Understanding Business and Personal Law

Chapter 21: Employment Protection and Equal Opportunity

Service Learning

Cesar Chavez
Until the Depression in 1930, unions were not in favor in the United States. During the 1930s and 1940s, labor unions flourished. Membership in unions has declined from a peak of 35 percent of the workforce in 1954 to 13.9 percent in 1999. Today, many of the fastest-growing and most active unions represent public employees.

Activity: Research the current trend of public employees, like teachers and social workers, joining unions. Find out why they are joining and the workplace issues they face.

Use this Web site to help with your research:
http://www.uft.org/
(The Web site for the United Federation of Teachers—New York City Schools)