Trade Unions theme Q Flashcards
Intro/ Conc:
Recognition- Did improve throughout the period with FDR’s ND as a turning point, unionisation decreased b/c of the rise of white collar work, personal choice.
Right to take action- Successful in gaining some rights by 1981, with the right to strike being destroyed through Raegan (PATCO) not the workers themselves
Pay and Conditions- Improved with the Civil Rights Act as a turning point.
Recognition and Right to exist
Started non-existant.
DESPITE EARLY RELUCTANCE TO RECOGNITION, THIS DIDN’T STOP WORKERS FROM UNIONISING.
Although, KOI membership rose rapidly from 20 000 in 1881 to 700 000 in 1886 trade unions hadn’t been given the LEGAL right to exist.
Recognition:
- Establishment of AFL in 1886 served to unite unions and mediate with employers, some employers did comply.
- Wagner 1935- LEGAL RECOGNITION.
- FDR as a catalyst, he didn’t want court intervention for union rights, which he established during his second new deal.
- Public sector unions recognised US Steel and General Motors (1937/6) on debates doc.
Non- recognition
- Sherman Anti-Trust Act 1890
- Taft Hartley 1947.
- Yellow dog contracts, right to work laws.
By the end of the period, transition from industrial to service economy decreased union participation, thus limiting recognition due to the lack of membership in comparison to non-unionised workers.
Right to take action
Did NOT greatly improve throughout the era.
SUPRESSED STRIKE ACTION!
Great Railroad strike 1877.
Homestead 1892.
Coppage v Kansas 1915- yellow dog contracts.
Memphis Sanitation Strike 1968.
PATCO 1981.
VIOLENT SUPPRESSION FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND PREVENTED UNIONS FROM STRIKING- DEMONSTRATING A LACK OF IMPROVEMENT THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD!!
Similarity NWLB in 1918 and NLRB in 1935- set up to improve employer relations and mediate conflict. Some aspects were beneficial like NLRB investigating unfair union practices.
These WERE SHORT TERM, and motivated by the economy. NWLB to sustain war produce and the NLRB to prevent another economic crisis, with strike action presenting an obstacle to production.
Pay and Conditions
Key Event: The Knights of Labor (founded 1869) and the 8-hour workday movement
Industrialization led to low wages, 12-16 hour workdays, and unsafe conditions in factories, mines, and railroads.
The Knights of Labor and other early unions pushed for better pay and shorter hours, advocating for an 8-hour workday.
Significance: Although unions had limited success, they pressured lawmakers to consider labor protections, setting the stage for future reforms.
Paragraph 2: Government Intervention (1900–1945) – Establishing Minimum Standards
Key Event: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938
The Great Depression exposed worker exploitation, prompting government intervention.
The FLSA introduced a federal minimum wage (25 cents/hour), a 40-hour workweek, and overtime pay.
Significance: This transformed labor conditions, ensuring basic protections and strengthening union bargaining power.
Paragraph 3: Post-War Boom (1945–1970s) – Union Power and Economic Security
Key Event: The Treaty of Detroit (1950) between the UAW and General Motors
Post-war economic growth allowed unions to negotiate better pay, pensions, and health benefits.
The UAW agreement with General Motors set a precedent for stable, well-paid jobs, creating a strong middle class.
Significance: Demonstrated the peak of union power, ensuring job security and rising wages for millions of workers.
Paragraph 4: Decline of Unions (1980s–1992) – Deregulation and Wage Stagnation
Key Event: Reaganomics and the PATCO firings (1981)
The 1980s shift to deregulation and anti-union policies weakened labor power.
President Reagan fired 11,000 striking air traffic controllers (PATCO), signaling a hostile stance toward unions.
Significance: Led to wage stagnation, reduced benefits, and weakened job security, as businesses prioritized profit over worker protections.
