Labor History

Wisconsin has long been a leader in labor rights. The Progressive Movement, which had its beginnings in our state, led to laws limiting child labor and safety in the workplace. Unions such as the AFL-CIO and Teamsters allow everyone to enjoy an eight-hour work day and vacation time. In fact, it has been argued by some historians that the history of the United States itself could be a history of labor.

In December of 2009, Assembly Bill 172 was signed into law, making Wisconsin the first state to require the incorporation of “the history of organized labor in America and the collective bargaining process” into the state standards for social studies.

A statewide workgroup met in December 2010 to research and discuss this change. The group analyzed the current Wisconsin Model Academic Standards in Social Studies to find where AB172 could be implemented. Parts of the discussion are reflected below:

What do you want students to know about the history of organized labor and the collective bargaining process?

• Work-related definitions
• Ways unions and collective bargaining have affected society in the United States
• The role of labor today
• Wisconsin historical events relating to labor

What do you want students to gain from learning the history of organized labor and the collective bargaining process?

• Viewing history and system with a critical eye
• Use terms and concepts appropriately
• Emphasize critical thinking skills and historical perspective
• Explain and critique the actions of labor unions in the United States
• Understand how U.S. employers have interacted with unions and collective bargaining
• Ask meaningful questions about organized labor and collective bargaining
• Be able to discuss cogently and cite historical examples to explain the causes, origins, and context of unionization and collective bargaining in the U.S.

Wisconsin is in discussions with 21 other states regarding Common State Standards in Social Studies. The additional work regarding the incorporation of AB172 will occur after the adoption of new state social studies standards. This has a tentative timeline of the end of 2012.

Wisconsin Act 10 was implemented during 2011 as “an act relating to: state finances, collective bargaining for public employees, compensation and fringe benefits of public employees, the state civil service system, the Medical Assistance program”. A full copy of the text of Act 10 can be found here. This is an important event in the history of organized labor and the collective bargaining process.

There are some websites that offer information and ideas on how to incorporate labor history into your social studies classroom.

Educational Communications Board Surf Report on Labor History

Wisconsin Historical Society Labor Collections

Wisconsin Labor History Society

For questions about this information, contact Kristen McDaniel (608)266-2207

Last updated on 11/14/2011 9:48:51 AM