Final answer:
Labor unions utilize collective bargaining and labor strikes as strategies to negotiate worker demands with employers. These proactive measures have historically been instrumental in improving working conditions and compensation for union members, despite facing opposition from businesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two strategies used by labor unions to persuade employers to listen to their demands were collective bargaining and labor strikes. These tactics were part of a broader range of efforts to improve working conditions and ensure fair wages for workers. Collective bargaining involves negotiations between the representatives of a workforce (the union) and the employer to reach a set of mutually agreeable employment terms. Labor strikes, on the other hand, are a form of protest where workers refuse to work until their demands are met, often for better working conditions or higher pay.
Throughout the history of the labor movement, unions have faced strong opposition from businesses, which have used tactics like yellow-dog contracts, blacklisting, and strikebreakers to counteract unionization efforts. Despite these challenges, labor unions have played a crucial role in securing workers' rights and benefits. Significant moments in labor history, such as the success of the United Auto Workers' sit-down strike against General Motors, demonstrate the potency of these union strategies when effectively applied.