LABOUR WWII Flashcards
How did unions gain and lose rights during WWII?
During WWII trade union membership rose from 8.9-14.8 million. NWLB allowed maintenance of unions but closed shop was undermined. In 1943 President was granted rights to seize plants where union action was at threat and right to work laws passed in South to threaten closed shop. 30 days notice required for strikes.
How was the CIO weakened after WWII?
CIO weakened by post-WWII war against communism, 1949 expelled 10 Communist-led unions, 1955 amalgated with AFL. Appeared no longer to represent working class.
How did employment change in WWII regarding women and immigrant decline?
Banning of overseas immigration and soldiers serving in WWII saw unemployment fall from 9 mil in June 1940 to 783,000 by September 1943. Women in work force rose by 50% and in 1943 they made 1/3 of workforce. In airplane production they made 40% of employees but paid less.
What did General Motors introduce after WWII?
- After WWII, in 1948, General Motors introduced pay code linked to cost of living, in 1950 five year contract issued linking cost of living to pensions to avert industrial action.
How did industry change during WWII?
Planning of levels of production was centralised, taking power from employers. Food production rose by nearly a third and manufacturing output doubled. The Office of War Mobilization was set up in May 1943 to establish priorities and set production targets.
What was the NWLB?
National War Labour Board set in 1941 to deal with labour disputes. July 1943, pressure for pay rises led to 15% living cost rise and 70% industrial earning rise.
What tension was there regarding race during WWII?
1 million black men worked in north and west industrial centres and A Philip Randolph threatened march on Washington in June 1941 due to menial work leading to Roosevelt passing Fair Employment Practises Committee to ban racial segregation. June 1943 25 blacks and 9 whites killed in Detroit race riots.
What action did federal government make after WWII?
After war there was rising fear over Communism, action against Communist Party of America. Republicans won both Houses of Congress, 1946. 1947 Taft Hartley Act banned closed shop and asserted right to work laws and 60 day cool off before strikes. Truman failed to veto this.
