The History of Public Sector Workers in the United States

Public sector works account for 40% of the unionized workforce in the U.S., outpacing the private sector by almost two-to-one. This course will examine the history and development of labor in the public sector. Beginning in early part of the 20th century, the course will trace the evolution of public sector worker organization, examining the distinctive nature of public sector employment and class formation in the public sphere. Students will consider the role, effect, and growth of public sector labor law and the effects that public sector bargaining has had on the development of both wage and non-wage issues.

Fall, Spring