What is Unionism? According to the dictionary, unionism is defined as the policies and practices of labor unions, particularly those concerned with protecting and furthering the rights of workers.
Throughout history, the power of unionism has shaped landmark protections for working people. Many of the rights we often take for granted today — like fair wages, safe workplaces, and protection from discrimination — exist because workers stood together and demanded change. Here are just a few key moments that highlight how collective action has advanced worker rights:
1935 – National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) – Guarantees the right of private sector workers to organize Unions and collectively bargain and to strike. Forbids the employer from discriminating against employees for engaging in union activities.
1938 – Fair Labor Standards Act – Mandates an 8-hour day, 40-hour work week (time and a half for overtime), abolished child labor, and created a national minimum wage.
1947 – Taft-Harley Act – It prohibits secondary strikes and boycotts, wildcat strikes, strikes by federal employees, and the “closed shop,” and allows states to pass “right-to-work” laws that ban the “union shop” (in which newly hired employees must become union members within a specified period of time).
1963 – Fair Pay Act – An amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act, this law is intended to end wage disparities between the sexes. It prohibits sex discrimination in the payment of wages, thus allowing women’s pay to rise dramatically in the next fifty years.
1964 – Civil Rights Act – Title VII of this Act outlaws workplace discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, or national origin (age and disability being added later).
1970 – Occupational Safety and Health Act – Before this law, government’s attention to issues of workplace safety has been scattered and minimal. Thousands of workers were killed in the workplace each year, and millions were harmed or disabled. The OSH Act establishes an infrastructure (the OSH Administration, or OSHA) to enforce health and safety regulations.
The enactment of these laws was driven by individuals advocating workers’ rights. Their voices were instrumental in upholding and enforcing their entitlements.
Unionism is more than a concept—it’s a movement built on the belief that workers deserve a voice, respect, and a seat at the table. For Unit 15 members, unionism means standing together to protect our rights, improve our working conditions, and ensure fair treatment across all classifications.
When we act collectively, we negotiate stronger contracts, secure better wages, and defend against unfair practices. But union power doesn’t just come from leadership—it comes from you. Every member who speaks up, attends a meeting, or submits feedback helps shape the direction of our union.
We also have multiple Joint Labor-Management Committee (JLMC) meetings throughout the year, where your input directly influences decisions that affect your job. These meetings are a powerful tool for addressing workplace issues—especially those that may impact members statewide.
If you’re experiencing a challenge or see a pattern that needs attention, don’t wait. Share your concerns with us so we can bring them forward and work toward solutions together.
Submit your input to: [email protected]
Together, we are stronger. Together, we are the union.