Labor Relations and union problems; The assigned reading for this period is eclectic covering labor relations, discipline, and safety. For this period’s forum post to the group an initial message that presents the reasons, in your supported opinion, why businesses ended up with labor relations and union problems and safety concerns. This is not meant to ‘just’ point the finger at business but look back over the course of history and ask yourself what led to the problems. Then think about how a Biblical worldview might have changed, or not changed, the attitudes and principles at work and would the business workplace be different today if we developed the business understanding on scripture. Post one reply to one other student either adding to his/her thoughts or politely challenging his/her thoughts by Sunday of the first week. Please use academic references and APA formatting.
Peer answer that needs a response
Labor relations is defined as “the continuous relationship between a defined group of employees and management (Ivancevich & Konopaske, 2013). Its purpose is to ensure that management is considering fair compensation and good working conditions for their employees. The importance of unions grew during the Civil War due to the increase in industrial expansion. It resulted in “huge industrial monopolies” (Ivancevich & Konopaske, 2013). During this time, “employment conditions included long work hours, unsafe working conditions, low wages, and high employment” (Ivancevich & Konopaske, 2013). The formation of unions was highly opposed by employers when the idea was first proposed. However, over time, unions were successfully created to help address employee issues.
Before the creation of unions employees were able to dictate employee wages and were able to reduce wages if they desired. The first unions were organized to defend “trades against diluted and cheap labor and, increasingly, demanding a shorter workday in the face of the Industrial Revolution” (History.com Editors, 2009). Unions were not only established to enhance work life and employee’s compensation. Its early purpose was to promote social equality which was derived from the “ideals of the American Revolution” (History.com Editors, 2009).