Labor Union History
Labor organizing has a long history in the United States, with various industries and work settings experiencing significant changes through the formation of unions. Two key moments in labor history were the establishment of unions in the Pullman railroad and automobile industries. These developments brought notable improvements to workplace conditions and strengthened workers’ ability to negotiate for their rights. In recent times, Amazon workers have also been successful in defeating Amazon’s efforts to stop them from unionizing. This paper will discuss how these work settings were changed in the formation of a union and analyze some of the strategies used by Amazon workers to succeed against Amazon.
19th Century: American Railway Union
The Pullman railroad industry experienced significant changes with the formation of the American Railway Union (ARU) in the late 19th century. Led by Eugene V. Debs, the ARU organized a nationwide strike in 1894 to protest against wage cuts and poor working conditions (Rogers-Cooper, 2021). This strike had a significant impact on the Pullman Company, which manufactured sleeping cars, and paralyzed the entire railway industry. Eventually, the government intervened, and the Labor Day holiday was created (Rogers-Cooper, 2021). The formation of the ARU and the strike brought about improved working conditions and increased bargaining power for railroad workers.
20th Century: United Auto Workers
Similar to the Pullman industry, the automobile industry also saw significant changes with the formation of the United Auto Workers (UAW) in the early 20th century. Workers in the automobile industry faced long hours, low wages, and dangerous working conditions. To demand better conditions, higher wages, and union recognition, the UAW organized strikes and protests. The most notable event in the history of labor organizing in the automobile industry was the Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1936-1937(Baugh-Helton, 2021). This strike led to General Motors recognizing the UAW as the bargaining representative for its workers, resulting in improved working conditions and increased wages.
21st Century: Amazon Labor Union
More recently, Amazon workers on Staten Island, New York, made history by becoming the first group to vote in favor of unionizing at a U.S. facility operated by the company. This victory for the workers is a significant defeat for Amazon, which has actively worked to prevent organized labor from entering its premises. The Amazon Labor Union (ALU), led by Christian Smalls, will now negotiate a collective bargaining agreement on behalf of the workers (Levy, A., & Palmer, 2022). However, Amazon is expected to delay and resist the formation of a union, expressing disappointment with the outcome and considering filing objections based on the influence of the National Labor Relations Board. The workers’ victory against Amazon highlights the power of grassroots organizing, public pressure, and the growing support for the labor movement in the country.
Labor organizing has played a crucial role in bringing about significant changes in various industries throughout history. The formation of unions in the Pullman railroad and automobile industries led to improved working conditions and increased bargaining power for workers. The recent success of Amazon workers in defeating Amazon’s efforts to stop them from unionizing is a significant milestone in the labor movement. The strategies used by the workers, such as grassroots organizing and public pressure, have proven effective in achieving their goals. As the labor movement gains support and public pressure grows, it is important for companies like Amazon to reassess their labor relations strategies and negotiate in good faith with workers. The victory of Amazon workers serves as an inspiration for other workers and highlights the importance of collective bargaining and unionization in improving working conditions and protecting workers’ rights.
References
Baugh-Helton, T. (2021). They came to scoff, but stayed to peel onions: Reproductive labor and collective action in the 1936–1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike. Journal of Women’s History, 33(1), 61-84.
Levy, A., & Palmer, A. (2022). Amazon workers just voted to join a union — here’s what happens next. CNBC.
Rogers-Cooper, J. (2021). Class wars: Race, class, and violence in the long gilded age. Critical Sociology, 47(4–5), 807–817.