Labor unions in the United States began forming in the mid-19th century to represent workers in many industries. Major unions included the Knights of Labor in the 1880s and the American Federation of Labor founded in 1886. Over time, unions grew in membership and political influence, though some faced challenges such as links to organized crime and laws weakening their power. Today, most unions are part of either the AFL-CIO or the Change to Win Federation.

13. Why are Unions Important?

17. Benefits of Unions Next we will look at a couple of television advertisements that support unionization

18. LawInfo.com

19. TV Ad for EFCA

32. A study of this data covering all strikes against government from 1958 to 1980 shows that in states which have adopted compulsory public-sector bargaining laws, there is a tremendous increase in the number of strikes – whether legal or illegal. Collective Bargaining

33. It is time to move beyond the failed nostrums of the past into a better future for public employees and the public they serve.