Did You Know: Understanding labor unions — an historical perspective

The recent DC33 strike in Philadelphia has made me reflect on the role and impact of unions. On July 1, 2025, ABC News reported nearly 10,000 members of the District Council 33 — representing city workers such as trash collectors, 911 dispatchers and water department employees — walked off the job after contract negotiations with the city stalled over pay and benefits. The strike quickly disrupted vital public services, including trash pickup, sanitation and other essential operations, leading to visible piles of garbage on city streets and growing public frustration.

After more than a week, the city and union reached a deal, ending the strike and sending workers back to their jobs. Watching how the strike unfolded and how both sides negotiated under pressure has made me think more deeply about the power unions hold — not just to advocate for better pay and conditions, but also to shape the daily life of an entire city when their members take collective action.

Did you know that a labor union is an organized group of workers who come together to collectively negotiate with employers over issues such as wages, benefits and working conditions? As stated on the Union Plus website, this process is called collective bargaining and is central to union activity and aims to secure better terms for employees than they might achieve individually.

Did you know the roots of labor unions trace back to the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, when rapid industrialization led to poor working conditions, long hours  and low pay for many workers. In response, workers began to organize for mutual support and to advocate for their rights. Early unions faced significant legal and social opposition; in the United States, the first union, the Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers, was founded in 1794, but its members were prosecuted for criminal conspiracy when they struck for higher wages in 1806.

Did you know national labor unions began to form after the Civil War. The Knights of Labor, established in 1869, was the first major union to include both skilled and unskilled workers. In 1866, the National Labor Union became the first attempt at a national labor group, notably calling for an eight-hour workday. The American Federation of Labor (AFL), founded in 1886 by Samuel Gompers, became the most influential union, focusing on skilled workers and practical improvements in wages and safety.

Did you know Unions gained significant legal protection in the 1930s with the passage of the National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) in 1935, which established the right of employees to organize, strike and bargain collectively. This era saw union membership and influence peak, particularly during and after World War II, when unions played a major role in securing better pay and working conditions for millions of Americans.

In conclusion, labor unions have played a pivotal role in shaping the American workforce by advocating for fair wages, safer working conditions and employee rights throughout history. Despite facing significant challenges such as declining membership and legislative hurdles in recent decades, unions remain a vital force in protecting workers’ interests and influencing labor policies.

As the nature of work continues to evolve with technological advancements and globalization, unions must adapt to represent a more diverse and changing workforce. Their continued presence is essential to ensuring that workers have a collective voice in negotiating the terms of their employment and maintaining equitable labor standards in the modern economy.