The tough times that labor had before and while they were forming unions.

After the Civil War (1861-1865) Americans faced many challenges in dealing with work issues. These challenges provided hardships for their way in life. It prompt the workers of this time to form Unions in order to protect themselves and provide a safety rope. The forming of unions gave the workers a voice in the large companies, who would otherwise, not be heard. Technology was one of the challenges that workers faced. This new technology was …

…when the whole of their workforce was a part of it. By forming unions, all parts of a company were respected and listened to. The employees and the heads of the companies could then reach compromises of certain things like fair wages, better hours, and safe working environments. The laborers were now given a decision-making role in industries and actually become a part of the whole and not just a stepping stone to make money.