Frequently Asked Questions
When did unions first begin forming?
Unions began around 1811. They started with the Luddites; a group who protested against machines replacing people's jobs. Unions sprouted from there.
Were unions popular with the government?
No, unions were not popular with the government. They were actually illegal in England from 1799 to 1824 because of the Combination Act.
Who started unions?
Workers in factories started unions. The Luddites are credited with the first movement, but many unions formed all over Europe due to a variety of bad working conditions.
Why were strikes held during the Industrial revolution?
The strikes were held for poor working conditions and low wages.
Was it legal to strike during the industrial revolution?
No, it was not legal to strike during the industrial revolution, but people felt so strongly about their causes they did anyway.
Did members of certain occupations have more reasons to create unions?
Skilled workers such as carpenters usually made unions because they could. Business owners could not afford to lose their best workers. The skilled workers participated in strikes because they needed the security that their job would be there the next day.
Did members of certain occupations have more reason to strike?
People working in factories usually had reason to strike because of poor working conditions and low wages.
How are strikes treated in today's society?
Striking laws vary from country to country. Usually striking is very regulated where it is permitted. Striking is generally frowned upon, but is considered an affective form of protest in many cultures.
How has the use of unions affected the world today?
Unions are important to the world today. They control, and are a big part of, many occupations such as carpenters and teachers.
Did any of these changes have a positive affect on the world?
Depending on what angle you look at it from, strikes and unions could be seen as having positive and negative affects on the world. They give workers voices and more job security. However, Unions are able to negotiate more pay from business owners. Unions are not always helpful to business owners and usually helpful to workers. But, as with most rules, there are many exceptions.
There were many good reasons for unions and strikes during the Industrial Revolution. For example: long hours without breaks. The workers would be. forced to work long hours without breaks. This made them weak and tired.
