Unit 4 Discussion Board (Forum)

In the past, workers were often treated poorly. Workers could be fired without reason, workers who were injured while working received no income or compensation, and working conditions were often unsafe. Child labour was commonly used; children were forced to work long hours for little pay.

Over time, labour unions helped bring about improvements for workers. Minimum wages, regular hours of work, and safer working conditions are some of the benefits to workers from the efforts of labour unions.

One of the bargaining tools unions have is the ability to strike. Any stoppage of work is costly for employers. Labour strikes may also be disruptive to the general public if workers providing essential services are on strike.  Perhaps you are familiar with the frustration in the public if public transit workers, postal workers, or garbage collection workers are on strike - especially if the strike continues for many days and weeks.

Should unions have the right to strike? 

Consider the following questions when taking your position.

• Should workers who provide essential services such as nurses, police officers, teachers, and public transit workers have the ability to strike?
• Would losing the right to strike make unions (and thus workers)  more vulnerable to abuse and mistreatment by employers?
• Could disputes or disagreements between unions and employers be settled another way?

 Respond to this discussion topic in thoughtful, well-written sentences.