Trade Unions Flashcards
What four areas should a trade unions essay focus on?
If in doubt: Union power Bargaining Union Membership Federal Intervention Working Conditions Chose four of these.
What were the conditions of Union Rights pre 1865?
Workers rights largely depended on what they could negotiate with employers; they could be exploited and had no legal protection.
Unions only represented those in skilled industries and also had no legal protection. Those in new industries (such as steel) had no protection. Workers could be easily laid off and their were few safety precautions.
What were the conditions for unions in the late 19th century?
Industrialisation led to a growth in union membership -particularly the Knights of Labor (KOL) and the American Federation of Labor (AFL). By 1886 the KOL had reached a membership of 700,000 because of their successes; but after the Haymarket affair and social divisions within the workforce this fell. The position of the union was also undermined after 1865 as AA labour became readily available (as they would work for less money) and after the arrival of European immigrants, they were also weakened by the homestead strike of 1892 + the Pullman strike of 1894.
By WW1 nothing had been achieved; unions represented only 20% of non-agricultural the workforce and were divided by ethnicity, skill and gender, however by 1910 union membership had risen to over 2 million.
Briefly, what was the Haymarket affair of 1886?
Began as a peaceful strike within Chicago, however a bomb was thrown at police. This then resulted in gunfire and the deaths of 12 people.
What were early unions hoping to achieve?
They were hoping to get less hours and higher wages - but failed due to a lack of direction within the movement
Briefly, what was the Pullman Strike of 1894, and what were it’s consequences?
The Pullman strike began when the Pullman company cut wages and made a third of the workforce redundant. When the workers struck the federal govt. issued an injunction which stopped people interfering with the mail (as they were railroad workers). President Cleveland then sent troops to break the strike and the supreme court legalised the use of injunctions (thus making the strike illegal). The omnibus indictment act was then passed which effectively made union activity illegal.
What were Yellow-Dog Contracts?
Yellow-Dog Contracts were contracts signed between employees + employers with clauses that meant an employee would not join a union. They became popular in the 1920’s, but were made illegal in 1932.
What is Welfare Capitalism?
Adopted by employers to avoid strikes. It involved improving working conditions, reducing working hours and giving benefits such as pensions or insurance. Sometimes company unions were also set up. Adopted during the 20’s but dropped in the 30’s
What was Nativism?
Grew in popularity during the 20’s and 30’s as a response to communism. It was the belief that American Business and interests should be protected - in a hostile manner.
What was the National War Labor Board?
Established during WW1 + WW2 by the federal government to negotiate disputes with unions. It was not because the government sympathised with unions, but because they needed to maintain production during the wars.
What was the Wagner Act of 1935?
Aimed to regulate trade unionism and labour disputes by introducing a bargaining system. Wagner wanted to end picket line violence and strikes - but believed legislation was essential.
It ensured that workers had the right to join a union + elect their own reps. Spies and blacklisting agitators was banned.
How significant was the Wagner Act?
Was upheld by the Supreme Court - which was crucial.
By 1938 TU membership had risen by 5.3 million (shows that people thought it was somewhat helpful).
There were however still disputes.
Unions also contued to exclude skilled workers
What was the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 do?
It established a minimum wage (25 dollars a week), maximum working hours + banned workers under 16.
What did NIRA do?
Was FDR’s first attempt to help unions. Allowed workers + employers to agree codes of practise about production rates, wage levels, working hours and union rights; also meant that TU’s were legal. It allowed for collective bargaining, companies showed a blue eagle if they took part in bargaining.
