Have a good time as you enjoy picnicking and fun with friends and family this holiday weekend. But I urge you to take a moment to pause to reflect on how labor unions have evolved and the role they have played in the evolution of our democracy.
Labor unions were created and grew out of the necessity to protect vulnerable workers. As the industrial revolution evolved in the U.S., some, if not most, workers labored in an environment of dangerous working conditions, long hours and low wages. Unions organized to have the countervailing power to demand better conditions.
Early unions met stiff resistance from the unholy alliance between robber barons and government that led to events like the 1886 Haymarket Square Massacre in Chicago where workers clashed with troops trying to break up the march and discourage union demands for an eight-hour day and safer working conditions.
But far from obliterating the unions, this repression led to increased resistance and the eventual flourishing of the labor movement for most of the 20th century. Union experienced a temporary decline for several decades recently, but are apparently experiencing a welcome renaissance in the 21st century,
The struggle continues not only at the factory but in American politics, resulting in a push-pull in Congress for pro and anti-labor legislation. There have been many examples of both.
Because of the struggle for legislation, labor unions became political, supporting pro-labor candidates and encouraged members to vote and get involved in politics for their own self-interest. This continues today, with unions endorsing and contributing to candidates, collecting voluntary PAC contributions from members, and encouraging member voting and grass-roots political participation. This participation has contributed to play an important role in sustaining democracy in our political system.
Labor unions have also advocated for a lot of progressive and pro-consumer legislation that goes beyond the narrow dimensions of worker rights and job-related needs, making democracy more popular.
Even though union membership is not what it once was and union members frequently aren’t in lockstep with union leader recommendations, the overall arc of role of labor unions in our political system has been to promote democracy through voter education and encouraging voting and other political participation. That is worthy of celebration during this holiday weekend and beyond.