Workers, 1973-80: How Far Had Lives Improved

Question 1

Issues

Answer 1

Rising prices + unemployment = fall in living standards
Foreign competition, relocation of business (rust to sun belt) destroyed communities in Northeast + Midwest
1979 - Chrysler (3rd biggest car) faced bankruptcy

Question 2

Legislative Improvements

Answer 2

Equal Pay Act + Safety at Work Act (1970) improved pay + conditions
Required to treat f + m workers equally and ensure safety
Rehabilitation Act (1973) provided equal employment opportunity in fed gov + funded programmes

Question 3

Sweatshops

Answer 3

Non-unionised workers or part-time workers lacked rights
Revival of sweatshops (1970s) in NYC and LA - many workers women, wages 61% of men’s (1960), still 65% in 1985

Question 4

Carter

Answer 4

Hope for pro-union legislation (Democrat)
Wanted to abolish National Labour Relations Board (est 1935) as it sided with employers
Attempt to extend worker’s rights, Labour Law Reform Bill (1978)
Passed Congress, but dramatically amended and gave few extra rights