Labor Union Resources for Teachers
Books
Foner, P. (1988). The History of the Labor Movement in the U.S.: Postwar Struggles 1918-1920.(vol. 8). USA: International Publishers Co., Inc. ISBN-13: 978-0717806522.
Be engaged as you delve into the phenomenal history of the labor movement and learn how workers struggled collectively to join together.
Marsh, J. (2007). You Work Tomorrow: An Anthology of American Labor Poetry, 1924-1941. USA: University of Michigan Press. ISBN-13: 978-0472050000.
Remarkable collection of engaging poems creates a dramatic aspect of American literature written by union members and published in union newspapers during the tumultuous 1930’s.
Meier, A. & Rudwick, E. (2007). Black Detroit and the Rise of the UAW. USA: University of Michigan Press. ISBN-13: 978-0472032198.
An essential reading for historians of labor and race in America as well as those interested in Detroit’s importance as crucible for American urban history.
Gilmore, A. (2008). All the People—NEA’s Legacy of Inclusion and Its Minority Presidents. USA: National Education Association. IBSN-13: 978-0810600003.
Be captivated by the inspiration of the National Education Association as they united with Minority Presidents in their journey of success.
YouTube Clips
Fight for Your Rights! The Pullman Strike. (9:32). Chronicles the first national strike in United States history. Retrieved Sept. 16, 2010, from: www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9fXXKZV7Js
A Philip Randolph: For Jobs and Freedom. (2:16). Takes viewers on a tour of 20th-century civil rights and labor history as it chronicles Randolph's legendary efforts to build a more equitable society. Retrieved Sept. 16, 2010, from: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ7sa7x0h6w
A Philip Randolph Digital Story. (6:00). Prominent African American civil rights leader who successfully helped to end segregation in society through the use of labor unions and marches. Retrieved Sept. 16, 2010 from: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAR_RBkheVA
Origins of the Labor Movement. (3:40). Video documenting the origins of the modern American Labor Movement and the role of coppersmiths in early America. Retrieved Sept. 16, 2010, from: www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-95bn8IFyc
Web Site Links
American Labor Studies Center. (2007). American Labor Studies Center is a web site that contains lesson plans and activities on US labor history.
Lesson Planet. (2010). For lesson plans, activities and web sites relating to American labor history for middle school and high school students. Requires an account.
AFL CIO—America’s Union Movement. (2010). The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is a voluntary federation of 56 national and international labor unions.
U.S. Labor and Industrial History World Wide Web Audio Archive. (2009). Numerous audio recordings organized by topic on the labor union and industrial history.
A. Philip Randolph Institute. (2010). Encourages American’s to join together and put America back to work by reordering our nation’s priorities to invest in our most valuable resource, people.
Labor History Links. (n.d.). This site is the most comprehensive bibliography of information, documents and links of U.S. labor history sites on the Internet. Includes lesson plans and tools for teachers.
History Matters. (2006). Designed for high school and college teachers and students, History Mattersserves as a gateway to Web resources and offers other useful materials for teaching U.S. history.
Union Themed Movies
Note: Subject matter may not be appropriate for all ages. Viewer Discretion Advised.
Blue Collar (1978). USA:Universal Pictures.
Directed by Paul Schrader. Cast: Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel, Yaphet Kotto. When Detroit auto workers Jerry, Smokey and Zeke find bills piling up and pressures bearing down, they decide to rob their corrupt union office. In a cruel twist, their small haul becomes a nightmare when the heist goes wrong and their once loyal friendships turn to fear, betrayal and murder. 114 min.
Bread and Roses (2000). UK/France/Germany/Spain/Italy/Switzerland: Studio Home Entertainment.
Directed by Ken Loach. Cast: Pilar Padilla, Adrien Brody, Elpidia Carrillo, George Lopez, Alonso Chavez, Monica Rivas. Maya is an illegal alien who has crossed the U.S. border from Mexico to search for her sister Rosa, and to begin a new life. After being reunited, Rosa gets Maya a job with a janitorial service in a large office building. While working, Maya happens upon Sam Shapiro, a muckraking lawyer and union agitator whom the service-workers' union has assigned to bring its "justice for janitors" campaign to the building. Appalled at the work conditions and unfair labor practices, Maya and Sam team up to fight her employer. 110 min.
Cradle Will Rock (2000). USA:Touchstone Pictures.
Directed by Tim Robbins. Cast: Hank Azaria, Ruben Blades, Joan Cusack, John Cusack, Cary Elwes, Philip Baker Hall, Cherry Jones, Angus MacFadyen, Bill Murray, Vanessa Redgrave, Susan Sarandon, Jamey Sheridan, John Turturro, Emily Watson. A kaleidoscopic look at the extraordinary events of 1930s America, from high society to life on the streets in Depression-era New York City. Based on the true story of Orson Welles' controversial musical about a steel strike that was closed down by government decree. 134 min.
Cry of the Children (1912). USA:Thanhouser Studio.
Directed by George O. Nicholas Cast: Marie Eline, Ethel Wright, James Cruze, Lila Chester, William Russell. An expression of the pre-World War One reform movement concerning child labor. The story contrasts scenes of the mill owner's home life with that of a poor working family. An unsuccessful strike, poverty, death and hardship threaten to tear the poor family apart. 29 min.
Posters, Calendars, Etc.
Ricardo Levins, Morales Art Studio. (2009). Posters and cards that reflect a life of art and activism in the social movements and political struggles. Many of these images are adapted from work done in collaboration with organizations, unions and organizers of all sorts; some simply express ideas and values that are meaningful to the artist. The artist still remains engaged in working for a world in which humans and our relations can flourish. www.rlmarts.com.
Lesson Plans
TeacherEase. (2010). TeacherEase provides standards-based lesson planning on the web. Teachers write lesson plans, align them to standards, check standards coverage, continuously improve lessons, and share them with colleagues. Available to individual teachers, schools, or entire districts. Teachers register for a free subscription.
Library of Congress. (2002). For teacher lesson plans on U.S. labor history. Think about your work environment . . . are you allowed to rest periodically? Do you earn a decent wage? Can you voice your concerns without losing your job? There was a time when workers in the United States did not have basic rights such as a minimum wage or time for a break. Grades 8-10.
Library of Congress. (2010). Chicago Anarchists on Trial: Evidence from the Haymarket Affair, 1886-1887, presents original manuscripts, broadsides, photographs, prints and artifacts regarding the Haymarket Affair, an 1886 conflict between labor protestors and members of the Chicago police force. Materials document the events leading up to the May 1886 riot, the arrest and trial of those accused of throwing a bomb that killed several police officers, and the appeal process for those convicted of the bombing including the eventual pardon of those convicted. This collection is held by the Chicago Historical Society. www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/connections/haymarket