This article is a reflective essay that assesses the strength of comments made by Christopher L. Tomlins in his book The State and Unions (1985), which looks back over the past quarter century. Various predictions were made concerning union decline and failed revival efforts as well as counterfeit rights offered to the U.S. working class.
QUESTION
Locate the following article in the Business Source Ultimate database in the CSU Online Library:
Hurd, R. W. (2013). Moving beyond the critical synthesis: Does the law preclude a future for US unions? Labor History, 54(2), 193-200.
This article is a reflective essay that assesses the strength of comments made by Christopher L. Tomlins in his book The State and Unions (1985), which looks back over the past quarter century. Various predictions were made concerning union decline and failed revival efforts as well as counterfeit rights offered to the U.S. working class.
Using all of the knowledge accumulated in this unit and in previous units, write a critique of the article. You may use other academic resources to support your points as necessary. Your critique must be at least three pages in length.
Your critique should address the questions below.
- What are the author’s main points?
- Do thearguments presented by the author support the main point?
- What evidence supports the main point? For example, if Tomlin’s thesis that the New Deal offered only a counterfeit liberty to labor is true, what effect does that have on employee morale?
- Briefly describe two collective bargaining strategies companies use when dealing with unions. How can these strategies affect employee morale?
- What is your opinion of the article?
- What evidence, either from the textbook or from additional sources, supports your opinion?
Be sure to follow the guidelines below.
- Accurately identify the premise and supporting points from the article.
- Provide an insightful and thorough analysis of the information from the article, including using evidence as well as reasonable and compelling interpretations.
- Link material to course content and real-world situations.
- Organize the material logically by using smooth transitions and by grouping similar material together.
- Cite all sources used; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations in APA format.
ANSWER
Critique of “Moving beyond the Critical Synthesis: Does the Law Preclude a Future for US Unions?” by Hurd, R. W.
Introduction
In the article “Moving beyond the Critical Synthesis: Does the Law Preclude a Future for US Unions?” by R. W. Hurd, the author reflects on Christopher L. Tomlins’ book “The State and Unions” (1985) and examines the predictions and arguments made regarding the decline of unions and the challenges faced by the U.S. working class. This critique will analyze the main points presented by the author, assess the supporting arguments, evaluate the evidence provided, discuss collective bargaining strategies, and offer an opinion on the article.
Main Points
Assessing the strength of Christopher L. Tomlins’ comments: The author aims to critically evaluate the arguments made by Tomlins in his book, particularly regarding the decline of unions and the limited rights provided to the U.S. working class.
Predictions of union decline and failed revival efforts: Hurd discusses Tomlins’ predictions about the future of unions and the challenges they face, questioning whether the law hinders the possibility of a successful union resurgence.
Supporting Arguments
The author presents several arguments to support the main points:
Historical analysis: Hurd provides a historical perspective on the labor movement, citing past challenges faced by unions and the impact of legal frameworks on their ability to organize and protect workers’ rights.
Legal constraints: The author highlights the legal barriers faced by unions, such as restrictive labor laws and anti-union practices employed by employers, which have hindered union growth and weakened their bargaining power.
Counterfeit rights: Hurd discusses Tomlins’ argument that the New Deal era offered only superficial or counterfeit liberties to labor, suggesting that these limited rights had a negative effect on employee morale and the overall strength of the labor movement.
Evidence to Support the Main Point
The author draws upon historical evidence, legal analyses, and scholarly perspectives to support the main point:
Historical case studies: Hurd references historical examples of union struggles, such as the decline of industrial unionism and the impact of the Taft-Hartley Act, to support the argument that legal factors have influenced union decline.
Legal analysis: The author examines labor laws and their implications on union organizing and collective bargaining rights, providing evidence that legal frameworks have posed challenges to union growth and effectiveness.
Collective Bargaining Strategies and Employee Morale
Two collective bargaining strategies companies use when dealing with unions are:
Oppositional approach: Employers may adopt an adversarial stance, employing aggressive tactics to undermine union organizing efforts, including anti-union campaigns, hiring union-busting consultants, and implementing strategies to delay or obstruct bargaining processes. This approach can negatively impact employee morale by creating a hostile work environment and eroding trust between management and workers.
Cooperative approach: Some companies choose to engage in cooperative bargaining, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with unions. This strategy involves open communication, collaboration, and a focus on shared goals. A cooperative approach can enhance employee morale by promoting a sense of fairness, employee involvement, and job security.
Opinion of the Article
In my opinion, the article provides a thought-provoking analysis of the challenges faced by unions and the impact of legal constraints on their ability to organize and advocate for workers’ rights. The author effectively questions Tomlins’ arguments and offers valuable insights into the complexities of the labor movement in the United States.
Supporting Evidence
Additional sources and the textbook provide supporting evidence for my opinion:
Textbook references: The textbook likely covers topics related to labor history, collective bargaining, and the challenges faced by unions, which can provide a broader understanding of the issues discussed in the article.
Scholarly articles: Reputable academic sources analyzing union decline, labor laws, and the impact on employee morale can offer further insights and evidence to support or challenge the arguments presented in the article.
Conclusion
In “Moving beyond the Critical Synthesis: Does the Law Preclude a Future for US Unions?” by R. W. Hurd, the author critically examines the arguments put forth by Christopher L. Tomlins regarding the decline of unions and the challenges faced by the U.S. working class. Through historical analysis and legal perspectives, the author highlights the influence of legal constraints on unions’ ability to organize effectively. The article prompts readers to consider the complex interplay between labor laws, collective bargaining strategies, and employee morale. Overall, this critique appreciates the author’s efforts to shed light on the state of unions and the role of the law in shaping their future.
