Labor Unions & Health & Safety in the Workplace

1. Labor Unions&Health & Safety in the Workplace Sections 5 & 6

2. Labor Unions • Between the Civil War & early 20th Century employees were forced to find jobs that they were not qualified for with poor conditions. Labor Unions - organizations that represent workers in negotiations regarding employee rights.

3. Labor Unions • Among the goals of Labor Unions formed in the early 1900’s were: • Elimination of Child Labor • Elimination of Laws used to break up unions • Acceptance of the principle of collective bargaining • Establishment of state & federal Bureau of Labor • Passing of workman’s compensation laws • 8 hour work days

4. Labor Unions • The push for labor unions was greatest in the 1930’s during the Great Depression. • They flourished as the USA became a dominant producer and key player in the world economy after WW II. • Membership in Labor Unions peaked in 1975 with 35% of workers in unions.

5. Labor Unions • Today about 12% of workers are in a union. • Unions cover employees in: Management Service Occupations Construction & Maintenance Occupations Transportation Education

6. Labor Unions • National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) - Federal agency established to administer the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) which we have already studied! • The purpose of NLRA is to serve the public interest by reducing interruptions in commerce caused by industrial conflict.

7. Labor Unions • In non-union jobs employers set the level of wages & hours of labor • In union jobs, unions negotiate with employers on behalf of the employees. This is called Collective Bargaining. • Employees now share the responsibility with employers to establish orderly procedures. • When collective bargaining fails the union can take a vote to strike. If agreement is made then a contract is signed/resigned.

8. Labor Unions • Grievances - Differences of opinion over how contract provisions should be interpreted. • Arbitrator - neutral party called in to settle grievance matters

9. Health & Safety in the Workplace • 3500 workers die per year in job- related accidents • 1 in 5 workers injured while operating power saws said that no training was provided. • 71% of 868 workers with head injuries said they had no instruction concerning hard hats • 61% of 554 workers hurt servicing equipment said they weren’t informed about procedures to shut off electrical components.

10. Health & Safety in the Workplace • AVOID PROBLEMS! 1. Understand potential hazards 2. Learn safe ways to perform tasks 3. Apply what you know in a hazardous situation

11. Health & Safety in the Workplace • Be informed • Practice unsafe measures • Beware of work fatigue • Avoid the use drugs/alcohol on the job • Use employee assistance program when possible

12. Health & Safety in the Workplace • Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA) • Created in 1970 • Requires employer to provide a safe & healthful workplace • Enforced by fines and random job checks • OSHA guidelines must be posted at job site • As an employee if you feel unsafe you may contact OSHA to report your employer (anonymous)

13. Health & Safety in the Workplace • Violent Crime & Worker Safety • Avoid apprehending criminals yourself • Don’t maintain eye contact • Determine height, weight, race, etc. • Give them what they ask for. Cooperate. • Do not follow robbers outside • Identify a vehicle if you can

14. Health & Safety in the Workplace • Stress as a Job Hazard • Stress is a strain on persona endurance & feelings and is unique for each of us • It frequently spills over into other areas of life and may be difficult to recognize • Identify your stress triggers early! • Exercise is a great stress reliever • Communication can relieve stress • Take breaks when you feel it building