Primary Source Activities: Central Labor Union Grievance Blank Forms
Author: Matt Doran
Grade(s): 10
Description
Allow students, in groups or individually, to examine the primary source linked under Resources to the right, while answering the questions below in order. The questions are designed to guide students into a deeper analysis of the source and sharpen associated cognitive skills.
Level I: Description
1. To whom is this form addressed?
2. What organization is completing the form?
3. In what year was this particular form completed?
4. What firm is this union filing a grievance against?
Level II: Interpretation
1. For what purpose is the union filing a grievance?
2. What is meant by "scab" workers?
3. What do you think the union hopes to accomplish by filing this grievance?
4. What impact might this grievance have had on the Alvin Theatre?
Level III: Analysis
1. For what reasons would the Alvin Theatre use non-workers despite the possibility of a grievance?
2. If you were the owner of the Alvin Theatre how would you respond to the charge of unfairness?
Standards
- History 9-10, Benchmark B: Explain the social, political and economic effects of industrialization.
- Indicator: Grade 10, GLI 1. Explain the effects of industrialization in the United States in the 19th century including: a. Changes in work and the workplace.
- Indicator: Grade 10, GLI 3. Analyze the reasons for the rise and growth of labor organizations in the United States (i.e., Knights of Labor, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) including: a. Unregulated working conditions; b. Laissez-faire policies toward big business; c. Violence toward supporters of organized labor.
Print Version
Resources
- Central Labor Union Grievance Blank Forms, Center for Archival Collections, BGSU
- American Labor Movement lesson plan
