This article by Kevin Kolben argues that labor rights and human rights movements have a great deal in common: both are motivated by a commitment to justice, both advocate for the interests of the oppressed, and both have long used rights principles and language to advocate for their goals.
Click here to read this article.
“Imagine opening a high school U.S. history textbook and finding no mention of —or at most a passing sentence about—Valley Forge, the Missouri Compromise, or the League of Nations…”
This excellent photo-packed 62 page history of unions is for 9 -12 year-old students. Search online to purchase.
The Power in our Hands: A curriculum on the History of Work and Workers in the United States is the single best resource for middle and high school teachers who want to integrate labor history into their classrooms. It is organized into five units and 16 lessons and includes 46 handouts includes a bibliography for each unit. Click HERE to order for $23.00.
Union Communications Services , sponsored by the Worker Institute at Cornell ILR, produces materials, media, context and commentary that worker-leaders can put to use immediately.
Resources for teachers who have a limited amount of time to incorporate labor history into their classrooms.
Traces the history of the labor movement from its beginnings to the late 20th century.
A lesson guide for teachers to accompany "A Short History of American Labor"
A description and order information for two excellent labor history films to supplement "A Short History of American Labor" - If You Don't Come in on Sunday, Don't Come in on Monday and The Inheritance
Home of the American Labor Studies Center
A standards-based curriculum for teachers for grades 5-12 by the 9/11 Tribute Center at the World Trade Center.
A History of Union Banners
