About Different Types of Labor

Labor, in its simplest terms, refers to the work that people do. There are different forms of labor that provide services and goods that we use every day. This not only shapes our lives, but it also helps to shape the economy. Many adults, and even some children worldwide, perform some kind of labor.

Types

Blue-collar workers are those individuals whose jobs consist of physical labor. These individuals often are paid hourly wages. In the past, these workers were considered to be less formally educated than other workers, which is not necessarily the case today at all. Blue-collar jobs include those in factories, plants, mines, construction, mechanical, maintenance and railroad work. They also include jobs in the service industries, such as retail or food service. Many blue-collar workers have a great deal of education and skills and are paid very well. The term "blue collar" originated during the 19th century, when people who worked these types of jobs often wore blue shirts or uniforms, which wouldn't show as much dirt, as opposed to wearing white shirts as other workers wore.

Types

White collar refers to those workers who often work in offices and don't have to do physical labor. These are thought of as the "shirt and tie" workers. They are also generally known as earning salaries, rather than hourly wages. These days, white-collar workers are the dominant working class in America. These workers don't necessarily always earn higher salaries or great benefits. White-collar jobs include those as educators, physicians, CEO's, lawyers, accountants, bankers, telemarketers or customer service agents,

History

Slave labor, or slavery, refers to individuals being forced to work against their will for the benefit of someone else. Slaves were not paid for their work and had to face harsh conditions as well as the threat of death if the work was not completed. Slavery is prohibited in the United States, as well as in most other countries

Considerations

Child labor commonly occurs when children perform labor on a regular basis, often for low wages or no pay at all. In some countries they are forced into doing so, as opposed to having the opportunity to receive an education. This work varies but often includes tasks such as assembly, making clothes, cleaning, and selling products. In some cases child labor forces children into prostitution or military work.

Benefits

Organized labor refers to organizations, or unions, who represent a group of workers for the purpose of improving the workers' conditions, equality, wages and benefits. The union negotiates on the behalf of the employees when it comes to these issues.