describe some reasons why american workers united to form the first labor unions?

Answer 1

It was for a variety of reasons. But in general it was poor treatment of workers by companies, safety, wages, benefits, child-labor and other things.

People who rail against unions forget there were valid reasons for their creation. And many benefits we get today (even non-union people) were becuase of what they did in their early times and heyday.

I'm no fan of unions because of what they've become. And I think union influence/value has waned over the past few decades. Union membership has also gone down considerably over the past few decades.

Answer 2

Unfair treatment within an industry. Sweatshop conditions. High labor/productivity expected with low wages attached. Unfair promotion practices. Unsafe working environment. Dirty government inspectors bought off to "overlook" illegal conditions and practices, and workers had no where to go with complaints.

These are just a few reasons. I would research it. I know there are even some fiction books that covered the topic. Otherwise, watch the movie "Norma Rae" or "Silkwood". They both cover the topic.

Answer 3

Unsafe working conditions and uneven pay for equal work (men vs women) were two of the main reasons for the first labor unions.

Answer 4

Child labor, unsafe working conditions, slave wages; long forced working hours with no days off; extreme economic insecurity if hurt on the job; extreme discrepency between wages and business owners. I believe that it was writer Upton Sinclair who describes Pre-Union labor conditions in his work.

Answer 5

Seven day work weeks, twelve, fourteen hour work days, discrimination in hiring, firing for no reason, no time for lunch or rest, dangerous machinery, children working long hours for little pay. Low pay for all workers. No recourse to dirty surroundings, no clean water for washing or drinking. Company stores that charges huge prices against workers pay, & compelling workers to buy from company stores. being fired for missing work because of illness. Injury on the job used as excuse to fire worker with no compensation.

Answer 6

i.b.e.w. was formed because there were no safety rules for employers to follow. people were dying to make someone rich. unions even help non union by forcing the contractors to compete for employees, witch means more money and safety

Answer 7

child labor, safety concernes, the right to breaks and lunches, fair pay....human rights