Trade Unions And Labour Rights Flashcards

Question

Why did the adoption of laissez-faire economic policies by the federal government make it more difficult for workers to develop unions and improve their labour rights in the Gilded Age?

Answer 1

"Hands off" approach gave employers independence to deal with strikes aggressively. This made it more difficult for labour rights to improve as they lacked support from the government.

Answer 2

Rise of 'nativism' in the USA undermined the development of trade unions as it increased immigration and racial tensions within trade unions, as it increased a growing national sense of resentment towards foreign immigrants from WASPs For example, Haymarket Affair and Homestead Strike, weakened unions due to association with European anarchists

Answer 3

Remain united and appeal to the Federal government Be more appreciative of public opinion Influence politics

Answer 4

Wages rose dramatically with an increase of 60% for some skilled workers American industry overtook that of Britain to become the largest producer in the world Unions such as the Knights of Labour saw a considerable increase in membership - from 20,000 in 1881 to 700,000 by 1886 AFL formed in 1886 and was the first successful national labour federation - aimed to link all unions together Unions were able to extend their power into politics at both local and national level Sickness clubs were formed

Answer 5

Period of growing inequality and poverty for the workforce - 2% of the population owned 30% of the wealth Workers had few rights Increase in mechanisation in the economy decreased the demand for skilled labour whilst the wages of unskilled labour were around 30% of those of skilled workers Number of violent strikes damaged the reputations of unions Governments laissez-faire approach to the economy meant that workers were denied protective legislation

Answer 6

Between 1860 and 1900 number of industrial workers increased from 885,000 to 3.2 million Production moved increasingly from skilled workshops to factory production lines Large workforce of semi and unskilled workers developed - these workers had no representation in the workplace

Answer 7

Gave massive contracts to industrial businesses Improved communications by rail and telegraph Improved financial system by introducing national currency

Answer 8

76 million

Answer 9

Immigration - accounted for a third

Answer 10

High tariffs, especially on Steel Supreme Court was pro business Granted land to rail companies Free trade area within America Gained greater land from NA

Answer 11

Produced 1/3 of the worlds industrial output

Answer 12

Allowed national brands to grow by creating an integrated market Created time zones Increased job opportunities

Answer 13

Industrial competition reduced prices

Answer 14

No pensions - lack of protection and rights No compensation - many injuries due to conditions On average, 35,000 workers died each year at work, most in the world Boom and bust cycle with depressions created job insecurities Long working hours, 60 hours a week

Answer 15

The Knights of Labour

Answer 16

10 % of members were iron and steel workers - generally skilled white men

Answer 17

Imagine freedom more broadly Argue for everyone to enjoy freedom there had to be more equality

Answer 18

Largest and one of the most important American labour organisation of the 1880s.

Answer 19

Promoted the social and cultural uplift of the workingman, rejected socialism and anarchism, demanded the eight hour day, and promoted the producers ethic of republicanism

Answer 20

Successful strike by the Knights against Jay Gould's south-western railroad system in 1884 brought a flood of new members

Answer 21

Bomb explosion at a workers rally at Haymarket square, on May 4th triggered a national wave of arrests and repression. Labour activism of every kind suffered a setback, and the Knights were particularly, though unfairly, singled out for blame By 1900, virtually non-existent

Answer 22

Founded by Uriah Stephens on December 28, 1869 Reached 28,000 members in 1880 which then jumped to 100,000 in 1884. By 1886, 20% of all workers were affiliated with the KOL, reaching nearly 800,000 members Most important leader was Terence Powderly

Answer 23

Founded in 1886 by Samuel Gompers

Answer 24

Only recruited skilled workers, particularly white men, not very inclusive

Answer 25

Focussed on practical, "bread and butter" issues - less political and more conservative Wanted higher wages Better working conditions Sick pay

Answer 26

Used methods such as collective bargaining and strikes - took part in over 20,000 strikes and predominantly achieved their aims

Answer 27

Successful as represented much needed skilled labour In 1904, 1.7 million members, rising to over 4 million in 1920 More moderate union therefore had greater understanding with the federal government Largest membership and were successful with strikes

Answer 28

Hostile towards immigrants, particularly Chinese immigrants

Answer 29

Founded in Chicago, July 1905, by William D Hayward (from the miners union)

Answer 30

As a response to more of the economy being controlled by big corporations

Answer 31

Promoted worker solidarity to overthrow capitalists Politically motivated by socialist views thus were a radical union

Answer 32

More militant organisation and had a reputation for violence, creating hostility from the employers towards trade unions Also, due to tactics were banned in many states

Answer 33

Particularly appealed to unskilled workers and immigrants, for example had a Finnish newspaper. Around 100,000 members in 1912 but plummeted to 30,000 in 1919, as seen as unpatriotic following the war

Answer 34

Unsympathetic to causes thus prepared to enforce violence. Violence came from government, employers and unions

Answer 35

Generally argued that during WW1, the position of workers improved in the USA. American industry experienced a boom in demand as there was greater need to produce textiles, uniforms, steel and munitions. Between 1914 and 1918, factory production in the US increased by 35% Prices rose but wages increased by 20% meaning that workers' standard of living remained high

Answer 36

Signs of a more sympathetic and cooperative attitude from the Federal Government towards labour and union rights In 1918, Woodrow Wilson established the National War Labour Board (NWLB) which was designed to settle disputes between workers and employers without having to resort to strikes that would slow down wartime production. The board helped to settle over 1,000 disputes and negotiated an eight-hour working day in return for a no-strike policy from unions and workers

Answer 37

Union membership increased from 2.7 million in 1916 to 5 million by 1920

Answer 38

During the 1920s real wages increased and unemployment fell Workers also had access for the first time to mass produced consumer goods e.g. Cars and cookers With these developments, many of the causes of industrial unrest declined

Answer 39

Policy followed by employers of offering workers improved working conditions and benefits such as pensions in return for the creation of unions which were under the control of employers. Workers could meet with employers to discuss working conditions but could not negotiate on wages or call strikes.

Answer 40

Contracts that workers were made to sign that prevented them from joining a union

Answer 41

'Welfare Capitalism' was good for Fords employers but most workers did not benefit to the same extent Was an improvement for workers as unions were weak Wages rose as a result of the 1920s boom yet not in terms of profits - boom was short lived, ending with the Wall St Crash in 1929 Unskilled, women, immigrants and ethnic minorities benefitted least from 'welfare capitalism'

Answer 42

AA involvement in unions was limited AFL did not allow AA to join its union in the 1920s - Discouraged many from joining unions or actively campaigning on working rights

Answer 43

Unemployment increased from 3% in 1929 to 25% by 1933 13 million people were unemployed in 1933 US GDP feel from $103.6 billion in 1929 to $56.4 billion in 1933 Since the beginning of depression around 15% of people's life savings had been lost

Answer 44

Aimed to improve relations between workers and employers by agreeing codes of practice on production levels, wages, working hours, prices and union rights.

Answer 45

Aims set by the Federal Government and accepted by employers when they joined the NRA

Answer 46

The National Industry Recovery Act Established the National Recovery Administration (NRA)

Answer 47

Stated that workers should have the right to organise unions and bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing and that no one should be banned from joining an independent union

Answer 48

Membership of the NRA was voluntary By 1934, 557 codes had been agreed by joining companies, covering some 23 million workers Employers who joined were allowed to display the Blue Eagle of the NRA in their window

Answer 49

An example of the impact of the NRA was the coal industry Joined in September 1933 and miners received considerable gains in pay and conditions Membership of the United Mine Workers increased from 100,000 to 300,000

Answer 50

Recognised the right of workers to elect their own representatives to take part in collective bargaining with employers Gave workers the rights to join unions and bargain collectively through their chosen representatives Banned employers use of spies and blacklisting Set up a five-man National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) which could bargain on behalf of workers and stop companies blacklisting or creating company unions

Answer 51

Wagner's aim had been to regulate and reduce labour disputes by providing a structure of collective bargaining that would reduce the need for strikes or violence between employers and their workers

Answer 52

Declared constitutional by the Supreme Court in 1937

Answer 53

NRA and Wagner Act marked a change in government attitude towards labour and union rights from one of laissez faire or support for employers, to government support and recognition By July 1933, half of the main ten US industries had joined the NRA By 1934, 557 codes had been agreed by companies joining the NRA, covering some 23 million workers Wagner recognised rights of workers to form unions and to collectively bargain with their employers New Deal Legislation encouraged a growth in membership of trade unions, from 3.7 million in 1933 to 9 million in 1938

Answer 54

NRA and its codes of practice were voluntary and employers such as Henry Ford refused to sign up continuing their policies of welfare capitalism instead. Lower skilled and agricultural workers did not generally benefit as much from the New Deal as skilled workers Several groups continued to face unequal rights in the workplace Number of women's unions were formed but the New Deal legislation upheld the pay gap between men and women

Answer 55

After 1945 many in congress became concerned by the growing power of unions and moved to limit their powers and defend the rights of employers. Republican Party gained control of Congress in 1946 and had a more anti-union policy Growing Cold War tensions also affected unions who were associated with left-wing politics and communism

Answer 56

A decline in labour and union rights

Answer 57

Factory work

Answer 58

Managerial and office work

Answer 59

Aimed to challenge the culture of big businesses and government power, and promote individualism and freedom

Answer 60

Provided state-funded healthcare to all Americans who received state welfare

Answer 61

Gave agricultural unions legal rights including UFW

Answer 62

Decisive defeat for union power

Answer 63

Those rights that apply to trade unions e.g. legal status, recognition, conduct of members, collective bargaining etc

Answer 64

Those rights that apply to all workers (whether in a union or not) e.g. rights over pay, conditions, legal productions

Answer 65

'The New Frontier' and 'Great Society' reforms in the 1960s

Answer 66

The Wagner Act - allowed collective bargaining of unions yet excluded agricultural workers

Answer 67

Increase in the number of trade unions and affiliations in this period - KOL 1869, AFL 1886, IWW 1905 Union membership increased during this period - the KOL went from 20,000 members in 1881 to 700,000 in 1886 AFL was the first successful National Labour Federation. Some businesses were willing to work with it and allow negotiations between employers + workers Wages, particularly those of skilled labour increased in this period, by 60%

Answer 68

Trade unions were not legally recognised in this period and relied on individual employers for any rights Employers tended to be hostile towards unions - intimidation would be used to prevent workers from joining and force used to break strikes e.g. Homestead Employers more generally in this period did not prioritise the conditions and pay of their workers. Age of rapid industrialisation which encouraged profit first and lead to 'Robber Barons' e.g. Rockefeller and Carnegie who exploited workers Federal government supported employers over unions -Pullman Strike 1894- and followed a policy of laisses faire economics Unions themselves were divided in terms of skill level, nationality, race and gender. Some also failed militant tactics (Haymarket 1886) that undermined the pursuit of labour rights

Answer 69

The National Recovery Administration (NRA 1933) - brought improvements in working conditions and treatment by employers The National Labour Relations Act (Wagner Act, 1935) - The right of workers to form unions and to collectively bargain was guaranteed Growth in union membership - 3.7 million in 1933 to 9 million in 1938 - as unions were established and sought to collectively bargain with employers Fair Labour Standards Act (1938) - created a minimum weekly wage for industrial workers of $25 Creation of Alphabet Agencies more generally provided work for millions of unemployed Role of Federal Government changed dramatically during the New Deal from one of laissez faire to one of involvement and support for unions

Answer 70

Brought improvements in working conditions and treatment for employers

Answer 71

By 1934, 557 codes had been agreed by companies joining the NRA covering 23 million workers

Answer 72

The right of workers to form unions and to collectively bargain was guaranteed

Answer 73

3.7 million in 1933 to 9 million in 1938 - as unions were established and sought to collectively bargain with employers SWOC gained the right to collectively bargain with US Steel in 1937

Answer 74

Created a minimum weekly wage for industrial workers of $25

Answer 75

Provided work for millions of unemployed

Answer 76

The National Recovery Administration (NRA) - membership of the scheme was voluntary and short-lived, the NRA was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1935 The National Labour Relations Act (Wagner Act, 1935) - did not cover all types of workers: agricultural workers did not have the same right to form unions or collectively bargain Resistance from employers to the Wagner Act - J&L Steel opposed recognising the SWOC union leading to the Memorial Day Massacre in 1937 whereby 10 strikers were killed. Henry Ford refused to recognise the Union of Automobile Workers until 1941 New Deal legislation did little to improve the conditions of African American, Native American and female workers Divisions within unions also remained and expanded - the CIO formed in 1936 Roosevelt's aim in the New Deal was not to protect or strengthen labour/union rights, but to take steps to improve labour relations to help the economy recover

Answer 77

Membership of the scheme was voluntary Short-lived - NRA was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1935 NRA was controversial, some attacked it as excessive state interference whilst others viewed it as too pro-business

Answer 78

Did not cover all types of workers: agricultural workers did not have the same right to form unions or collectively bargain Appeased the Southern Democrats in Congress and ensure the Act could be passed Resistance from employers to the Wagner Act - J&L Steel opposed recognising the SWOC union leading to the Memorial Day Massacre in 1937 whereby 10 strikers were killed. Henry Ford refused to recognise the Union of Automobile Workers until 1941

Answer 79

Influence of Black Power brought improvements for African workers: - Black Power shifted the focus from legal civil rights towards economic and social inequality e.g. the BPP's 'Ten Point Programme' - May have pressurised Johnson to create social reforms that benefitted workers in the 'Great Society' e.g. Economic Opportunity Act 1964 - Nixon's affirmative action can be seen as a response to Black Power and an attempt to reduce the appeal of their economic arguments, By 1972 affirmative action policies had been extended to over 300,000 firms There is evidence that Black Power also had an impact on unions themselves: - The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) was formed in 1972 on the principle that African-American workers were under-represented

Answer 80

Black Power shifted the focus from legal civil rights towards economic and social inequality e.g. the BPP's 'Ten Point Programme' May have pressurised Johnson to create social reforms that benefitted workers in the 'Great Society' e.g. Economic Opportunity Act 1964 Nixon's affirmative action can be seen as a response to Black Power and an attempt to reduce the appeal of their economic arguments, By 1972 affirmative action policies had been extended to over 300,000 firms

Answer 81

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) was formed in 1972 on the principle that African-American workers were under-represented

Answer 82

Although Black Power brought attention to the poverty of African American workers (46% of all unemployed people in the US were Black in the early 1960s) this was only one part of its philosophy Militancy of some Black Power groups deterred people from supporting change in these issues and particularly prevented many white and black workers from supporting the movement e.g. the AFL-CIO supported only the moderate civil rights campaigns Association of Black Power with communism also put workers off supporting Groups like the CBTU demonstrated a more assertive black identity but by discouraging mixed-race unions, Black Power weakened the strength of trade unions generally and continued internal divisions In the case of car industry in 1968, only 15% of the workforce was the African-American so calls for the rejection of mixed-race unions and cooperation was impractical

Answer 83

The Strength of Unions Changes in the Economy Employer Attitudes Federal Government Attitude Public Attitude

Answer 84

At the end of the American Civil War, union and labour rights were limited in places + did not exist in others Workers could negotiate with their employers over pay, hours + conditions but employers were under no legal obligation to recognise the existence of labour unions Small Craft Unions did exist + worked to defend the rights of their members. These were "closed-shop" unions meaning that only certain members would be allowed to join and that one union would dominate a union.

Answer 85

"closed-shop" unions meant that only certain members would be allowed to join and that one union would dominate a union.

Answer 86

Tried to prevent the growth of the monopolies but also outlawed any contracts that would stop trade, this would go on to be used against unions + strikes

Answer 87

Sherman Anti-Trust Act - Tried to prevent the growth of the monopolies but also outlawed any contracts that would stop trade, this would go on to be used against unions + strikes As was seen in the Homestead + Pullman Strikes of 1892 + 1894, the state + federal governments at times actively supported efforts of employers to put down strikes + were willing to use force to do this Governments of the 'Gilded Age' followed Laissez Faire economic policies meaning that they attempted to leave bug businesses + industry to run itself to run itself free from federal intervention + union obstruction Courts also routinely supported the rights of employers against workers or unions + from 1894, court injunctions were used to break strikes Period after 1865 was one of unparalleled economic growth meaning that the fed gov had little interest in supporting the rights of labour + unions at the risk of slowing down economic growth

Answer 88

Generally argued that during WW1, the position of workers improved in the USA. American industry experienced a boom in demand as there was greater need to produce textiles, uniforms, steel and munitions. Between 1914 and 1918, factory production in the US increased by 35% Prices rose but wages increased by 20% meaning that workers' standard of living remained high Union membership increased from 2.7 million in 1916 to 5 million by 1920

Answer 89

500 porters met in Harlem on 25th August 1925 + launched a campaign to form a union, led by A. Phillip Randolph Randolph aimed to get formal recognition of the BSCP as a union + member of the AFL Randolph was also a member of the Socialist Party of America, which was beginning to focus on the rights of black workers

Answer 90

By 1928, around half of the Pullman porters were members of the BSPC but it had still failed to gain recognition Changes in the law in 1934 meant that the BSCP could now claim to represent Porters as the largest union + its right to do so was certified on 1st June 1935 BSCP signed its first collective bargaining agreement with the Pullman Company in 1937

Answer 91

WW2 appears to be highpoint of labour/union rights By 1945, unions had been recognised and their membership had soared: from 8.9 million in 1940 to 14.8 million in 1945 Labour shortages during the war meant that the Federal Government + employers had to be conciliatory to workers + even the Ford Motor Company recognised the Auto Workers Union in 1941 Workers seemed to have gained the upper-hand over their employers by 1945

Answer 92

Made major changes to the Wagner Act Employers had the right to refrain from participating in union or mutual aid activities except that they could be required to become members in a union as a condition of employment Defined six additional unfair labour practices, reflecting Congress' perception that some union conduct also needed correction Act was amended to protect employees' rights from these unfair practices by unions Prohibited Secondary boycotts, making it unlawful for a union that has a primary dispute with one employer to pressure a neutral employer to stop doing business with the first employer Unions were prohibited from charging excessive dues or initiation fees, and from "featherbedding" or causing an employer to pay for work not performed

Answer 93

Factory Work

Answer 94

Managerial/office work

Answer 95

Workers + unions were significantly affected by increasing mechanisation + automation in the economy As blue-collar jobs began to be lost, there was an increase in white-collar employment as America's service sectors - led to a decline in union membership

Answer 96

The CIO merged in 1955 with the AFL - brought 85% of union members into a single organisation: AFL-CIO Merged union was much less militant than its predecessors + reflected the satisfaction of its members with higher wages, and average working week of 40h Accepted need for greater cooperation + solidarity

Answer 97

Farmworkers had not benefitted from the gains that industrial workers had seen by 1960 Merger of the Agricultural Workers Organising Committee (AWOC) led by Cesar Chavez, in 1966 to become the Farmworkers Organising Committee - became Farm Workers Union in 1972 Chavez adopted a policy of non-violence + turned the struggle of farmworkers into a moral issue which won national sympathy UFW would go on to achieve success by organising strikes + boycotts of large growers, winning higher wages for those working for lettuce + grape growers

Answer 98

Aimed to eliminate, inequality, poverty and deprivation

Answer 99

There was an agricultural act to raise farmers incomes Equal Pay Act 1963 - particularly significant for women Anti-Poverty legislation was passed by Congress - included increased social congress security benefits + the minimum wage Most comprehensive program to improve working conditions, jobs, improve welfare support

Answer 100

Most supportive since the New Deal Kennedy was more successful in setting a tone than enacting the program as had limited time to enforce it

Answer 101

To eliminate poverty + radical injustice Built on the policies of the 'New Frontier'

Answer 102

Unemployment rate fell below 5% and by 1966 the number of families with incomes of $7,000 a year or more had reached 55%, compared with 22% in 1950 Generous welfare benefits Fair Labour Standards Act was extended to 9.1 million additional workers Labour force increased Equal Opportunity Act 1964 - combat inequality More protection of fringe benefits Minimum wage regularly increased Civil Rights Act 1964

Answer 103

Johnson's tax cut measure triggered what one historian described as "the greatest prosperity of the post war years" Helped the most disadvantaged such as AA, women, unskilled workers + pensions Wasn't completed due to funds needed for Vietnam War

Answer 104

More concerned with welfare + civil rights Equal Pay Act + Civil Rights Act did improve employment rights It was aimed at the most advantaged Most significant program since the New Deal to combat poverty

Answer 105

To address discrimination against AA in the workplace, Nixon continued a Democrat policy of affirmative action Policy aimed to improve the lives of AA and other minorities by discriminating in their favour (positive discrimination) - meant employers were required by law to ensure that a certain percentage of their workforce was made of black/ethnic minority workers - known as the quota system

Answer 106

Technological changes in the economy shrunk the blue-collar workforce Employers exploited the rise in skilled workers by introducing no-strike or non-union clauses into the contracts Labour and Union relations appeared vulnerable to changes in political power

Answer 107

Automation of the economy continued meaning that it created an increasing need for skilled labour at the cost of 'blue-collar' labour 1970s = decade of economic stagnation + high inflation, driven by, among other things, high oil prices By 1979, prices had risen by 13% + the real wages of semi-skilled + unskilled workers had fallen by as much as 80% Unemployment had also increased Many Americans attempted to 'make the best of what they had' rather than join unions to campaign for better wages Growing number of women in the workplace + the second income they brought to families, also reduce the appeal of union action

Answer 108

Drive to increase productivity, many large firms + industries concentrated their production into smaller units + relocated these to more remote areas, out of traditional union areas Growth in the service industry in this period also reduced the power of unions New wave of Asian immigration also affected unions - immigrants from China, Korea, Vietnam + India were in large part unskilled and willing to work for lower wages Trend towards an increase in white-collar workers (30.5 million in 1960 to 50.5 million in 1980) also undermined unions as such workers less likely to join

Answer 109

Union membership declined in the 1970s + 80s Reagan was openly opposed to unions believing them to be a barrier to the free-running of the economy Reagan's economic policies, known as 'Reganomics' focused on privatising state on services + industries, and on reducing government intervention in the economy - ideas weakened unions + the support they could expect to receive from the fed gov

Answer 110

Occupational Safety + Health Act of 1970 established health + safety regulations in the workplace 1977 - Jimmy Carter established the hourly minimum wage $2.65

Answer 111

3rd August 1981

Answer 112

A $10,000 wage increase A shorter working week of 32 rather than 40 hours Better retirement benefits

Answer 113

3rd August 1981 Of the union's 17,500 members, 13,000 went on strike Walk out was designed to coincide with summer vacations to cause maximum disruption + gain maximum attention Offer from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had been on the table + the decision to strike broke a 1955 law banning government workers from striking

Answer 114

Reagan responded by firing all of those striking PATCO members who had not returned to work after 48 hours + giving them lifelong employment bans Reagan brought in short-term cover from the military + gained a reputation as a 'union buster'

Answer 115

Demonstrated the hostility of the fed gov + Republican party in particular Public opinion was broadly on the side of Reagan + the strikers received little sympathy as their demands were seen as excessive + their tactics as aiming to hold the country to ransom Divided the union movement as others unions attacked the actions of PATCO Demonstrated that employers were increasingly willing to use 'scab' labour to undermine strikes - FAA brought in 3,000 supervisors to work in place of the striking members of PATCO PATCO was destroyed and its leaders sent to prison for organising the strike By 1992, membership of industrial unions had fallen dramatically - 27% of workers in 1970 to 12% in 1990

Trade Unions And Labour Rights Flashcards

(155 cards)