A study by the Economic Policy Institute found that union workers earn 13.2% more in wages than non-union workers in the same industry and occupation.1 But higher pay is just the beginning of the story.
From the iconic 8-hour workday to the right to a safe and healthy work environment, labor unions have left an indelible mark on the employment landscape. These unsung heroes of the working class have paved the way for the work-life balance and job security that many of us now take for granted.
Here’s 15 work rights that labor unions fought for and won:
1. The 8-Hour Workday
The rallying cry of “Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, eight hours for what we will” encapsulated the vision for a balanced life. The 8-hour movement gained momentum in the 19th century, with labor activists like the Chartists in the UK and the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions in the US leading the charge.
Pivotal moments like the Haymarket Affair in Chicago in 1886 and the nationwide strike on May 1st of that year marked turning points in the struggle.(ref) Australia’s stonemasons achieved an early victory, winning the 8-hour workday in 1856.
Gradually, governments began legislating reduced work hours, with France securing the 8-hour day in 1919 and the US passing the Adamson Act for railroad workers in 1916.
2. The 40-Hour Workweek
Building on the 8-hour day, unions pushed for a standard 40-hour workweek. In the US, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 mandated overtime pay for hours worked beyond 44 per week, later amended to 40 hours in 1940. This New Deal legislation was a major milestone in establishing the modern workweek.
Australia’s Commonwealth Arbitration Court approved the 40-hour, five-day workweek nationally in 1948. The shortened workweek allowed workers to enjoy weekends off for leisure and family time, dramatically improving their quality of life.
Some progressive unions even began advocating for 30-hour or 4-day workweeks.
3. Overtime Pay
Another key victory for organized labor was securing premium pay rates for overtime hours. The Fair Labor Standards Act required overtime pay of at least 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 per week. This disincentivized employers from overworking employees and fairly compensated those who did work extra time.
Overtime protections were expanded over the decades to cover more industries and job classifications. However, some employers still try to skirt overtime laws by misclassifying workers as exempt “semi-professionals” or “technicians.”
Unions remain vigilant in combating these tactics and ensuring workers receive the overtime pay they’ve earned.
4. Paid Vacation Time
Paid time off is a benefit that many take for granted today, but it was once a radical notion. Labor unions fought hard to secure paid vacation days for workers, arguing that everyone deserves time to rest and recharge away from the job.
In the US, unions bargained for vacation benefits in their contracts, as there is no federal law mandating paid vacation. In contrast, many European countries have robust legal minimums for paid leave, thanks to union advocacy.
For example, France’s five weeks of statutory paid vacation is a result of labor movement victories.
5. Paid Sick Leave
The ability to take time off when ill, without losing pay or risking one’s job, is a fundamental worker protection. Unions have long championed paid sick leave as a basic right, necessary for both individual and public health.
Campaigns by labor activists have led to laws mandating paid sick leave in several US states and cities. On a national level, the Family and Medical Leave Act provides unpaid leave for serious health conditions, but unions continue to push for universal paid sick days.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of paid sick leave has only become more apparent.(ref)
6. Workplace Safety Standards
In the early days of industrialization, workplace accidents and deaths were all too common. Unions played a crucial role in advocating for safety regulations and holding employers accountable for maintaining safe working conditions.
Key victories included the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 in the US. These laws established safety standards, required inspections, and gave workers the right to report hazards without retaliation.
Unions continue to push for stronger protections, especially in high-risk industries.
7. Child Labor Protections
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, child labor was rampant, with children as young as five working long hours in dangerous conditions. Unions were at the forefront of the movement to end this exploitation and ensure that children had access to education.
The National Child Labor Committee, formed in 1904, brought together union leaders and social reformers to campaign for child labor laws. Their efforts led to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which set a minimum age of 16 for most non-agricultural jobs and 18 for hazardous occupations.
Unions continue to monitor child labor practices and push for stronger enforcement.
8. Collective Bargaining Rights
The right to organize and bargain collectively is the foundation of union power. With this right, workers have more leverage to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
In the US, the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 guaranteed private sector workers the right to form unions and engage in collective bargaining. However, this right has been eroded over time by anti-union legislation and employer opposition.
Unions continue to fight for stronger protections and penalties for employers who violate workers’ organizing rights.
9. Minimum Wage
A living wage is essential for workers to meet their basic needs and provide for their families. Unions have been instrumental in pushing for minimum wage increases at the federal, state, and local levels.
The first federal minimum wage in the US was established by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 at $0.25 per hour. Since then, unions have fought for periodic increases to keep pace with inflation and rising costs of living.
Many unions also negotiate for higher minimum wages in their contracts, setting a higher standard for their industries.
10. Retirement Benefits
Everyone deserves a secure retirement after a lifetime of work. Unions have been key advocates for pension plans and Social Security, ensuring that workers can enjoy their golden years with dignity.
In the US, unions were early supporters of the Social Security Act of 1935, which created a national retirement system. They also negotiated for employer-sponsored pension plans in their contracts, providing additional retirement security for millions of workers.
As pensions have declined in recent decades, unions have fought to protect and expand Social Security benefits.
11. Weekends Off
Before labor unions advocated for the 5-day workweek, working on Saturdays was the norm. Winning the weekend was a major quality-of-life improvement that allowed workers to spend more time with family, pursue hobbies, and recharge.
Unions negotiated for paid weekends off in their contracts, and over time, the Monday-to-Friday workweek became standard in many industries. This hard-won right is now enjoyed by millions of workers worldwide.
12. Paid Holidays
In addition to weekends, unions have also secured paid holidays for workers. These include major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Independence Day in the US, as well as other culturally significant days.
Paid holidays provide workers with much-needed breaks throughout the year and allow them to celebrate important occasions without sacrificing income. Many union contracts also include floating holidays or personal days that workers can use at their discretion.
13. Equal Pay for Equal Work
Unions have been at the forefront of the fight for pay equity, advocating for the principle that workers should receive equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender, race, or other factors.
In the US, unions supported the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, which strengthened protections against wage discrimination.
Unions also negotiate for pay transparency and equity in their contracts, helping to close wage gaps and ensure fair compensation for all workers.
14. Parental Leave
Paid parental leave is essential for workers to bond with new children and care for their families without losing income. Unions have been instrumental in securing this benefit for workers, both through collective bargaining and advocacy for public policies.
In the US, unions have pushed for the expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act to include paid leave and for state and local laws that provide paid parental leave.
Many union contracts also include generous paid leave provisions, setting a higher standard for their industries.
15. Job Security & Due Process
Unions have fought for job security and due process protections to ensure that workers are not fired arbitrarily or without just cause. These protections are enshrined in many union contracts through provisions like seniority rights, grievance procedures, and progressive discipline.
By advocating for these rights, unions help to create a more stable and fair workplace where workers can speak up about issues without fear of retaliation. These protections are especially important for whistleblowers and workers who raise concerns about safety, discrimination, or other workplace problems.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.