Friday, December 26, 2008

Trade Union Movements

Trade union movements in the U.S. were formed by laborers(during the years of the american republic) to better represent, protect, and aid the rights of other workers in a certain area or business. The very first labor movement on american soil was founded in 1827, when several trade unions came together to form the Mechanics' Union of Trade Associations in order to improve working conditions. As time progressed though, many workers began to be employed by small firms who had close relationships with their employees. Thus with the barrier between employer and employee diminished, less conflict stirred about and union movements ceased. Until the Civil War era began. During the war, industrialization boomed, and large enterprises started hiring thousands of workers. The barrier returned, and more than thirty unions were formed between the 1860's and 70's. The trade union movements in the post Civil War era were successful because they organized workers, had political actions, and economic goals.

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