Summer School 7: The Great Depression, the New Deal and how it changed our economy
Planet Money
Unity Breeds Strength: The Power of Unions
The historical narrative of American unions highlights their critical role during the mid-20th century, notably post-World War II, when they gained significant influence and membership. At their peak in the 1950s, about one-third of Americans were union members, marking a pivotal moment for worker representation. This surge in unionization directly correlated with wage increases and improved working conditions, benefiting not only union members but also elevating wage standards across the economy. The strength of unions has a ripple effect, underpinning quality of life improvements even for non-unionized workers, thus illustrating the profound impact of collective bargaining.
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