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Two 50-minute classes.
In 1976, the Louisiana Legislature passed the state’s first right-to-work
legislation. Right-to-work laws basically say that no person may be
denied employment, and employers may not be denied the right to employ
any person, because of that person’s membership or non-membership
in any labor organization. Even though he signed the legislation, then-Governor
Edwin Edwards did not support the idea, but felt it was necessary in
order to attract industry to the state. Students will look at each
side of this issue and examine the advantages and disadvantages of
right-to-work laws.
Social Studies,
Economics, History, Government
The learner will:
• Define right-to-work laws.
• List advantages of having right-to-work laws.
• List disadvantages of having right-to-work laws.
• Identify regions of the U. S. where right-to-work laws have been
enacted.
• Identify which categories of workers can and cannot be forced to join
a union.
National Content Standards in Economics
http://www.civiced.org/stds.html
Standard 10: Role of Economic Institutions
Institutions evolve in market economies to help individuals and groups accomplish
their goals. Banks, labor unions, corporations, legal systems, and not-for-profit
organizations are examples of important institutions. A different kind of institution,
clearly defined and enforced property rights, is essential to a market economy.
Standard 16: Role of Government
There is an economic role for government in a market economy whenever the benefits
of a government policy outweigh its costs. Governments often provide for national
defense, address environmental concerns, define and protect property rights,
and attempt to make markets more competitive. Most government policies also redistribute
income.
Louisiana Social Studies Content Standards
http://www.lcet.doe.state.la.us/doe/assessment/standards/SOCIAL.pdf
H-1A-M3: Analyzing the impact that specific individuals, ideas, events,
and decisions had on the course of history; (1, 2, 3, 4)
H-1A-M4: Analyzing historical data using primary and secondary sources;
(1, 2, 3, 4)
H-1B-M18: Discussing significant developments and issues in contemporary
United States history; (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
H-1D-M1: Describing the contributions of people, events, movements, and
ideas that have been significant in the history of Louisiana;
H-1A-H3: Interpreting and evaluating the historical evidence presented
in primary and secondary sources; (1, 2, 3, 4)
H-1B-H17: Analyzing developments and issues in contemporary American society;
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
• Do I Have To Join a Union? activity sheet.
• Focus on the Video worksheet
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