Economic Change Post-second World War

Question 1

How did the boom and changing nature of the American economy after WW2 prove a disadvantage to workers?

Answer 1

. New technology and increased automation in many industries during the 1950’s led to a decline in blue collar workers and as a result union membership during this period, fell by around 50%.
. As a result of the the growth of technology and increased automation, a greater amount of white collar workers came about, which again limited the influence of the unions.
. More and more women were now finding themselves in previously male dominated jobs, therefore limiting the size of unions as women were most of the time prohibited from joining.

Question 2

How did economic change from the 1970’s onwards cause difficulties for organised Labor?

Answer 2

. High tech industries were often relocated away from cities and were usually much smaller enterprises. As a result the workforce was more dispersed and as a result harder to unionise.
. The period saw a rise in unemployment and a fall in real wages, especially among unskilled workers.