The Role of Labor Unions, HR Management and the Government in the U.S.
Abstract
This paper talks about the roles of the three major players in the American labor landscape. First, the paper discusses the role of labor unions and how it changed the labor settings in the United States. Moreover, it also discusses the role of human resource management in promoting good employer-employee relationship, which has become a major issue that brought about the formation of labor unions in the first place. Lastly, the paper also discusses the role of the American government in maintaining the power balance between labor and employer. Labor unions have played a major role in the labor landscape of the United States. It could not be denied that together with the emergence of labor unions, the labor market of the United States have experienced significant changes. Workers grouped themselves to form labor unions that aim to champion their welfare and interests. Over the years, the role of labor unions in the United States has significantly evolved. From being temporary organizations, labor unions have become a permanent institution with local, national and international affiliations. In line with the growing influence of labor unions, companies have also developed strategies in order to improve their employee relations while the government provides a legal framework in the background.
Introduction
The advent of the industrial revolution drastically changed the labor landscape, particularly in industrialized countries such as the United States. New production techniques of the early 1900s, such as Taylor’s scientific management and Ford’s mass production and assembly line techniques, drastically cut down the need for skilled workers and artisans . As work became canned and monotonous, many factory workers become expendable as they can be easily replaced. Wages and working conditions also declined due to the excess of non-skilled laborers; exacerbated by huge waves of migration to the cities of individuals looking for factory work. Most of production line workers find themselves in poor living conditions and are forced to live in the city slums because of their meager incomes. Industrialists or factory owners, on the other hand, have become extremely wealthy while the ordinary workers suffered from poor working conditions and low wages. Such was the scenario in the United States when the first labor unions emerged. Labor unions helped initiate the needed social reforms, particularly in terms of the welfare of the ordinary laborer. Using its political influence, labor unions were instrumental in the passing of labor laws that aims to regulate employee-employer relationship and set standards for acceptable labor practices. Labor unions, however, are just a part of a larger labor landscape of a country. Human resource managers and the government also play a crucial role in the creation and implementation of labor policies. These three bodies work together to ensure a healthy working relationship between the employer and their employees.
Out of the need for an organized body to push “higher wages and shorter workdays,” ordinary workers’ group themselves in order to “pursue common work-related goals, such as better wages and benefits, safer working conditions, and greater job security” (Cengage Learning, n.d., p.2; Murray, n.d., p.1). The first labor unions, however, were not permanent organizations as they often disband after their demands are met (Murray, n.d., p.2). The goals of labor unions that emerged in the 20th century, however, were more far reaching compared to the temporary worker unions of the previous eras. Labor unions during this era did not only sought for local influence, but also merged with other labor unions to form national labor organizations. Labor unions use their political clout not only to protect workers from abusive employers, but also to bring about social changes through legislative and political means. Labor unions, for instance, have become instrumental in the passing of several laws that favors low key employees and have served as guardians of labor laws; ensuring that they are observed in corporations and business entities where they are present. As observed by Samuel Gompers, the first president of the American Federation of Labor in America, “Where trade unions are most firmly organized, there are the rights of people most respected” (Cengage Learning, n.d., p.2).
Role of Human Resource Managers
Like labor unions, human resource managers also serve as the link between the workers and employers. And just as labor unions are inclined to represent the interest of the workers, the office of the human resource manager is more inclined towards pursuing the interest of the company. Modern human resource management approaches, however, have come a long way from the scientific management and bureaucratic management pioneered by Frederick Taylor and Max Weber, which have dominated the human resource management of the past . Today, human resource management focuses on the principle that employees are not just part of the assemby line or the production area machinery, but rather human beings with needs that must be met through their employment. As observed by scholars, most modern human management are proactively addressing employee concerns by providing a more comprehensive and dynamic approach . Examples of such initiatives are competitive compensation packages that include incentives and healthcare insurances. Most modern HR management also pursues the holistic development of their employees by providing career trainings and seminars. Recreational activities are also encouraged to maintain their employees’ work-life balance.
Role of the Government
Before the 20th century, no extensive regulation exists that governs employee and employer relationship. Without established labor policies, exploitation of labor became rampant as sweatshops became prevalent in the early 1900s (Powell, 2014, p.110). Perhaps thinking that it would incur additional cost, these sweatshops give little emphasis on worker welfare and safety. However, when the labor unions gained popularity, the situation was reversed. Labor unions encouraged employees to stage organized demonstrations, boycotts and strikes. At the peak of its popularity, labor unions can disrupt company operations and even cripple entire cities for days by going on work protests and strikes. At times, labor strikes are riddled with violence that often require military intervention. The Railway Strike of 1877 and the Homestead strike of Pittsburgh in 1892 were just a few examples of labor strikes that are noted for their violence and notoriety. Employers and labor unions often find themselves in conflict with each other due to vested interests and most often, the government steps-in in order to intervene. The first major labor law in the United States was The Railway Labor Act of 1926 (Paul, Janofsky & Walker, 2004). This law provided a framework for resolving labor disputes and also draw the line on how far labor demonstrations can go to avoid the interruption of commerce. Many labor laws followed that aims to regulate employee-employer relationship as well as set standard labor practices. In other words, the government’s role in labor relations is to act a regulatory body in order to maintain the healthy balance between commerce and income distribution.
Conclusion
Labor unions are important institutions that help maintain the check and balance of the American society. It should be noted that its emergence was crucial in addressing the problems of low wages and poor working conditions; predicaments that were commonly experienced by ordinary workers that became prevalent during the early stages of the industrial revolution up to this day. Labor unions, however, have gained notoriety as it became popular and powerful. To counter this popularity, human resource managers employ dynamic management techniques, such as competitive pays and incentives, in order to deter employees from joining labor unions. In between, the government acts as a moderator to regulate and ensure the implementation of labor laws and to draw the line and intervene if necessary.
References
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