Today in Labor History: October 24
The 40-hour work week went into effect under the Fair Labor Standards Act, signed by Pres. Roosevelt two years earlier – 1940
U.S. minimum wage increases to 40 cents an hour – 1945
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Member Tip: Working Union vs. Working Non-Union
In a non-union setting, workers count on their own individual strength; in a union setting, workers count on their own strength plus the collective strength of the group. In a non-union setting, the employer makes all the rules; in a union setting, the rules are negotiated by the union and the employer. In a non-union setting, the employer enforces the rules however he sees fit; in a union setting workers have a procedure in place to respond to unfair enforcement of rules, even to the point of having an outside, neutral arbitrator decide who’s right. In a non-union setting the employer decides what employees will be paid and what benefits, if any, they will receive; in a union setting the employer is required to negotiate with the union on all pay and benefit issues the union brings to the bargaining table.
– Adapted from The Union Member’s Complete Guide, by Michael Mauer
Labor Song: Picket Line
As a long time union advocate, Bobby DePace had dreamed of putting together a CD of the experiences that he has shared with union members across our country. This CD is the realization of that dream. Click here to listen to the song.
