The book describes working and living conditions among migrant laborers in the northern Canadian work camps, 1903-1914. The early chapters sketch the development of Canada's transportation systems from the mid-19th century as the setting for the development of labor camps, and describe the contract system in railway construction. The heart of the…

Child labor in the United States is the focus of this unit of study for grades 5 and up. This unit contains four elements: (1) a list of documents with their specific archival reference numbers and a brief synopsis of their historical significance to the unit's theme; (2) a set of reproductions of documents; (3) 13 separate classroom activities;…

Since 1993, Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF) has placed nearly 300 college students into summer internships with farmworker agencies in North and South Carolina, where students work alongside farmworkers struggling to improve their living and working conditions. Because of significant gaps in academic materials related to farmworkers in the…

A series of articles comprises the history of labor activism from the 17th century to the present. Most of the information characterizes labor in the United States, although vignettes of labor activity in Canada and Europe are also included. The purpose of the document is to transmit to young workers an understanding of the hopes, bitterness,…

The new dynamics of the academic marketplace and, in particular, the processes of recruitment are examined in the context of political and legal demand for affirmative action. Described is the way the sociology department at the University of California, Berkeley, carried out its search for three junior faculty in 1975-76. In assessing the…

In 1970 about a fourth of the country's farm workers were underage, working and living in conditions which are "sub-sub-substandard" in most parts of the country. These workers are often swindled or exploited by labor contractors or crew men. Since the work is seasonal, families are forced to travel great distances, under difficult circumstances,…

This pamphlet on labor history highlights some of labor's economic and political actions during the past 200 years. The purpose is to provide inspiration and motivation for greater participation in union work. The introduction explains the purpose of unions--to pursue economic independence and social stature for all individuals--for defenseless…

The competing demands of the workplace and the home have intensified over the last 25 years as the nation has experienced dramatic social and economic changes affecting businesses, employees, and families. In 1993, Congress passed the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to provide a national policy that supports families in their efforts to strike…

The prospective place of the aging worker in the employment environment of the 21st century is examined. The following are among the specific topics discussed: (1) the real world of work and retirement; (2) the changing employment environment; (3) the restructuring of business in the United States; (4) globalization and the economy; (5) downsizing…

This book addresses the need for change in the ways businesses are conducted in order to respond to increased global competition and describes the forms change has taken in many businesses. The first part of the book introduces the need for change and describes some change strategies that businesses have adopted. Part II considers the alternative…

This book examines the lives of America's working families from all social classes and ethnic groups and the familial obligations they must deal with, arguing that there is a widening gap between the demands of the workplace and the well-being of America's families. Chapter one provides an overview of the problems of longer work days, outdated…