Transcript Labor Unions - Appalachian State University

Labor Unions
Great Depression
What are they and why were
they formed?
Labor Unions are organizations formed by
employees with the intent to protect
workers from being taken advantage of by
their employers.
 Employees were tired of poor working
conditions and knew that individually they
had no power, but together they could
influence their bosses.

Sit-Down Strike




One of the first occurred in Flint,
December 30th, 1936 at the
General Motors (GM) Plant.
The UAW (United Auto Workers)
was afraid that GM would close the
plant and open a new plant where
the Union was not as strong.
Workers stayed in plants for the
strike so no new workers could
come in.
Women organized first aid stations
and child care to assist striking
workers.
http://www.sos.state.mi.us/history/museum/explore/museums/hismus/1900-75/depressn/laborun.html
Labor Union is Formally
Recognized

On March 12th,
1937, GM recognized
the UAW (United
Auto Workers) as the
official bargaining
agent for the
employees.

As a result of the
success of the UAW,
other unions grew
and spread across
the country.
http://school.phippy.com/uniongrowth/what_a_union_is.html