Role of Presidents

Question 1

Which Presidents were the most beneficial for Trade Unions?

Answer 1

• Theodore Roosevelt
• Woodrow Wilson
• Franklin D Roosevelt

Question 2

Which Presidents were had the most opposition to Trade Unions?

Answer 2

• Rutherford B Hayes
• Grover Cleveland
• Ronald Reagan

Question 3

How did Theodore Roosevelt support Trade Unions?

Answer 3

• first President to act as a neutral mediator in a major strike e.g. Anthracite Coal Strike 1902
• Promoted the ‘Square Deal’, fairness for workers, consumers and businesses
• set the precedent that the government would not automatically side with employers

Question 4

How did Woodrow Wilson support Trade Unions?

Answer 4

• created the National War Labour Board to recognise unions and encourage collective bargaining
• passed the Adamson act 1916: established the 8-hour workday for railroad workers

Question 5

How did Franklin D Roosevelt support trade unions?

Answer 5

• passed the Wagner Act 1935: guaranteed workers’ rights to unionise and bargain collectively
• created the National Labour Relations Board
• Fair Labour Standards act 1938: set minimum wage, maximum working hours and banned child Labour

Question 6

How did Rutherford B Hayes oppose trade unions?

Answer 6

• used federal troops to supress Great Railroad Strike of 1877, first major nationwide strike
• set a precedent for federal intervention against workers

Question 7

How did Grover Cleveland oppose Trade Unions?

Answer 7

• used federal troops to crush the Pullman strike
• justified it by claiming the strike interfered with the delivery of mail and the economy
• firmly sided with employers

Question 8

How did Ronald Reagan oppose trade unions?

Answer 8

• fired 11,000 air traffic controllers during the PACTO strike 1981 for illegally striking
• weakened federal union power
• promoted deregulation and pro-business policies