Craft Union: Uniting Skilled Workers

What is a craft union and how does it differ from industrial unionism?

A craft union is a type of trade unionism where employees are organized based on their specific craft or trade. How does this differ from industrial unionism?

Answer:

A craft union is a type of trade unionism where employees are organized based on their specific craft or trade. This contrasts with industrial unionism, where all employees in the same industry are organized into the same union regardless of their expertise. Craft unions unite workers in specific trades like carpentry, plumbing, and baking, while industrial unions unite employees in the same company or sector of the economy.

Craft unionism is a type of trade unionism where employees are organized according to the specific craft or trade they do. Contrast this with industrial unionism, wherein all employees in the same industry, regardless of disparities in expertise, are organized into the same union. As the name implies, "craft unions" are those whose members work in specific trades, such as carpentry, plumbing, baking, and the like. These unions were the first to emerge. Craft unions organize their members according to their occupations. Industrial unions unite all employees who are employed by the same company or sector of the economy.