Labor and Management

Civics The American Economy Labor and Management
Students study several photographs showing work conditions in the early twentieth century. Then they describe the role of the Fair Labor Standards Act and unions. Next they analyze arguments for and against an increase in the federal minimum wage. Finally they review a 100 Best Places to Work survey and evaluate factors that contribute to good relations between management and employees.

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Overview

In this experience, students study several photographs showing work conditions in the early twentieth century. Then they describe the role of the Fair Labor Standards Act and unions. Next they analyze arguments for and against an increase in the federal minimum wage. Finally they review a survey of 100 Best Places to Work and evaluate factors that contribute to good relations between management and employees.

Objectives

  • Identify the role of organized labor in the U.S. economy.
  • Explain how labor and management work out agreements.


Engage


Businesses have many responsibilities. One of the primary responsibilities is to provide an acceptable wage, certain benefits, and a safe work environment for all employees. Many business owners see this responsibility as a privilege. In some cases, workers need to fight for improved salaries or working conditions. In this lesson, you will learn about the relationship between business management and the labor force.

Objectives

  • Identify the role of organized labor in the U.S. economy.
  • Explain how labor and management work out agreements.
Look at the photographs shown below.


Photograph of very young boys helping haul crates of fruit; young girl in smock standing alongside mill machinery

Left: Harvesting a cranberry crop in New Jersey in 1938;
Right: Spinner in a Vermont mill in 1910


Photograph of three young boys standing in an open railroad car holding shovels

Boys working for a zinc mine in Missouri in 1910


Photograph of a mother, father and daughter sewing by hand in a crowded tenement kitchen/living room

Family running a textile business from their home in a New York tenement in 1913


Describe what you see in the photographs. What do they tell you about working conditions in the United States one century ago?

Post your answer

Many children were forced to work, sometimes after school but often instead of an education. Conditions were often dangerous, hours long, wages low.


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