Labor Movement

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The current labor movement in human relations, business and industry has deep roots in the past and is continuing to evolve in the present. The struggle for survival and the drive to become successful in society, and the business world, fuel the current activities. Grassroots movements for fair wages and tolerable working conditions bring workers together to collectively affect change through the formalized organization of labor unions. Social theorists have over the past century, attempted to explain the complex processes that occur within labor movements. Mishel & Walters theorize that collective bargaining units have a positive impact upon human relations, and labor negotiations within business, industry and politics. While some of their views are supported by popular social theories, other theorists’ suggestions contrast sharply with their opinions. Rationale for worker led labor movements The need for fair labor practices has been a key factor in fueling the majority of grassroots movements led by workers. Various instances of racial, class, gender and age discrimination added to the frenzy as the human rights movement inspired society to make changes that created a fairer playing field for all citizens in the labor force (Brecher & Costello, 1996). As the movement evolved from a mob mentality with picketing and random activism, collectivism began to catch on as more formal groups organized and gained recognition in the political arena. Individuals began to realize that there was more power for change in groups that were deeply committed to uniting together under the umbrella of a common cause. In this manner, the first collective bargaining units were formed and expanded. Labor movements have been an ongoing topic of inte... ... middle of paper ... ...l.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1263&context=lrr on 07/26/2014. Lafer, G., (2013). The Legislative attack on American wages and labor standards, 2011-13. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://www.epi.org/files/2013/EPI-Legislative-Attack-on-American-Wages-Labor-Standards-10-31-2013.pdf&hl=en on 07/25/2014. Mishel, L., Walters, M., (2003). How unions help all workers. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://www.epi.org/page/-/old/briefingpapers/143/bp143.pdf&hl=en_US&embedded=true on 07/25/2014. Park, Robert E (1904). Masse und Publikum (trans. The crowd and the public) (Berlin: Lack & Grunau). Weber, K., King, B., (2013). Social Movement Theory and Organization Studies. Retrieved from http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/~/media/Files/Faculty/Research/Weber%20King%20-%20social%20movt%20theory%2020130522.ashx on 07/24/2014.

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