This subfield of social movements in history examines the organization and actions of workers to improve their working conditions, wages, and benefits.
Industrialization: The process of modernizing an economy with the introduction of new technologies, such as machinery, which enables increased production.
Capitalism: An economic system in which private individuals own and operate the means of production, with the goal of maximizing profit.
Trade unions: Organizations that represent workers in collective bargaining with employers, with the goal of improving their wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Labor laws: Regulations that govern the relationship between employers and employees, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and anti-discrimination measures.
The Great Depression: The period of economic turmoil that followed the stock market crash of 1929, which caused widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest.
Socialism: A political and economic system that advocates for the nationalization of property and the redistribution of wealth, with the goal of creating greater equality.
Communism: A system of government in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.
Feminism: The movement for gender equality and women's rights, which has had a significant impact on the labor movement by challenging gender discrimination in the workplace.
Civil rights: The movement to end racial discrimination and secure equal rights for African Americans and other minority groups, which was closely linked to the labor movement.
Collective bargaining: The process of negotiation between employers and unions, which can result in agreements on wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Strikes: Work stoppages organized by unions, as a form of protest or bargaining.
Lockouts: Employer-initiated work stoppages, often used as a tactic to break a union's bargaining power.
Arbitration: The use of a neutral third party to mediate disputes between employers and unions.
Labor history: The study of the past struggles and victories of workers, which provides insight into the ongoing challenges and opportunities faced by the labor movement today.
Globalization: The increasing interconnections between economies and societies around the world, which has reshaped the global labor market and presented new challenges for labor organizers.
Craft unionism: A labor movement that emerged in the 19th century, in which workers of a particular craft or trade formed unions to protect their interests and improve their working conditions.
Industrial unionism: A labor movement that arose in the early 20th century, in which workers from various industries joined together to form a single, powerful union.
Syndicalism: A labor movement that emphasizes direct action and class conflict rather than political action or negotiation.
Anarcho-syndicalism: A form of syndicalism that advocates for the abolition of the state and the establishment of a society based on workers' self-management.
Socialism: A political and economic theory that advocates for the collective ownership and control of the means of production and distribution of goods and services.
Communism: A political and economic theory that advocates for a classless society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the community as a whole.
Feminist labor movements: Multiple labor movements throughout history that are focused on achieving gender equality in the workplace and advocating for women's rights.
Environmental labor movements: Labor movements focused on advocating for sustainable work environments and environmental justice.
Civil Rights labor movements: Labor movements that advocate for equality and justice for marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
Global labor movements: Labor movements that transcend national boundaries and aim to achieve justice and fairness for workers on a global scale.