Learning the Legacy of the Labor Movement
Earlier this month, the West Virginia Building and Construction Trades kicked off a new series of labor history classes across the state. The program aims to educate members about the importance and legacy of the labor movement in West Virginia and the nation.
The classes, taught by Sam White of PTM Consulting Group, offer an in-depth look at how the labor movement has shaped the current state of organized construction in West Virginia.
Teaching Labor History from a Building Trades Perspective
The curriculum covers the history of labor in the United States, told through the lens of the Building Trades, with a strong emphasis on the Ohio River Valley region — one of the country’s historic centers of union activity.
Other key topics include:
- The development of workplace safety standards
- Skilled labor’s role in winning collective bargaining rights
- The impact of new technology on workers
- The rise of the open shop movement
- The continued power of unions to improve communities and working conditions
Building Pride and Strength in Union Membership
“With fewer young people coming from union families, a labor history class taught from the perspective of the building trades can help counter misinformation about labor and its history in our culture,” said Sam White. “It can also help build pride in membership, improve retention, and present an accurate history of the labor movement, the building trades, and the individual craft unions.”
According to White, participants learn to recognize recurring themes throughout labor history that help them understand the challenges and victories of today’s workforce. The classes also give apprentices a deeper appreciation of their union’s place in the broader labor movement and the evolution of the building and construction industry.
Free Classes for Building Trades Members
Classes are free to WVBCT members, and at least two sessions will be offered in each local Building Trades Council jurisdiction, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate.
“There is no better place to learn about the history of labor and the building trades,” said White. “All new union members should learn this history so they can pass it on to future generations.”
For more information or to register, contact Sam White at sam@ptmconsultgroup.com
