The current labor movement in human relations, business and industry has deep roots in the past and continues to evolve into the present. The struggle for survival and the drive to succeed in society and the business world fuel today's activities. Grassroots movements for fair wages and tolerable working conditions bring workers together to collectively affect change through formalized union organizing. Over the past century, social theorists have attempted to explain the complex processes that occur within workers' movements. Mishel and Walters theorize that collective bargaining units have a positive impact on human relations and labor negotiations within business, industry, and politics. While some of their views are supported by popular social theories, the suggestions of other theorists contrast sharply with their views. Core Foundations for Worker-Led Trade Union Movements The need for fair labor practices has been a key factor in fueling most worker-led grassroots movements. Various cases of racial, class, gender and age discrimination added to the frenzy as the human rights movement inspired society to make changes that created a more level playing field for all citizens in the workforce (Brecher & Costello, 1996). from a mass mentality with picket lines and casual activism, collectivism began to take hold as more formal groups organized and gained recognition in the political arena. Individuals began to realize that there was more power for change in groups that were deeply committed to uniting under the aegis of a common cause. In this way the first collective bargaining units were formed and expanded. Labor movements have been an ongoing topic of interest...... middle of paper ......l.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1263&context=lrr on 07/26/2014.Lafer, G., (2013). The legislative attack on American wages and labor standards, 2011-2013. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://www.epi.org/files/2013/EPI-Legislative-Attack-on-American-Wages-Labor-Standards-10-31- 2013.pdf&hl=it on 07/25/2014.Mishel, L., Walters, M., (2003). How unions help all workers. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://www.epi.org/page/-/old/briefingpapers/143/bp143.pdf&hl=en_US&embedded=true on 07/25/2014. Park, Robert E. (1904). Masse und Publikum (trans. The crowd and the public) (Berlin: Lack & Grunau).Weber, K., King, B., (2013). Social movement theory and organization studies. Retrieved from http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/~/media/Files/Faculty/Research/Weber%20King%20-%20social%20movt%20theory%2020130522.ashx on 07/24/2014.