Tasks: Trade Unions in the United States
Re-tell the main points of the text 'Trade Unions in the United States' using some or all of the following words:
trade union
workplace
negotiate
employer
employee
working conditions
benefits
collective bargaining
fair treatment
union membership
cooperation
manufacturing industry
service sector
value of unions
Why do you think trade unions grew during challenging times like the Great Depression and the Second World War? Could a similar pattern occur in today's world?
How do American attitudes towards career mobility and individual responsibility compare with Norwegian views on job security and work-life balance?
Do you think unions are still relevant in modern industries like technology or the service sector? Why or why not?
What are the benefits of being part of a trade union, according to the text?
If you were entering the workforce tomorrow, would you consider joining a trade union?
Some Americans believe unions slow down business and reduce personal profit. Do you agree that unions can be a barrier to economic growth, or do you see them as essential for protecting workers?
Task 1
Search for information online and compare the development of trade unions in the United States and Great Britain.
When and why did trade unions develop in Britain?
Which country has the highest number of union members today?
How has union membership evolved in both countries over time?
Does the British view of work organisations and trade unions differ significantly from the American view?
Task 2
The three largest unions in the United States are the National Education Association (NEA), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Research these unions to find out more about them.
When were they established?
Who do they represent?
How many members do they have?
What are their main focuses?
After gathering your findings, discuss them in groups or as a class.
Create a timeline that highlights key moments in the history of trade unions in the United States, including their growth during the Great Depression and World War II, as well as periods of decline. Include specific union milestones and their impact on the workforce. Present the timeline creatively, either on paper or as a digital project.
Write a text where you:
Present the key arguments for and against trade unions.
Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of each side.
Conclude by sharing your personal opinion: Do you think trade unions are still important today? Why or why not?
Use evidence and examples to support your arguments, and aim for a balanced, thoughtful analysis of the topic. Remember to refer to your sources.
Related content
In general, workers in America have not been as engaged in trade unions as Europeans. Why do you think this is so?