American economy fluctuated wildly during period 1865-92. These changes had considerable impact on position of unions and labour rights.
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Labour rights during periods of economic growth
Usually resulted in increased demand for workers but position of unions did not always improve in turn. However, did allow labour organisations to pressure employers, firstly for recognition,, then for increased pay and better conditions.
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The Gilded Age c1870-c1890
Growth of demand for workers as America industrialised allowed workers to win some concessions.
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The Gilded Age c1870-c1890
Increased demand for unions, particularly among unskilled workers, whose numbers soared with mass production and development of heavy industry.
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The Gilded Age c1870-c1890
Although process of gaining rights was slow, union membership grew to 500,000 by 1900.
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The Gilded Age c1870-c1890
Craft unions also saw these developments as threat to their position and were unwilling to allow unskilled workers to join their unions, creating divided labour movement. Unskilled workers were often unable to gain recognition or rights.
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The 1920s
Saw growth in demand for consumer goods. Real wages rose and more workers were taken on, which resulted in employers being forced to recognise unions or establish system of welfare capitalism, which could be seen as limiting workers' rights.
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The 1950s
Economic boom saw real wages rise and workers buying more consumer goods.
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The 1950s
However, as with 1920s, position of workers did not always improve. Rising prosperity meant many were not interested in union activity and did not want to risk economic gains.
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The 1950s
Unions also suffered because of decline of blue-collar workers. Those employed in new, high-tech industries were less likely to join unions.
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The 1950s
Some workers in service industries and government sector were forced to sign non-union agreements.
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The 1950s
Increasing number of working women also damaged union membership as women showed much less inclination to join.
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Labour rights during periods of depression
Although worker and unions might seem likely to be first affected during periods of economic depression, this was not always case.
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Labour rights during periods of depression
Best example is 1930s. Although workers were vulnerable because of high rates of unemployment, government was desperate to get people back to work. Had major impact of union rights.
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Economic change and impact on unions
Mass production and new industries, at different periods of economic depression and growth, brought major changes to nature of workforce. This in turn had profound impact on union membership.
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Economic change and impact on unions
Mass production threatened position of skilled workers and therefore created divisions in labour movement.
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Economic change and impact on unions
New technology and automation in 1950s saw decline in number of blue-collar workers, who had been traditional union members.
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The pattern of decline continued in 1970s and 1980s:
Thee continued growth of high-tech industries and white-collar jobs.
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The pattern of decline continued in 1970s and 1980s:
Rising unemployment
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The pattern of decline continued in 1970s and 1980s:
Relocation of industries and smaller enterprises - workforce became more scattered and less unionised.
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The pattern of decline continued in 1970s and 1980s:
Skilled workers were highly paid and unwilling to support unions.
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The pattern of decline continued in 1970s and 1980s:
As result, economic changes of last part of period weakened position of unions.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Usually resulted in increased demand for workers but position of unions did not always improve in turn. However, did allow labour organisations to pressure employers, firstly for recognition,, then for increased pay and better conditions.
Back
Labour rights during periods of economic growth
Card 3
Front
Growth of demand for workers as America industrialised allowed workers to win some concessions.
Back
Card 4
Front
Increased demand for unions, particularly among unskilled workers, whose numbers soared with mass production and development of heavy industry.
Back
Card 5
Front
Although process of gaining rights was slow, union membership grew to 500,000 by 1900.
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