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WORKERS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA
(CES/HIST . 426)
Mondays and Wednesday, 12-1:15pm
TODD HALL 303
(updated 8/24/05 )
Professor José Alamillo ,
Comparative Ethnic Studies,
Washington State University ,Wilson Hall 120,
Pullman , WA 99164-4010 ,
Phone: (509) 335-4793,
E-mail: alamillo@wsu.edu
Mailbox: Wilson Hall Room 111
Office Hours: MW 1:15pm-2:15pm
GER Capstone Course: (“T”)
Course Description:
This course examines the historical and contemporary development of the labor movement in Mexico , the United States and Canada . The recent trend toward increased economic integration of the three countries has brought together workers with different social, cultural, political and economic histories, but with similar stories of economic exploitation and struggles for better wages and working conditions. Since these nations are rarely studied together, this course will introduce students to working men and women from racial and ethnic backgrounds who crisscross geo-political borders, move from job to job, and join labor unions to improve their economic condition and ensure a better future for their families.
We will begin the course with the contemporary period, to examine the world of the working poor as we approach the Labor Day holiday. Then we will look at the history of the labor movement in the United States , from its militant beginnings through WWII to its decline in the 1970s and 1980s, and finally to its recent attempts to revitalize itself. Then we will examine the jobs lost and plant closings in the Midwest and Canada and the major contrasts between American and Canadian responses to de-industrialization. We will then shift to examine the impact of the global economy on the lives of three women, their companies and their communities in Patterson , New Jersey , rural Mississippi , and Matamoros , Mexico . Lastly, we will examine the human consequences of free trade agreements like NAFTA and worker struggles along the U.S.-Mexico border to alter the relations of power in their workplaces, communities and nations.
Learning Outcomes:
● Understand the historical and contemporary challenges facing North American workers and labor unions in the age of globalization
● Compare and contrast the development of labor movements and working class experiences in Mexico , Canada and United States
● Conduct research on a specific area related to the labor movement, labor unions, free trade agreements and worker struggles in the global economy
● Examine the necessity and importance of cross-border labor organizing in North America as a key component in the revitalization of the U.S. labor movement
Texts Required:
Barbara Ehrenreich, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America (Henry Holt and Company, 2001) http://www.nickelanddimed.net/
Nelson Lichtenstein, State of the Union: A Century of American Labor ( Princeton University Press, 2002) http://www.pupress.princeton.edu/chapters/i7255.html
Steven High, Industrial Sunset: The Making of North America's Rust Belt, 1969-1984 ( University of Toronto Press , 2003) http://buffaloreport.com/articles/031113.manson.rustbelt.html
William M. Adler , Mollie's Job : A Story of Life and Work on the Global Assembly Line (Scribner, 2001) http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/112/atlasreview.htm
David Bacon, The Children of NAFTA: Labor Wars on the US/Mexico Border ( University of California Press, 2004) http://www.monthlyreview.org/0304fletcher.htmCourse Requirements:
● Class Attendance/Participation (10%)
Attendance is required. Since this course relies heavily on class discussion, it is important for you to attend class and notify the instructor via e-mail if you have to miss class for a legitimate reason. Only institutional excuses will be accepted. If you have more than three unexcused absences your grade will be lowered at my discretion. Participation is important to this class. A few suggestions: come to class prepared; take notes on films and readings; bring questions; anticipate differing opinions; realize there is much to lear n; appreciate other perspectives; be open to new ideas; treat everyone with respect.
● Book Review (20%)
You will be required to write a review of a book length study of a labor union, organizing struggle, workplace discrimination, or agricultural labor issues. You must choose from the following list below. You may suggest alternatives to the list but they must be approved by the instructor. Each response should be 4-5 pages in length, double-spaced, typed, and turned it at the beginning of class on Monday, 11/28. You need to address the following questions: 1) the key elements of the argument 2) key strengths and weaknesses of the book 3) lessons for the contemporary labor movement
1) Ralph Armbruster-Sandoval, Globalization and Cross-Border Labor Solidarity in the Americas : The A nti- S weatshop M ovement and the S truggle for S ocial J ustice ( New York : Routledge, 2005)
2) Liza Featherstone, Selling Women Short: The Landmark Battle for Workers' Rights at Wal-Mart (Basic Books, 2004)
3) Daniel Rothenberg, With These Hands: the Hidden World of Migrant Farmworkers Today ( University of California Press, 2000)
4) Barbara Kingsolver, Holding the L ine: W omen in the G reat Arizona M ine S trike of 1983 (Ithaca, NY: ILR Press, 1989)
● Writing Assignments (30%)
You will write a 3-4 page critical response to a question regarding the course material, required readings and videos covered for that section. I will distribute and discuss the question(s) in advance and will provide specific guidelines for this assignment.
● Final Project Paper (40%)
The purpose of the final project is to gain more in-depth knowledge on a n issue relat ing to the labor movement in Mexico , the United States and Canada . Students are required to choose from the following options:
1) Labor Union History
Conduct an oral history interview of a labor union member and write a 12-15 page paper on the life history of your interviewee focusing on their role within the union, views toward the labor movement, participation in collective bargaining, strikes and other labor struggles, and their opinion on the main obstacles the labor movement faces today. You need to include interview excerpts and a bibliography. You must make connections to readings and other secondary sources. Specific guidelines will be posted on this website.
• Family Labor History
The purpose of this paper is to tell in your own words the story of your family's labor history. In 12 to 15 pages, discuss the role of unions in your family, and examine the various jobs held by family members, the various definitions of “class” and “class mobility” in your family, and the collective views towards unions and labor movement in general. Your best information will be family members who have and are still union members. You must make connections to readings and other secondary sources. If you are not familiar with doing a family oral history interview, there will be guidelines posted on this website.
3) Labor Website Project
You may design a website on cross-border labor struggles or labor movement issues. As part of the website you must include photos and a written narrative (12-15 pages) about the topic. The website topic is due by the fifth week of the semester. Specific guidelines and a model will be posted on this website.
NOTE: You must choose the final project option by the fifth week, so that you can plan ahead and get assistance from me and understand the expectations of the assignments well in advance.
● Grade Calculation
Class Participation/Attendance 10%
Book Review 20%
Writing Assignments (5) 30%
Final Project 40%
● Special Note:
PLAGARISM OR CHEATING OF ANY KIND ON ANY ASSIGNMENT OR EXAM WILL NOT BE TOLLERATED AND WILL RESULT IN A FAILING GRADE IN THE COURSE. (Consult the WSU Student Handbook for further details). In other words, do your own work. If using the ideas, work or wording of another in written assignments , please acknowledge the source.
Disability Accommodation : Reasonable accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities. Please let me know about any disabilities at the start of the term. Contact the Disability Resource Center in 205 Administration Annex 335-1566 for testing, documentation, or additional information.
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