VIDEO RESOURCES
Elementary
Trade Unions- The Who What Where When
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZwQn4G18_M
Appropriate for Grade: 6-9
Search terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 1m3s
Description:
Very simple infographic. Could be an effective teaching tool if teacher pauses video to get students to brainstorm/elaborate on each point.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type- Read Aloud (Picture Book Read Aloud)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC3zlXfi98Y
Appropriate for Grade: 1-5
Search Terms:
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 3m53s
Description: Excellent example of collective bargaining for elementary children. Effectively explains power in numbers and how animals (or people) uniting together can make change take place. Appropriate for both unions and social justice topics.
How To Change The World (a work in progress) | Kid President
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z7gDsSKUmU
Appropriate for Grade: 3-7
Search Terms: ‘Kid President’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 3m43s
Description: Lays out the idea that a lot of people don’t know how to change the world. Outlines simple ways to take action. A fun an engaging video for kids to think about how they could make change happen.
Kid President meets the President of the United States of America
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TssZ9Uma1-w
Appropriate for Grade: 3-7
Search Terms: ‘Kid President’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 3m49s
Description: Kid President asks Barack Obama how kids and grown-ups can work together to change the world. Barack mentions standing up for others when they are being picked on, treat other people fairly no matter what they look like or where they’re from.
How Unions Work (Jim Amatucci)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU1d8kT_5X8
Appropriate for Grade: 1-6
Search Terms: ‘how unions work’
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 1m19s
Description: Powerful video that shows visually how unions protect individuals! With 3 different animal scenarios. Great for younger children to gain an understanding of ‘power in numbers’.
Social Justice (Chris Haga)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OhYfG3fXsQ
Appropriate for Grade: 1-6
Search Terms: ‘social justice for children’
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 30s
Description: Cartoon depicting social justice through monkey characters. Everyone benefits when people do the ‘right’ thing, even when it’s hard.
Education Counts-English
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBstK_wbJsM
Appropriate for Grade: 1-4
Search Terms: ‘child labour’
Country of focus: India
Run time: 6m33s
Description:
Portrays one child in India discovering a friend who is a child labourer. At first, Roshan is jealous that his friend gets to make money and he has to go to school. His mom then educates him that child labour is illegal and his friend should be going to school. There are small details throughout the film that could raise discussion among students- why can’t Ajay read Roshan’s book? Why does Ajay have bruises on his arm? Why is child labour illegal? Why would someone hire a child to work for them even though they know it is illegal? How might your life look different than a child labourer in India or a different country? How can we help people who are affected by child labour?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZwQn4G18_M
Appropriate for Grade: 6-9
Search terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 1m3s
Description:
Very simple infographic. Could be an effective teaching tool if teacher pauses video to get students to brainstorm/elaborate on each point.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type- Read Aloud (Picture Book Read Aloud)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC3zlXfi98Y
Appropriate for Grade: 1-5
Search Terms:
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 3m53s
Description: Excellent example of collective bargaining for elementary children. Effectively explains power in numbers and how animals (or people) uniting together can make change take place. Appropriate for both unions and social justice topics.
How To Change The World (a work in progress) | Kid President
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z7gDsSKUmU
Appropriate for Grade: 3-7
Search Terms: ‘Kid President’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 3m43s
Description: Lays out the idea that a lot of people don’t know how to change the world. Outlines simple ways to take action. A fun an engaging video for kids to think about how they could make change happen.
Kid President meets the President of the United States of America
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TssZ9Uma1-w
Appropriate for Grade: 3-7
Search Terms: ‘Kid President’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 3m49s
Description: Kid President asks Barack Obama how kids and grown-ups can work together to change the world. Barack mentions standing up for others when they are being picked on, treat other people fairly no matter what they look like or where they’re from.
How Unions Work (Jim Amatucci)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU1d8kT_5X8
Appropriate for Grade: 1-6
Search Terms: ‘how unions work’
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 1m19s
Description: Powerful video that shows visually how unions protect individuals! With 3 different animal scenarios. Great for younger children to gain an understanding of ‘power in numbers’.
- Crabs Know that Unions Work https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDMcpWiRnJw
- Ants Know Unions Work https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZpYlKA_EOk
- Penguins Know Unions Work https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl7r1K3jj28
Social Justice (Chris Haga)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OhYfG3fXsQ
Appropriate for Grade: 1-6
Search Terms: ‘social justice for children’
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 30s
Description: Cartoon depicting social justice through monkey characters. Everyone benefits when people do the ‘right’ thing, even when it’s hard.
Education Counts-English
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBstK_wbJsM
Appropriate for Grade: 1-4
Search Terms: ‘child labour’
Country of focus: India
Run time: 6m33s
Description:
Portrays one child in India discovering a friend who is a child labourer. At first, Roshan is jealous that his friend gets to make money and he has to go to school. His mom then educates him that child labour is illegal and his friend should be going to school. There are small details throughout the film that could raise discussion among students- why can’t Ajay read Roshan’s book? Why does Ajay have bruises on his arm? Why is child labour illegal? Why would someone hire a child to work for them even though they know it is illegal? How might your life look different than a child labourer in India or a different country? How can we help people who are affected by child labour?
Junior High
Unions Explained- Behind the News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al5N_5TvFOA
Appropriate for Grade: 7-9
Search terms: ‘unions explained’
Country of focus: Australia
Run time: 3m51s
Description: Briefly explains history of unions and what they do.
What if there were no trade unions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YaSPC7YhbI
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘unions explained’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 2m23s
Description: Though graphics help lead through the dialogue, video is still a bit boring. Vocally explaining the purpose of trade unions and what it would be like without them. For younger grades, it would be helpful if teacher pauses video to break down specific concepts throughout.
UNITE THE UNION, About Trade Unions by Jamie-Max Caldwell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNb0VYyfarc
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 6m13
Description: An infographic with writing and pictures explaining what unions are.
Why do Americans and Canadians celebrate Labor Day? - Kenneth C. Davis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqmPE2HtkyU
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘labour unions’
Country of focus: USA and Canada
Run time: 4m12s
Description: Cartoon drawings with audio narrative. Demand for end of child labour, the right to form unions, fair wages during the industrial revolution. Effective in giving origin of unions and how they have affected work systems we have today.
What have the Trade Unions done for us? - (Trades Unions Congress)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrjySOFLXgg
Appropriate for Grade: 8-12
Search terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 4m33s
Description: Powerful video that explains what unions have done to change conditions in the work force as well as the benefits that workers can get from them today.
Why Trade Unions?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8CNZLQKwcU&index=40&list=PLsANBz8CIhEBNs7VxrkbRn7JmZNuUlBLb
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 1m40s
Description: This video gives various British citizen perspectives (in 2008) on the purpose of trade unions. It could be used as an introduction video to spark dialogue on why trade unions would exist in the first place.
What is a Union (Kelly Candaele)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS5Kdd9xKF0
Appropriate for Grade:8-12
Search Terms: ‘Labour Unions explained’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 7m14s
Description: Video gives firsthand accounts of people who are part of unions in the USA. It defines what a union is and how members can benefit.
Bernie Sanders Explains Unions to Young People
Video (12): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR7YT7sAZbY
Appropriate for Grade:7-12
Search Terms: ‘Labour Unions explained’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 9m11s important pieces at 1:40-2:27, 3:16- 3:24
Description: Interview with Bernie Sanders in which he very quickly and clearly explains what a union is.
Emily’s story: promoting good mental health in the workplace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYhs_2sYmYk&list=PLpWEQxwRfgp1X2dmGj_2UEJps5YRP4Hai&index=7
Appropriate for Grade: 9-12
Search Terms: Trades Union Congress
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run-time: 1m15s
Description: Emily, who is part of a union for theatre workers in London, explains how the work of her union actually affects everyone in the job - particularly in focusing on mental health and representing the collective view.
Michelle’s story: unions are about fairness, equality and protection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHSJW-o5NnM&list=PLpWEQxwRfgp1X2dmGj_2UEJps5YRP4Hai&index=4
Appropriate for Grade: 9-12
Search Terms: Trades Union Congress
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 58s
Description: Michelle describes how her union was able to minimize job losses and organize a plan moving forward when her workplace was faced with funding cuts.
Bernie’s Latest Ad Will Give You Chills
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFi9pqccwnM&list=PLBM0yh3dFJMYviu0Y6KmFViAYr5jGsy6i&index=17
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: Bernie Sanders
Run-time: 4m26s
Country of focus: USA (but international)
Description: What can be seen at the core of social justice activists – bringing people together instead of dividing/separating. Social justice is rooted in solving problems for humanity - not isolating specific groups according to their problems.
What Does Social Justice Mean to YOU?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z754lhcX6qw
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘what does social justice mean’
Country of focus: International
Run time: 1m53s
Description: Powerful video defining what social justice means to different people and how it affects our world.
How our union works! (Hospital Employees’ Union)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DikidLA0WTg
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘how unions work’
Country of focus: Canada
Run time: 2m30s
Description: This video is a quick crash course about how this specific union works. The illustrations may help engage students in understanding the different components involved with union work.
Why social justice matters by Joshua Creamer (Griffith University)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPF0skeq3tE
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘why social justice matters’
Country of focus: Australia
Run time: 45s
Description: Brief description of what social justice is and why it matters.
Together we can End #ChildLabor and #ForcedLabor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bulXmJM4Grw
Appropriate for Grade: 9-12
Search Terms: ‘child labour’
Country of focus: USA/North America
Run time: 1m32s
Description: Encourages taking action by educating self on child labour to make more socially just choices as a consumer.
The Fight to End Child Labor- History channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9U4Vx6ImpE
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘child labour’
Country of focus: USA/North America
Run time: 1m27s
Description: Powerful video giving the history of child labour in the USA and how unions worked hard to demand legislation that would bring an end to unfair working conditions for both children and adults.
We still have trade unions in Britain, You Know
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sapLlwDURG8
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘why unions’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 1m2s
Description: Beautifully illustrates ‘power in numbers’ through unions. It specifically touches on how employers no longer have the choice to ignore you when your voice is amplified by all other members of your union.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al5N_5TvFOA
Appropriate for Grade: 7-9
Search terms: ‘unions explained’
Country of focus: Australia
Run time: 3m51s
Description: Briefly explains history of unions and what they do.
What if there were no trade unions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YaSPC7YhbI
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘unions explained’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 2m23s
Description: Though graphics help lead through the dialogue, video is still a bit boring. Vocally explaining the purpose of trade unions and what it would be like without them. For younger grades, it would be helpful if teacher pauses video to break down specific concepts throughout.
UNITE THE UNION, About Trade Unions by Jamie-Max Caldwell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNb0VYyfarc
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 6m13
Description: An infographic with writing and pictures explaining what unions are.
Why do Americans and Canadians celebrate Labor Day? - Kenneth C. Davis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqmPE2HtkyU
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘labour unions’
Country of focus: USA and Canada
Run time: 4m12s
Description: Cartoon drawings with audio narrative. Demand for end of child labour, the right to form unions, fair wages during the industrial revolution. Effective in giving origin of unions and how they have affected work systems we have today.
What have the Trade Unions done for us? - (Trades Unions Congress)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrjySOFLXgg
Appropriate for Grade: 8-12
Search terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 4m33s
Description: Powerful video that explains what unions have done to change conditions in the work force as well as the benefits that workers can get from them today.
Why Trade Unions?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8CNZLQKwcU&index=40&list=PLsANBz8CIhEBNs7VxrkbRn7JmZNuUlBLb
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 1m40s
Description: This video gives various British citizen perspectives (in 2008) on the purpose of trade unions. It could be used as an introduction video to spark dialogue on why trade unions would exist in the first place.
What is a Union (Kelly Candaele)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS5Kdd9xKF0
Appropriate for Grade:8-12
Search Terms: ‘Labour Unions explained’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 7m14s
Description: Video gives firsthand accounts of people who are part of unions in the USA. It defines what a union is and how members can benefit.
Bernie Sanders Explains Unions to Young People
Video (12): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR7YT7sAZbY
Appropriate for Grade:7-12
Search Terms: ‘Labour Unions explained’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 9m11s important pieces at 1:40-2:27, 3:16- 3:24
Description: Interview with Bernie Sanders in which he very quickly and clearly explains what a union is.
Emily’s story: promoting good mental health in the workplace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYhs_2sYmYk&list=PLpWEQxwRfgp1X2dmGj_2UEJps5YRP4Hai&index=7
Appropriate for Grade: 9-12
Search Terms: Trades Union Congress
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run-time: 1m15s
Description: Emily, who is part of a union for theatre workers in London, explains how the work of her union actually affects everyone in the job - particularly in focusing on mental health and representing the collective view.
Michelle’s story: unions are about fairness, equality and protection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHSJW-o5NnM&list=PLpWEQxwRfgp1X2dmGj_2UEJps5YRP4Hai&index=4
Appropriate for Grade: 9-12
Search Terms: Trades Union Congress
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 58s
Description: Michelle describes how her union was able to minimize job losses and organize a plan moving forward when her workplace was faced with funding cuts.
Bernie’s Latest Ad Will Give You Chills
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFi9pqccwnM&list=PLBM0yh3dFJMYviu0Y6KmFViAYr5jGsy6i&index=17
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: Bernie Sanders
Run-time: 4m26s
Country of focus: USA (but international)
Description: What can be seen at the core of social justice activists – bringing people together instead of dividing/separating. Social justice is rooted in solving problems for humanity - not isolating specific groups according to their problems.
What Does Social Justice Mean to YOU?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z754lhcX6qw
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘what does social justice mean’
Country of focus: International
Run time: 1m53s
Description: Powerful video defining what social justice means to different people and how it affects our world.
How our union works! (Hospital Employees’ Union)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DikidLA0WTg
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘how unions work’
Country of focus: Canada
Run time: 2m30s
Description: This video is a quick crash course about how this specific union works. The illustrations may help engage students in understanding the different components involved with union work.
Why social justice matters by Joshua Creamer (Griffith University)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPF0skeq3tE
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘why social justice matters’
Country of focus: Australia
Run time: 45s
Description: Brief description of what social justice is and why it matters.
Together we can End #ChildLabor and #ForcedLabor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bulXmJM4Grw
Appropriate for Grade: 9-12
Search Terms: ‘child labour’
Country of focus: USA/North America
Run time: 1m32s
Description: Encourages taking action by educating self on child labour to make more socially just choices as a consumer.
The Fight to End Child Labor- History channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9U4Vx6ImpE
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘child labour’
Country of focus: USA/North America
Run time: 1m27s
Description: Powerful video giving the history of child labour in the USA and how unions worked hard to demand legislation that would bring an end to unfair working conditions for both children and adults.
We still have trade unions in Britain, You Know
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sapLlwDURG8
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘why unions’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 1m2s
Description: Beautifully illustrates ‘power in numbers’ through unions. It specifically touches on how employers no longer have the choice to ignore you when your voice is amplified by all other members of your union.
High school
What if there were no trade unions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YaSPC7YhbI
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘unions explained’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time : 2m23s
Description: Explains the purpose of trade unions and what it would be like without them.
UNITE THE UNION, About Trade Unions by Jamie-Max Caldwell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNb0VYyfarc
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 6m13s
Description: An infographic with writing and pictures explaining what unions are. Video is quite long, 0:21-1:54 of importance and probably sufficient.
Why do Americans and Canadians celebrate Labor Day?- Kenneth C. Davis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqmPE2HtkyU
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘labour unions’
Country of focus: USA and Canada
Run time: 4m12s
Description: Cartoon drawings with audio narrative. Demand for end of child labour, the right to form unions, fair wages during the industrial revolution. Quite effective in giving origin of unions and how they have affected work system we have today.
What happened to the American Labour Union?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb-8pxjGcTg
Appropriate for Grade:10-12
Search terms: ‘what is a labour union’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 2m38s
Description: Gives an excellent history of American unions and their purpose. Explains how unions brought about change (through striking and negotiating). Also explains how the passing of laws and changes in global economy have had an affect on the role that unions play in the USA today.
‘What have the Trade Unions done for us?’ - (Trades Unions Congress)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrjySOFLXgg
Appropriate for Grade: 8-12
Search terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 4m33s
Description: Powerful video. Explains what unions have done to change conditions in the work force as well as the benefits that workers can get from them today.
From Prevention to Protection of Workers: the role of Trade Unions (International Labour Organization)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzNv8Cgknko
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: International
Run time: 7m6s
Description: “Trade unions have an active role to play in building a culture of prevention on occupational safety and health, both at national and workplace levels.” Effectively shows that labour organizations and worker rights issues are present in countries across the world and unions are working worldwide to deal with these issues.
Why Trade Unions?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8CNZLQKwcU&index=40&list=PLsANBz8CIhEBNs7VxrkbRn7JmZNuUlBLb
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 1m40s
Description: This video gives various British citizen perspectives (in 2008) on the purpose of trade unions. It does not distinctly define what trade unions are in fine detail but rather could be used as an introduction video to spark dialogue on why trade unions would exist in the first place. The simplicity of people’s candid answers on the street could be helpful in giving general idea of trade unions for students who do not relate to videos with extensive writing on the screen.
Union members on why you should join a trade union
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84kSpBsuSso
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: Labour Unions Explained
Country of Origin: Ireland
Run time: 4m28s
Description: Different employees with various trade unions explaining the benefits of being part of a union, gives solid examples as to how a union can benefit workers in various occupations.
What is a Union’ (Kelly Candaele)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS5Kdd9xKF0
Appropriate for Grade:8-12
Search Terms: ‘Labour Unions explained’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 7m14s
Description: Video gives first hand accounts of people who are part of unions in the USA. It defines what a union is and how members can benefit. More commercial than educational in video style but still effective in explaining how workers can benefit from being part of a union. As video is 7 minutes, using just one or several fragments of the video could also be effective.
Bernie Sanders Explains Unions to Young People
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR7YT7sAZbY
Appropriate for Grade:7-12
Search Terms: ‘Labour Unions explained’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 9m11s (1m40 - 2m27 and 3m16 - 3m24 particularly good)
Description: Interview with Bernie Sanders in which he very quickly and clearly explains what a union is.
Why Unions are Important in Today’s Economy: Bernie Sanders at a Construction Trade Rally (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CU3WU-ye1M
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: ‘what is the purpose of a labour union’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 2m47s
Description: Bernie explains in fairly simple terms why unions exist. He addresses the current issue in USA of the rich getting richer, the poor getting poorer, and the middle class shrinking.
Emily’s story: promoting good mental health in the workplace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYhs_2sYmYk&list=PLpWEQxwRfgp1X2dmGj_2UEJps5YRP4Hai&index=7
Appropriate for Grade: 9-12
Search Terms: Trades Union Congress
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 1m15s
Description: Emily, who is part of a union for theatre workers in London, explains how the work of her union actually affects everyone in the job - particularly in focusing on mental health and representing the collective view.
Michelle’s story: unions are about fairness, equality and protection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHSJW-o5NnM&list=PLpWEQxwRfgp1X2dmGj_2UEJps5YRP4Hai&index=4
Appropriate for Grade: 9-12
Search Terms: Trades Union Congress
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 58s
Description: Michelle accounts how her union was able to minimize job losses and organize a plan moving forward when her workplace was faced with funding cuts.
The 27 ways| what does the union do for YOUR lifestyle?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTiugkUjqsE
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: The Services Union
Country of focus: Australia
Run time: 1m59s
Description: Comedic video showing what a businessman’s life would look like without the benefits of a labour union.
Why do we still need trade unions? | Global 3000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-Xg9Uzk-rI
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: ‘young trade unionists’
Country of focus: International
Run time: 4m38s
Description: Showcases a younger woman at the World Congress of the International trade Union World Confederation. Most participants are twice her age. She’s fighting for fast food workers rights (minimum wage at McDonalds in the Philippines the same price as a burger).
SIPTU Youth Network- world without unions’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E9jL_sZZbg
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: ‘world without unions’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 3m
Description: A sketch of being people interviewed for a job and the employers are answering their questions in a way that reflects what it would be like to work for a company with zero union benefits. A unique way of showing students all the benefits in the workplace that are a product of unionization.
Inside the Irish Congress of Trade Unions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fe1ud7jlqk
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: ‘ASTI union’
Country of focus: Ireland
Run time: 2m47s
Description: Explains how some Congress members help union members in their jobs, what unions do for people (how they help with workplace issues), and why they’re important.
Bernie’s Latest Ad Will Give You Chills
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFi9pqccwnM&list=PLBM0yh3dFJMYviu0Y6KmFViAYr5jGsy6i&index=17
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: Bernie Sanders
Country of focus: USA (but international)
Run time: 4m30s
Description: What can be seen at the core of social justice activists – bringing people together instead of dividing/separating. ‘The Young Turks’ show host’s commentary is also powerful in recognizing that it is much easier to solve problems when people join together. Social justice is very much rooted in solving problems for humanity - not isolating specific groups according to their problems.
Is Justice Worth It? (Typography) -feat. Micah Bournes [World Relief]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpl84D-uNmY
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: ‘justice’
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 2m09s
Description: Moving and powerful video. Plays into feelings behind social justice rather than explaining or defining.
What Does Social Justice Mean to YOU?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z754lhcX6qw
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘what does social justice mean’
Country of focus: International
Run time: 1m53s
Description: Powerful video defining what social justice means to different people and how it affects our world.
We need to talk about an injustice| Bryan Stevenson (TED talk)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2tOp7OxyQ8
Appropriate for Grade: 12
Search Terms: ‘injustice’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 23m41s
Description: Human rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson shares some hard truths about America's justice system. Would be a helpful teaching tool if the teacher paused video throughout to talk statistics and look deeper into some of Bryan’s sentiments on social justice and the disadvantaged people of our society.
How our union works! (Hospital Employees’ Union)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DikidLA0WTg
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘how unions work’
Country of focus: Canada
Run time: 2m30s
Description: This video is a quick crash course about how this specific union (HEU) works. The illustrations may help engage students in understanding the different components involved with union work.
Young workers’ raw deal: low pay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klCd-72hosM
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: Trade Union Congress
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 56s
Description: Video gives statistics on pay for people younger than 25 in the UK and explains how unions can help people under 25 be paid fairly for doing the same job.
Sophie, 28, Unite union member
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTQcG-4xdPk
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: Trade Union Congress
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 32s
Description: Personal account given on working in hospitality and how being a part of a union can help with the vulnerability of the profession. Particularly on how unions educate their members to understand their own rights as workers.
Why social justice matters by Joshua Creamer (Griffith University)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPF0skeq3tE
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘why social justice matters’
Country of focus: Australia
Run time: 45s
Description: Brief description of what social justice is and why it matters.
Together we can End #ChildLabor and #ForcedLabor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bulXmJM4Grw
Appropriate for Grade: 9-12
Search Terms: ‘child labour’
Country of focus: USA/North America
Run time: 1m32s
Description: Encourages taking action (social justice) by educating self on child labour to make more socially just choices as a consumer. Would be good to pause video to talk about specific statistics.
The Fight to End Child Labor- History channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9U4Vx6ImpE
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘child labour’
Country of focus: USA/North America
Run time: 1m27s
Description: Powerful video giving the history of child labour in the USA and how unions worked hard to demand legislation that would bring an end to unfair working conditions for both children and adults.
You Deserve Better- Join a Union
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elFUTGdzIxw
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: ‘why unions’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 1m
Description: A short infographic with clips of Barack Obama speaking about how people have benefited from unions in the USA. It provides statistics on poverty and the affects of unions. Ends with Obama’s quote “Alone we are weak, but united we are strong”.
We still have trade unions in Britain, You Know
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sapLlwDURG8
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘why unions’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 1m2s
Description: Beautifully illustrates ‘power in numbers’ through unions. It specifically touches on how employers no longer have the choice to ignore you when your voice is amplified by all other members of your union.
Teaching for Social Justice| Wheelock Alum Spotlight | Chris Hoeh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwmiIVfsLRM
Appropriate for Grade: 11-12
Search Terms: ‘social justice’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 2m22s
Description: Though this video is intended for teachers, I think it would be an excellent video for grade 11 and 12 students to engage in higher levels of thinking. Observing how a teacher might choose to interact with and teach their young students about social justice could be very telling to what social justice actually is. The teachers’ emphasis on community and working together to overcome discrimination and injustice is key.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YaSPC7YhbI
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘unions explained’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time : 2m23s
Description: Explains the purpose of trade unions and what it would be like without them.
UNITE THE UNION, About Trade Unions by Jamie-Max Caldwell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNb0VYyfarc
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 6m13s
Description: An infographic with writing and pictures explaining what unions are. Video is quite long, 0:21-1:54 of importance and probably sufficient.
Why do Americans and Canadians celebrate Labor Day?- Kenneth C. Davis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqmPE2HtkyU
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘labour unions’
Country of focus: USA and Canada
Run time: 4m12s
Description: Cartoon drawings with audio narrative. Demand for end of child labour, the right to form unions, fair wages during the industrial revolution. Quite effective in giving origin of unions and how they have affected work system we have today.
What happened to the American Labour Union?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb-8pxjGcTg
Appropriate for Grade:10-12
Search terms: ‘what is a labour union’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 2m38s
Description: Gives an excellent history of American unions and their purpose. Explains how unions brought about change (through striking and negotiating). Also explains how the passing of laws and changes in global economy have had an affect on the role that unions play in the USA today.
‘What have the Trade Unions done for us?’ - (Trades Unions Congress)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrjySOFLXgg
Appropriate for Grade: 8-12
Search terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 4m33s
Description: Powerful video. Explains what unions have done to change conditions in the work force as well as the benefits that workers can get from them today.
From Prevention to Protection of Workers: the role of Trade Unions (International Labour Organization)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzNv8Cgknko
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: International
Run time: 7m6s
Description: “Trade unions have an active role to play in building a culture of prevention on occupational safety and health, both at national and workplace levels.” Effectively shows that labour organizations and worker rights issues are present in countries across the world and unions are working worldwide to deal with these issues.
Why Trade Unions?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8CNZLQKwcU&index=40&list=PLsANBz8CIhEBNs7VxrkbRn7JmZNuUlBLb
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search terms: ‘labour unions explained’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 1m40s
Description: This video gives various British citizen perspectives (in 2008) on the purpose of trade unions. It does not distinctly define what trade unions are in fine detail but rather could be used as an introduction video to spark dialogue on why trade unions would exist in the first place. The simplicity of people’s candid answers on the street could be helpful in giving general idea of trade unions for students who do not relate to videos with extensive writing on the screen.
Union members on why you should join a trade union
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84kSpBsuSso
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: Labour Unions Explained
Country of Origin: Ireland
Run time: 4m28s
Description: Different employees with various trade unions explaining the benefits of being part of a union, gives solid examples as to how a union can benefit workers in various occupations.
What is a Union’ (Kelly Candaele)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS5Kdd9xKF0
Appropriate for Grade:8-12
Search Terms: ‘Labour Unions explained’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 7m14s
Description: Video gives first hand accounts of people who are part of unions in the USA. It defines what a union is and how members can benefit. More commercial than educational in video style but still effective in explaining how workers can benefit from being part of a union. As video is 7 minutes, using just one or several fragments of the video could also be effective.
Bernie Sanders Explains Unions to Young People
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR7YT7sAZbY
Appropriate for Grade:7-12
Search Terms: ‘Labour Unions explained’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 9m11s (1m40 - 2m27 and 3m16 - 3m24 particularly good)
Description: Interview with Bernie Sanders in which he very quickly and clearly explains what a union is.
Why Unions are Important in Today’s Economy: Bernie Sanders at a Construction Trade Rally (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CU3WU-ye1M
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: ‘what is the purpose of a labour union’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 2m47s
Description: Bernie explains in fairly simple terms why unions exist. He addresses the current issue in USA of the rich getting richer, the poor getting poorer, and the middle class shrinking.
Emily’s story: promoting good mental health in the workplace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYhs_2sYmYk&list=PLpWEQxwRfgp1X2dmGj_2UEJps5YRP4Hai&index=7
Appropriate for Grade: 9-12
Search Terms: Trades Union Congress
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 1m15s
Description: Emily, who is part of a union for theatre workers in London, explains how the work of her union actually affects everyone in the job - particularly in focusing on mental health and representing the collective view.
Michelle’s story: unions are about fairness, equality and protection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHSJW-o5NnM&list=PLpWEQxwRfgp1X2dmGj_2UEJps5YRP4Hai&index=4
Appropriate for Grade: 9-12
Search Terms: Trades Union Congress
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 58s
Description: Michelle accounts how her union was able to minimize job losses and organize a plan moving forward when her workplace was faced with funding cuts.
The 27 ways| what does the union do for YOUR lifestyle?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTiugkUjqsE
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: The Services Union
Country of focus: Australia
Run time: 1m59s
Description: Comedic video showing what a businessman’s life would look like without the benefits of a labour union.
Why do we still need trade unions? | Global 3000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-Xg9Uzk-rI
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: ‘young trade unionists’
Country of focus: International
Run time: 4m38s
Description: Showcases a younger woman at the World Congress of the International trade Union World Confederation. Most participants are twice her age. She’s fighting for fast food workers rights (minimum wage at McDonalds in the Philippines the same price as a burger).
SIPTU Youth Network- world without unions’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E9jL_sZZbg
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: ‘world without unions’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 3m
Description: A sketch of being people interviewed for a job and the employers are answering their questions in a way that reflects what it would be like to work for a company with zero union benefits. A unique way of showing students all the benefits in the workplace that are a product of unionization.
Inside the Irish Congress of Trade Unions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fe1ud7jlqk
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: ‘ASTI union’
Country of focus: Ireland
Run time: 2m47s
Description: Explains how some Congress members help union members in their jobs, what unions do for people (how they help with workplace issues), and why they’re important.
Bernie’s Latest Ad Will Give You Chills
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFi9pqccwnM&list=PLBM0yh3dFJMYviu0Y6KmFViAYr5jGsy6i&index=17
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: Bernie Sanders
Country of focus: USA (but international)
Run time: 4m30s
Description: What can be seen at the core of social justice activists – bringing people together instead of dividing/separating. ‘The Young Turks’ show host’s commentary is also powerful in recognizing that it is much easier to solve problems when people join together. Social justice is very much rooted in solving problems for humanity - not isolating specific groups according to their problems.
Is Justice Worth It? (Typography) -feat. Micah Bournes [World Relief]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpl84D-uNmY
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: ‘justice’
Country of focus: N/A
Run time: 2m09s
Description: Moving and powerful video. Plays into feelings behind social justice rather than explaining or defining.
What Does Social Justice Mean to YOU?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z754lhcX6qw
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘what does social justice mean’
Country of focus: International
Run time: 1m53s
Description: Powerful video defining what social justice means to different people and how it affects our world.
We need to talk about an injustice| Bryan Stevenson (TED talk)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2tOp7OxyQ8
Appropriate for Grade: 12
Search Terms: ‘injustice’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 23m41s
Description: Human rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson shares some hard truths about America's justice system. Would be a helpful teaching tool if the teacher paused video throughout to talk statistics and look deeper into some of Bryan’s sentiments on social justice and the disadvantaged people of our society.
How our union works! (Hospital Employees’ Union)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DikidLA0WTg
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘how unions work’
Country of focus: Canada
Run time: 2m30s
Description: This video is a quick crash course about how this specific union (HEU) works. The illustrations may help engage students in understanding the different components involved with union work.
Young workers’ raw deal: low pay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klCd-72hosM
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: Trade Union Congress
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 56s
Description: Video gives statistics on pay for people younger than 25 in the UK and explains how unions can help people under 25 be paid fairly for doing the same job.
Sophie, 28, Unite union member
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTQcG-4xdPk
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: Trade Union Congress
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 32s
Description: Personal account given on working in hospitality and how being a part of a union can help with the vulnerability of the profession. Particularly on how unions educate their members to understand their own rights as workers.
Why social justice matters by Joshua Creamer (Griffith University)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPF0skeq3tE
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘why social justice matters’
Country of focus: Australia
Run time: 45s
Description: Brief description of what social justice is and why it matters.
Together we can End #ChildLabor and #ForcedLabor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bulXmJM4Grw
Appropriate for Grade: 9-12
Search Terms: ‘child labour’
Country of focus: USA/North America
Run time: 1m32s
Description: Encourages taking action (social justice) by educating self on child labour to make more socially just choices as a consumer. Would be good to pause video to talk about specific statistics.
The Fight to End Child Labor- History channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9U4Vx6ImpE
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘child labour’
Country of focus: USA/North America
Run time: 1m27s
Description: Powerful video giving the history of child labour in the USA and how unions worked hard to demand legislation that would bring an end to unfair working conditions for both children and adults.
You Deserve Better- Join a Union
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elFUTGdzIxw
Appropriate for Grade: 10-12
Search Terms: ‘why unions’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 1m
Description: A short infographic with clips of Barack Obama speaking about how people have benefited from unions in the USA. It provides statistics on poverty and the affects of unions. Ends with Obama’s quote “Alone we are weak, but united we are strong”.
We still have trade unions in Britain, You Know
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sapLlwDURG8
Appropriate for Grade: 7-12
Search Terms: ‘why unions’
Country of focus: United Kingdom
Run time: 1m2s
Description: Beautifully illustrates ‘power in numbers’ through unions. It specifically touches on how employers no longer have the choice to ignore you when your voice is amplified by all other members of your union.
Teaching for Social Justice| Wheelock Alum Spotlight | Chris Hoeh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwmiIVfsLRM
Appropriate for Grade: 11-12
Search Terms: ‘social justice’
Country of focus: USA
Run time: 2m22s
Description: Though this video is intended for teachers, I think it would be an excellent video for grade 11 and 12 students to engage in higher levels of thinking. Observing how a teacher might choose to interact with and teach their young students about social justice could be very telling to what social justice actually is. The teachers’ emphasis on community and working together to overcome discrimination and injustice is key.