Labor Movement

Definition

The labor movement in the United States grew out of the need to protect the common interest of workers. For those in the industrial sector, organized labor unions fought for better wages, reasonable hours and safer working conditions.

Analogy

Consider it like a group project at school where everyone's contribution matters. If one person is being treated unfairly or not pulling their weight, it affects everyone else. The labor movement is about ensuring fair treatment for all workers.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: Process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees aimed at agreements to regulate working salaries, working conditions, benefits etc.

Strike Action: Work stoppage caused by mass refusal of employees to work as a form of protest.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Federal law which establishes minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, recordkeeping and child labor standards affecting full-time and part-time workers in both private sector and federal state & local governments.