In The NEWS

Workers, United
How do labor unions work?
Although they’re most famous for bringing us the weekend, labor unions help workers organize their labor efforts so they can negotiate as a single entity rather than as individuals. Workers in a particular industry, trade, or company form labor unions to improve aspects of their working conditions, such as pay or benefits (learn more here).

The history of labor unions can be traced back to the 18th century, when the Industrial Revolution brought a surge of newly managed workers into workplaces. In the US today, labor unions are popular among transportation employees (such as the Teamsters), government employees, and other tradespeople like electrical workers (see list).

Critics of labor unions argue that unions not only make it more difficult to discipline low performers, but also drive up the cost of labor. Union advocates, however, believe unions are a great tool for increasing workers' pay and benefits (see pros and cons).

... Read our full explainer on labor unions here.

Also, check out ...
> How Labor Day became a holiday, starting in Oregon. (More)
> What do picket lines do? (More)
> "Right-to-work" laws make it legal for a worker to opt out of a union. (More)




Cosmic Guru
Stephen Hawking, explained
Stephen Hawking was a theoretical physicist and cosmologist known for his research on black holes, computer-generated voice, and cameo appearances in television and film, where he was often depicted in a wheelchair near a board full of equations.

Despite suffering from ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, since the age of 21, Hawking published more than 200 academic research articles in his life, including a seminal paper predicting that black holes would "evaporate" over time, a phenomenon called Hawking radiation.

The progression of the disease and a case of pneumonia resulted in him undergoing a tracheotomy, which left him with no means of verbal communication. A speech synthesizer was added to his wheelchair, and its American voice became Hawking's trademark. Through his appearances on shows like "The Simpsons" and "Star Trek," Hawking gained mainstream popularity (see cameos).

... Read our full overview on Hawking here.

Also, check out ...
> How Hawking literally bet on scientific progress. (More)
> The children's books by Stephen Hawking. (More)
> Stephen Hawking's final interview. (More)

SOURCE:  1440 NEWS