Labor unions have been a part of the United States ever since the Industrial Revolution, when laborers had to fight for safe working conditions and fair wages. But are unions still necessary today? Critics argue that labor unions stifle economic growth and harm workers more than they help. Supporters say unions are essential in ensuring that corporations don't take advantage of their labor force. This volume examines the labor force and its changing needs from the Industrial Revolution to the present, presenting diverging perspectives on the effectiveness of labor unions to ensure the safety and welfare of the American worker.