Organized labor's attitudes toward and involvement in public education in the United States from 1820 to the 1970s have been based on four fundamental propositions. The propositions are that labor believes: (1) education is one of the chief functions of a democracy and the only means of developing an enlightened citizenry, (2) all citizens are entitled to equality of educational opportunity, (3) elementary and secondary education are tools for acquiring basic knowledge and are part of a continuing life-long process of education, and (4) the labor movement should have a part in guiding educational policies. Review of labor's involvement in public education indicates continuing support for reforms such as free universal education, compulsory school attendance, child labor laws, federal aid to education, better school buildings, higher salaries and job securities for teachers, free textbooks, vocational education, small classes, more night schools, and meaningful realistic curricula. Organized labor's plans for the future include continued support of educational endeavors and an attitude of openness to changing social and individual educational needs. (DB)