Research Paper on:
The Role Of Unions In Global Companies

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
influence they continue to have in a time when globalization is virtually redefining the way in which business is conducted around the world. II. HISTORY OF UNIONS AND GLOBALIZATION  The primary goals of the first labor organization that formed in 1869 were to acquire higher wages, shorter working days (maximum eight hours) and better working conditions (A Very Short  History). It also set out to rid the labor force of child and convict workers. The movement opened doors for women and African Americans that had up until  then been shut tight. In short, the Knights of Labor bravely stepped in to change the way the American worker was treated and would be a strong force with  which to be reckoned. Frederick P. Bagley, an advocate of comprehensive employer organization, remarked in 1900 the need for such labor representation: "In the past...what had the employers  to show in the way of organization to adjust labor questions? Nothing that could be mentioned without a blush. Small, local, decentralized, weak-kneed affairs, where nearly every individual  felt his importance, was jealous or suspicious of his neighbor, was tricky or disloyal to his leaders,...easy to divide, consequently easy victims" (Voss PG). Today, amidst the swelling effect  of globalization, unions serve to maintain a presence of much-needed checks and balances where the global commerce is concerned. Philip Murray was, perhaps, one of the most defiant voices in  labor history. The Scotsman who crossed over to the United States in 1902 always had a predominantly fiery personality when it came to labor relations. He did not  appreciate the way manual labor workers were treated by their superiors and after having a fight with his own foreman, he and hundreds of other disgruntled workers fought back by