Labour Relations and Management
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Labour Relations and Management
Lack of organization of labour unions in the United States has over the times resulted in the formation of new labour unions. The formation of the American Federation of Labour (AFL) in 1886, Congress of Industrial Organization (CIO) in 1935, and Industrial Workers of the Workers (IWW) in 1905 all resulted from frustrations that had happened with the previous existing movements. AFL was formed to cater to the employees in the craft unions when there was little involvement of these employees. The IWW was formed to include the inclusivity of all the employees, some who had been left out as a result of their qualifications and other requirements stated by various unions in the past. It was meant for all workers regardless of their class of work. The formation of CIO was meant to bring together employees in different industries. The formation of these organizations shows that more unions are likely to be formed in the United States, which will likely divide unionism the more in the future.
The song “Solidarity Forever” has been adopted by many unions around the world. Until today, the song is sung by almost all the unions when they have their meetings. The lyrics of the son are consistent with the beliefs of IWW. IWW believes in the togetherness of all the unions and employees to create a stronger bond and increase their effectiveness. The song States, “When the union’s inspiration, Through the workers’ blood shall run. There can be no power greater, Anywhere beneath the sun” (Chaplin, 1915). This is a show of the effectiveness of the employees when they work together without being swayed away. It is ironic that today’s mainstream unions have adopted this song as their own without having a great understanding of its origin. Today’s mainstream unions would gladly agree with the song’s lyrics that “It is we who plowed the prairies, built the cities where they trade, Dug the mines and built the workshops, endless miles of railroad laid, Now we stand outcast and starving, Mid the wonders we have made, But the union makes us strong” (Chaplin, 1915).
According to employers, unionism violates employees’ rights by denying them freedom and liberty to make their own choices. The workers are not free to choose where to work and the terms of work by the unions. To this, an AFL leader would speak the unions’ advantages, which include better working conditions, bargaining on behalf of employees, and resolving grievances as the main reasons why employees should join the unions. Knights of Labor viewed efficiency, equity, and voice only by the cooperation and education of the employees to perform their duties. AFL viewed efficiency, equity, and voice as only possible when all the unions spoke in the same voice and did their work in a similar manner, such there was unity. On the other hand, IWW viewed efficiency, equity, and voice as only possible if all the employees and employers were unionized. The employees’ view was similar to that of IWW, and they did not change during welfare capitalism.
Reference
Chaplin, R. (1915). Solidarity Forever. Lyrics Find