Trade unions in the New Deal evidence

Question 1

Evidence supporting social progress for TUs and workers in the ND. 4 points

Answer 1

• Worker participation in unions increased dramatically, from approximately 3 million in 1932 to over 10 million by 1941
• The Congress of Industrial Organisations (CIO) successfully organized previously excluded industrial workers across racial and ethnic lines
• New Deal arts and culture programs employed thousands of writers, artists, and performers, validating working-class narratives and experiences
• Public works programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps provided meaningful work and training for unemployed youth

Question 2

Evidence supporting political progress for TUs and workers in the New Deal. 4 points

Answer 2

• The National Labour Relations Act (1935) legally protected the right to organize and collectively bargain
• The creation of the National Labour Relations Board established formal procedures for union elections and addressing unfair labour practices
• Frances Perkins became the first female cabinet member as Secretary of Labour, bringing worker concerns to the highest levels of government
• Pro-labour politicians gained influence in Congress and state governments

Question 3

Evidence supporting economic progress for TUs in the New Deal. 5 points

Answer 3

• The Fair Labour Standards Act (1938) established the minimum wage (25 cents per hour) and limited the workweek to 40 hours
• The Social Security Act (1935) created unemployment insurance and old-age pensions
• The Works Progress Administration (WPA) employed approximately 8.5 million people on public works projects
• Average weekly manufacturing wages increased from $16.73 in 1933 to $24.05 by 1939
• Union contracts secured improved benefits and working conditions for millions of workers

Question 4

Evidence AGAINST social progress by TUs in the New Deal. 4 points

Answer 4

• African American, Latino, and female workers were often excluded from the most beneficial New Deal programs
• Anti-union violence continued in some industries, with the 1937 Memorial Day Massacre in Chicago resulting in 10 deaths when police fired on striking workers
• Regional disparities remained stark, with Southern workers receiving fewer benefits from New Deal programs
• Company towns and rural agricultural areas saw limited improvements in worker conditions

Question 5

Evidence AGAINST political progress for TUs in the ND. 4 points

Answer 5

• The Supreme Court struck down key early New Deal labour provisions, including the National Industrial Recovery Act in Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States (1935)
• Conservative coalition formed in Congress by 1938, blocking further pro-labour legislation
• Most anti-lynching legislation failed, leaving African American workers vulnerable in the South
• State-level implementation of New Deal programs often discriminated against minority workers

Question 6

Evidence AGAINST economic progress for TUs in the ND. 4 points

Answer 6

• Unemployment remained high throughout the period, with approximately 14% still unemployed by 1939
• Agricultural workers and domestic servants (predominantly women and minorities) were excluded from most labour protections
• Industrial wages, while improved, remained inadequate for many working-class families
• The 1937-1938 recession revealed continuing economic vulnerabilities for workers

Question 7

Factors advancing TU and workers rights in the ND. 5 points

Answer 7

• The economic crisis discredited laissez-faire capitalism and created openness to government intervention
• Mass mobilization of workers created political pressure for reform
• Progressive intellectuals in the Roosevelt administration championed worker-friendly policies
• Electoral realignment brought labour-friendly Democratic majorities to Congress
• The threat of more radical alternatives motivated acceptance of moderate reforms

Question 8

Factors impeding TU and workers rights in the ND. 5 points

Answer 8

• Business interests remained politically powerful and resisted many reforms
• Racial segregation and discrimination limited the inclusiveness of labour gains
• Persistent unemployment weakened workers’ bargaining position
• Regional economic disparities prevented uniform implementation of reforms
• Constitutional constraints limited federal authority to regulate labour conditions

Question 9

Stats relating to TUs in the New Deal. 5 poitns

Answer 9

• Union membership increased from 3 million (11.6% of non-agricultural workforce) in 1933 to over 10 million (27%) by 1941
• The unemployment rate fell from 24.9% in 1933 to 14.3% by 1939
• Social Security initially covered approximately 60% of workers, excluding agricultural and domestic workers
• Federal spending on relief programs reached 5.9% of GDP at its peak
• The number of annual strikes increased from 1,856 in 1932 to 4,740 by 1937