As the U.S. economy rapidly industrialized during the second half of the 1800s,

As the U.S. economy rapidly industrialized during the second half of the 1800s, the nature and conditions of labor (“work”) were altered. Formerly independent producers (tradesmen, farmers, etc.) now became hired wage hands (“employees”) whose job it was to tend a machine or repeat a small process continuously that often required little skill or thought. Toward the end of the century workers were increasing drawn to unions to represent their interests possibly through collective bargaining. Was this a reasonable and useful response by workers? What were the possible benefits of unions and union membership?
Addendum: understanding that numerous students, including perhaps yourself, are employed in the retail and service industries, please consider some recent developments in worker mobilization and unionization efforts. This is in particular reference to the recent successful organizing drives at some Starbucks, and even more recently, Trader Joe’s. Why are these workers seeking union representation? If you are working in one of these venues, how do such actions influence your thinking about workplace issues?
Our discussion in History 17 this week is a two-parter. Part one asks you to consider why workers were increasingly drawn to union organization (“collective bargaining”) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to secure their needs and interests as an unregulated industrial capitalism rapidly expanded. In doing so, speak to working conditions and identify some of the labor leaders and organizations as well as representative labor actions (work stoppages or “strikes’) and the response of ownership and the state.
The second part invites you to speak to your own experience as a hired worker. What were/are the conditions of your employment? If this were to be long-term or a semipermanent job, would union organization membership be a useful response? Would you become an organizer or member?