Union Jack: The Basics

Welcome to the Union Jack: The Basics, where the art of unionism is explained in a way that's almost as confusing as the actual unions themselves.

History of Unionism

It all started with a bunch of workers who were sick of being treated like dirt by their bosses. They formed a union, because who needs individuality when you can have collective bargaining power?

• 1890s: Workers demand better working conditions, more pay, and less exploitation.
• 1900s: Unions start using fancy words like "synergy" and "synergy" to sound impressive.
• 1950s: Unions become a hotbed of communist activity, because who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned Soviet-style union meeting?

And that's the basic history of unionism in a nutshell. Or rather, in a union-made nutshell.

Types of Unions

There are many types of unions, each with its own unique flavor of bureaucratic red tape and paperwork.

• Local Unions: Where the locals are always more in charge than the national union.
• National Unions: Where the suits are always more in charge than the locals.
• International Unions: Where the globalists are always more in charge than anyone else.

And that's the basic breakdown of union types in a nutshell. Or rather, in a union-made nutshell.

Unionism in Popular Culture

Unions have been featured in many a film and TV show, including "The Flintstones," "The Simpsons," and "The Wire" (which was actually just a documentary).

• Unionized apes in "The Flintstones."
• Non-unionized apes in "The Simpsons." (Just kidding, they're unionized in Springfield, too.)
• "The Wire" was just really about unionized gangsters.

And that's it for our basic primer on unionism. If you have any further questions, please contact your union rep.

Learn more about Union Jack types!