Unions...do we need them?

Grade: 10
Time: one 72 minute class

Expectations:
Students will:

Knowledge:

• research and evaluate the role of the Labour Movement in Canadian society.

Skills

• use terms related to historical organization and inquiry correctly.
• formulate different types of questions (i.e. compare and contrast).
• use technology effectively when researching Canadian history topics.
• record and organize information effectively (i.e. comparison organizer).
• identify different viewpoints and explicit biases when evaluating information for a research report or participating in a discussion.

Preparation:

• copy Gary Katz's "Strike" article
• copy Union Comparison Organizer handout
• read about using brainstorming and comparison organizers in Program Information Guide of The CRB Foundation We are Canadians kit
• reserve computer time for students
• bookmark Canada's Digital Collection Canadian Auto Workers Information Site and the National Citizens' Coalition Website

Lesson Plan:

1. Ask students to read Gary Katz's "Strike" article. Run a quick brainstorming session (5 to 10 minutes) with the students to consider the central ideas of the article (see Program Information Guide in The CRB Foundation We are Canadians kit for more information about brainstorming). Brainstorming is used to generate many ideas and build upon ideas of others while taking advantage of the momentum of the group. It requires few instructions other than to:
   • go for quantity;
   • involve everyone;
   • reserve judgement;
   • hitchhike on the ideas of others;
   • accept unusual, even silly ideas; and
   • record all ideas.
   
   Offer definitions, explanations and expansions on ideas or topics covered during the brainstorming session. Provide a summary of the discussion with intention to link to the second part of the lesson.
2. Distribute a copy to each student of the Union Comparison Organizer handout. The organizer is designed to introduce to students a few central ideas held by pro-union supporters and anti-union supporters in Canada. Instruct students to visit the Canadian Auto Workers Information Site to read "Lean and Mean" and the National Citizens' Coalition Website to read "NCC Runs Ads Opposing Union Bully Tactics".

Possible Extensions:

1. Visit the Canada's Digital Collection Young Worker Awareness Program web site. It is an excellent site for discussing our rights, duties, and hazards in the workplace.
2. Hold a formal or informal debate on unionism in Canada. Try - "Be it resolved that unions are a nuisance and hindrance to Canadian economic performance; therefore, they should be legally outlawed."

Evaluation:

Informal:

• observe student work habits and participation during brainstorming activity

Formal:

• Suggested Rubric: Union Comparison Organizer

Bibliography