Id | ESLPod_0252_CN |
---|---|
Episode Id | ESLPod 252 |
Episode Title | A Workers Strike |
Title | A Workers Strike |
Text | In the United States, more than 15 million workers are in unions. Unions try to help workers get better pay and "working conditions" (the safety and comfort of where they work). The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (known as "AFL-CIO") is a group of 54 national and international unions. The "mission" (purpose) of the AFL-CIO is to improve the lives of working people and their families. Many types of workers are in unions. Some well-known unions are the Air Line Pilots Association, the American Federation of Government Employees, the American Federation of Teachers, the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, the Federation of Professional Athletes, and the Writers Guild of America. Unions and management try to work well together, but sometimes they cannot reach an agreement. When that happens, the unions tell their workers to strike. This is difficult for the companies because they cannot do their work. It is also difficult for the workers because they do not receive money while they are striking. Sometimes, when a strike occurs in an "industry" (an important part of the economy, such as transportation, oil, or teaching), the government tries to help the union and management reach agreement quickly. On average, workers in the US who are in unions get 28% more money than workers who are not in the same industry. But these union workers have to pay "membership dues," or an amount of money paid each week or month, to be a member of the union. Being in a union is "optional," meaning that is not required, but there is often a lot of pressure from one's co-workers to join a union. |
Topics | Business |
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