How did the rise of labor unions shape relations among workers, big business, and government?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Labor Unions were a threat to the power of business in terms of earnings and political power. Big business combined with government to stop the power that labor unions were gaining during the late 1800's. Strikes and their companion of violence proved to be the undoing of the unions that sought better wages, safer working conditions, eight-hour days and child labor laws.

eclipsedstar · Answer

Unions grew up in the turbulent times of the 1920-30s to correct many labor conditions that were dangerous and unnecessary on the job site.  Followingt WWII they became relatively strong in the U.S., forcing companies to "collective bargain" for salaries, working conditions, etc.  Much of this resulted in government laws passed by Congress such as the Wagner Act, Taft-Hartley Act, etc that regulated the relations between the parties involved in a management/labor dispute.  So, the rise of labor unions had an impact on businesses and the Government.