According to debate.org, 54% of Americans believe that we still need unions. There are valid arguments on both sides, but I think that unions are necessary in certain situations, and or professions. One of the arguments against unions is that they promote an environment in which employees do not need to work hard to make their wages and receive pay increases. Having worked for a laborers union myself, I can say that this simply is not true. I earned every penny, and so did my co workers. Granted, you will have people in every company who don't pull as much weight, but overall I don't think non union workers work any harder than union workers.

The other argument that stands out against unions is that there is employee protection laws now that make unions unnecessary because workers have rights that they did not have when unions were originally formed. While it is true that we have made leaps and bounds since unions were first born in the 1800's, I think there is still something to be said for having a voice in your employer's activities that unions provide. I think they also make it possible to ensure that employees receive competitive and fair wages that they would not necessarily receive in the free market.

1. What motivated soldiers to volunteer to fight in the Union Army during the first year ofthe war?
2. What motivated soldiers to volunteer to fight in the Confederate Army during the first year of the war?