, increased pay, and an opportunity to achieve a better life. T. S. Ashton addresses this issue in his book, The Industrial Revolution, 1760-1839, in which he contends that without the inventions that created a world of mass production there would have been no reason for the labor movement to begin (76). Ashton also states that those inventions relied on labor to produce goods, and that the labor is what made manufacturers, such as Robert Peel, wealthy - while at the same time ensuring that the bulk of the workers remained poor. This research establishes the issue of poverty within the labor movement, and further expresses that poverty was not confined to one observed group of people."
Abstract The paper examines three works that analyze the downfall of the American labormovement, but also provide positive information on the transformation of the labor union organizational structure. The paper discusses labor unions' aggressive grassroots campaign, their extension of member demographics and their efforts to establish legitimacy. The paper concludes that, although smaller in size, the influence of labor unions in the political arena is still strong and through expansion and reinvention, labor unions may become the driving force of labor market issues in the 21st century.
Outline:
Labor Organization and Movement Expanding the Grassroots Campaign
Legitimacy and Organizational Structure
From the Paper "The state of the modern American labor movement has seen a drastic change since the congressional and election reforms of the 1970's. Not only did the McGovern reforms eliminate the influence of political party leaders, it served to change the strategic approach of labor unions in the political arena. Additionally, the McGovern Reforms of 1972 addressed the partiality in the Democratic delegation, and hindered the labor unions from seating specific delegates that were labor friendly. In this sense, labor unions were forced to choose Democratic candidates much more wisely, and impaired the standard blanket effort to sponsor multiple Democratic candidates in a single race."
Abstract This paper explores the history of the labor unions in America, from the end of World War Two. The paper discusses a number of important events and issues relating to the labormovement and labor unions including the "Taft-Hactley Act", "Operation Dixie", the steel industry crisis and the "Landrum-Griffin Act of 1959". After describing these events and their history, the paper takes a look at current trends in the labormovement and offers a general conclusion on the importance of the labor unions in the U.S.
From the Paper "As the wartime controls were relaxed after the War, the labor unions resumed their pent-up struggle for higher wages and better living conditions and the country witnessed a massive post-war strike wave. In the first, largest and longest postwar strike (November 1945 to March 1946), the United Automobile Workers Union under the umbrella of the CIO (Congress of Industrial Organizations) demanded that the General Motors Corp. should increase wages without increasing prices. The strike influenced later bargaining trends in which labor unions won contracts containing provisions for automatic wage increases on the basis of rises in the cost of living."
Abstract This paper discusses the positive and negative lessons that history can provide to today's unions and trade unions in Canada. It describes the influence that the state and the nature of the economy have on labor and labor organizations and their activities. The paper also discusses trade unions and their role, as well as other developments in the history of the labormovement. Finally the paper looks at fthe ree market economy and its implications in increasing job insecurity and wage and benefit rollbacks.
From the Paper "Free market economy increased job insecurity and wage and benefit rollbacks and continues to be the basis of today's economy in Canada. The labor movement of today is faced with these challenges as well as the relocation and closing down of many industrial plants and factories all over Canada. Also, today Canada's labor movement needs to have a broader agenda as it faces with all the challenges of the global economy as well as the effects of the decline of state intervention within the context of this new global economy. It also needs to recognize the cultural, social and ethnic diversity that makes up the Canadian workforce today. Additionally it has to become concerned with the status of part-time and temporary employees whose number is increasing steadily, as many employers are cutting out full-time jobs with full benefits."
Abstract This paper looks at ways in which the first world protects itself from the advantages the third world, by creating a distortion of market forces. It illustrates how political issues are as important as economics issues within the world trade system. This paper examines the rules of economic theory, specifically the free movement of capital investments and the free movement of labor.
From the Paper "Over the past three decades, a remarkable internationalisation of the world economy has taken place. Key aspects of this process are free trade and the mobility levels of labour. In an attempt to integrate developing economies into the globalisation process, agencies such as the World Bank and the IMF promote free market ideological policies to poorer countries, sometimes making the implementation of such policies a condition of receiving financial aid. This, they argue, will increase prosperity and levels of development. But do the concepts of free trade and the free movement of labour really exist, let alone increase prosperity? Here we shall examine what these two concepts mean in practice, what their impact on prosperity is, and why objections have been raised towards this kind of liberalisation."
Tags: globalisation, international, trade, labor, world, bank, IMFcapital, investment, first, thrid, world
Abstract This paper analyzes the decline and subsequent rebuilding of the Canadian labormovement between 1920 and 1940. It discusses the Cape Breton coal miners, the origins of the Cooperative Commonwealth in Oshawa, Ontario and the extent to which the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) served the interests of the working people and the labormovement during this period.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Background
The Beginning of the End
Workers' Revolt (1917-1925)
Results of Economic Downturn
The Coal Workers do not Give in so Easily
Choices and Consequences of the Choice Made
Church and Labor Alliance Ends
Laws Change in Canada in Late 1930s
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The labor class in Canada experienced many shifts in their political and social climate during the period 1920-1930 in that the labor class rode upon the high waves of victory through their alignment with workers unions that succeeded in bring out about gains to these individuals only to have those gains abruptly removed following World War II. However, the determination of workers unions to organize combined with the injustices experienced by Canadian labor following the war resulted in a final victorious achievement for Canadian laborers, which they were able to realize finally in the late 1930s."
Abstract This paper looks at how Shogan presents a rather succinct account of the labormovement in West Virginia that ultimately culminated in a legitimate battle between coal miners and federal troops. It discusses how the conflict remains perhaps the most significant labor struggle in the United States during the 20th century, but has been largely ignored by scholars and historians. It concludes that by publishing this book, Shogan aims to shed much needed light onto this fault in American history and to re-affirm the fact that the labormovement in the United States possesses a powerful and bloodied past.
From the Paper "The coal miners' movement was spurred by what they perceived to be unreasonable practices that were adopted by the coal distributors in efforts to maximize their profits and, while minimizing the incomes of their workers, to take measure ensuring the miners' dependence upon them. The company store is one of the most glaring examples of how the miners were manipulated to continually feed off the company that controlled their employment. "The company stores that sold them food and other necessities charged exorbitant prices, which the miners had to pay, since there was no other available outlet. Just to guarantee the captivity of their consumers, coal companies paid the miners in scrip, which only the company store would accept." (Shogan, 33). This made the workers almost entirely dependent upon the mines for their survival."
Abstract This paper examines unions and the law and looks at the history of the union movement and labor legislation. It looks at early law concepts governing employment relationships, union unrest and activity in the 1930s and the role of the Federal courts in labor-management relations. It also examines later laws that protected worker rights and the influence of unions on politics.
From the Paper "Until the early 1930s most employee-employer relationships were governed by the common law and the doctrine of employment at will in which either party could terminate the employment relationship at anytime and for any reason provided that ...."
Tags: unions, labormovement, legislation, business law
Abstract This paper examines and reviews the book "Which Side are you on? Trying to be for Labor When it's Flat on its Back," by Thoma Geoghegan, a labor lawyer who has a dim view of the modern American labormovement. The paper discusses Geoghegan's beliefs that the labormovement is past its prime and usefulness and will eventually dwindle away, dying a lingering and painful death and leaving millions of Americans unrepresented in its wake. The paper shows, through reference to statistics, that Geoghegan's predictions from 1991 seem to coming true, with trade union membership figures dwindling along with their power. The author of the paper presents reasons why he agrees with Geoghegan's thesis.
From the Paper "To prove his point, the author follows the descent and crash of the steel industry, and shows how it fell from one of the largest organized employers in the nation to a small, unorganized industry. "Oh, we would still have a steel industry, and some of it would be new: small, low-wage 'mini-mills,' mostly non-union, mostly in the South" (Geoghegan 85). The steel industry never regained its heyday, and many other organized industries have followed suit.
Geoghegan comes across as jaded and tired in his tirade about the unions, and after reading this book, it is difficult not to see why. His career as a labor lawyer has shown him all sides of the unions, from their heydays to their rapid declines. He has defended union member pensions that were wiped out by crafty corporations like International Harvester, who sold a steel mill to a small operator who went bankrupt, and took the member's pensions with them. The union members finally got a settlement from Harvester that was a mere pittance to what their pensions would have been. It was a sad case for the unions, and points to the unions demise, they simply do not wield the power they once did."
