Introductory Exercise
Adapted from UMKC’s Labor Awareness Program, by Judy Ancel et al.
1. Ask the students to brainstorm what they first think of when they hear the word “work." Ask the students to free associate with the word "work" and write their responses on the board. Review their responses and reflect upon the positive and negative feelings people have expressed.
2. Ask the students to do the same thing with the term "labor union."
3. Ask the students what they think unions stand for. Referring to these images, explain that buttons and bumper stickers are tools unions use to convey their message. Ask students what they think the different buttons and stickers mean. Ask if they can tell what values or principles the labor movement is saying that it stands for.
Possible values and principles:
People have power when they unite and speak with a common voice
Equality, non-discrimination and fair treatment matter - apply rules equally
The right to leisure time rather than having to work excessively
Opportunity for all people to have decent jobs
The right to jobs with dignity and fair pay
Activism - get involved – participation is essential to making change
1. Ask the students to brainstorm what they first think of when they hear the word “work." Ask the students to free associate with the word "work" and write their responses on the board. Review their responses and reflect upon the positive and negative feelings people have expressed.
2. Ask the students to do the same thing with the term "labor union."
3. Ask the students what they think unions stand for. Referring to these images, explain that buttons and bumper stickers are tools unions use to convey their message. Ask students what they think the different buttons and stickers mean. Ask if they can tell what values or principles the labor movement is saying that it stands for.
Possible values and principles:
People have power when they unite and speak with a common voice
Equality, non-discrimination and fair treatment matter - apply rules equally
The right to leisure time rather than having to work excessively
Opportunity for all people to have decent jobs
The right to jobs with dignity and fair pay
Activism - get involved – participation is essential to making change