Module 4 – Case

Labor Relations Laws

Assignment Overview

View the following video about the top ten labor strikes in U. S. history (measured by numerical or historical significance):

WatchMojo.com (2014).  Top 10 labor strikes in U.S. history [Video] . YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgd7_K5pCCU

Case Assignment

Select one of the strikes presented in the video as your focus for this assignment:

10. Steel Strike 1919 9. UPS Worker Strike 1997 8. U.S. Postal Strike 1970 7. Professional Air Traffic Controllers Strike 1981 6. Homestead Steelworkers Strike 1892 5. ILGWU Garment Workers Strike 1909 4. Great Railroad Strike 1922 3. Textile Workers Strike 1934 2. Bituminous Coal Strike 1946 1. Steelworkers Strike 1959

Prepare a 4- to 5-page paper addressing the following:

1. Summarize the story behind the strike.

2. Was there a “winning” side and a “losing” side? Or, were both sides “winners? Or, were both sides “losers”? Why?

3. The union movement has changed throughout history. Many labor-management agreements today call for cooperation between management and labor. Discern whether or not, given this turbulent history, a cooperative partnership is even possible.

Use at least five Trident Online Library sources plus any applicable background readings to support your discussion.

Upload your paper by the module due date.

Assignment Expectations

Your paper will be evaluated using the criteria as stated in the Case rubric. The following is a review of the rubric criteria:

· Assignment-Driven: Does the paper fully address all aspects of the assignment? Is the assignment addressed accurately and precisely using sound logic? Does the paper meet minimum length requirements?

· Critical Thinking: Does the paper demonstrate graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions? Does the paper address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and analysis?

· Business Writing: Is the essay logical, well organized, and well written? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are section headings included? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding, or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of direct quotations?

· Effective Use of Information: Does the submission demonstrate that the student has read, understood, and can apply the background materials for the module? If required, has the student demonstrated effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of relevant and quality sources? Do additional sources used provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in shaping the overall paper?

· Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate understanding of APA Style of referencing by inclusion of proper citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate? Have all sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these properly cited? Have all sources cited in the paper been included on the References page?

Step-by-Step Guideline

1. Introduction (½ page)

• Open with a brief context about the role of strikes in shaping U.S. labor laws and relations.

• Introduce the specific strike you chose from the list.

• End with a thesis statement outlining the three main parts: summary of the strike, analysis of winners/losers, and implications for modern labor-management cooperation.

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2. Background of the Strike (1½–2 pages)

• Summarize the historical, political, and economic setting of the strike.

• Identify the main players: labor unions, management, and government.

• Explain what triggered the strike (pay, hours, working conditions, recognition, etc.).

• Highlight major events during the strike: protests, negotiations, government involvement, public opinion.

• Use at least 2–3 library sources for accuracy.

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3. Winners and Losers Analysis (1–1½ pages)

• Immediate outcomes: Did workers achieve their demands? Did management maintain control?

• Long-term impacts:

  • How did it affect union strength?

  • Did it lead to legislative changes?

  • Was it a turning point in labor history?

• State clearly whether there were winners, losers, or both. Support with scholarly evidence.

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4. Implications for Modern Labor-Management Cooperation (1–1½ pages)

• Connect the strike’s lessons to today’s workplace.

• Compare historical confrontations with today’s trends of collective bargaining and cooperative agreements.

• Answer: Is cooperation possible despite turbulent history? Provide examples of successful cooperation in modern industries.

• Support with at least 1–2 recent scholarly sources.

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5. Conclusion (½ page)

• Summarize the strike, its outcomes, and lessons learned.

• Restate whether labor-management cooperation is possible today.

• End with a forward-looking insight about the relevance of strikes to current labor relations.

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6. References

• At least five Trident Online Library sources + any relevant background readings.

• APA 7th edition format (title page, in-text citations, and reference list).

• Prefer paraphrasing over long direct quotes.

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✅ Writing Tips

• Use section headings (e.g., Introduction, Background of the Strike, Winners and Losers, Implications for Modern Labor Relations, Conclusion).

• Keep paragraphs focused and analytical.

• Blend history with modern implications — professors want to see the “so what?” of the strike.

• Proofread for flow and APA style before submission.