Assignment #1:
After reading Nickel and Dimed in what ways has your attitude and behavior changed (or will change) toward the working poor in American society? How do you interact with minimum-wage workers? If you work a minimum wage job yourself, can you recall incidents that resemble and/or differ from Barbara's experience?
DUE: Wednesday, Sept. 7 th ,2005 .
Assingment #2:
In State of the Union Nelson Lichtenstein explains why U.S. labor unions, once considered central to the realization of American democracy, began a steady decline after the passing of the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act and now unions represent 13.5 percent of the entire workforce, the lowest of any industrial democracy in the world. What is to be done? Do you agree with the author’s suggestions to revitalize the labor movement? If so, please explain the significance of these suggestions using examples from the book and videos. Did you have additional suggestions to revive the labor movement?
DUE: Monday, October 3rd, 2005
Assignment #3:
When plant shutdowns hit Canada during the 1970s and early 1980s, how did the Canadian labor movement respond? Why did Canada fare much better than their American counterparts? Provide examples from readings and videos.
Due Date: Monday, 24th, 2005
Assignment #4:
As Universal, now a division of Magnetek, closes the Paterson plant and opens a factory in Matamoros, Mexico, Balbina Duque now fills Mollie old job. Please explain how Balbina’s work experience differs from Mollie James and Dorothy Carter. Does the mobility of capital produce for Mexican workers the same or worse insecurity found in Paterson, NJ and Mendenhall, MS? Please explain using specific examples from the book.
Due Date: Wednesday, November 9th, 2005