History
The Great Depression of 1930s has played a very important role in changing views of Americans regarding labor and unions. There were many people employed, but after elections of the year 1932, the focus of government and courts shifted towards pleasing the labor. In the year 1935, National labor Act was passed. This act is also known as Wagner Act, which justified the rights of labor or workers for changing their representatives in democratic manner and gives right of bargaining collectively with employees. This act has ensured protection of labors from injury and interruptions by removing unrest from the industry, and creating friendly environment so that equality can be ensured in the workplace (Boris and Lichtensteinp 2003, 284). This act has lead to establishment of National Labor Relations Board in order to punish and keep a check on unfair labor practices. However, this was also meant for organizing elections when workers desired to form union. This board could compel employers or organization to facilitate workers with back pay in case they discharge employees in an unfairly manner for engaging in activities of union.
Further, in order to ensure growth of American workers, the first National Conference of the Insurance Agents Union was conducted in the year 1937 in New York, which served as revolutionary development as it brought changes in thinking of middle class workers. In this conference, formation of insurance companies for workers was considered, and this conference revealed participation of professional, skilled, and white collar workers in the workplace (Boris and Lichtensteinp 2003, p. 288. They have helped in revealing importance of workers, and paved the way to labor renaissance (Boris and Lichtensteinp 2003, p. 289. Organization of white collar workers has shifted focus of government towards white collar and middle class workers, who were ignored previously. Depression has revealed various important aspects to workers, and makes them realize that they are insecure, and they have to make their position strong in order to achieve protection and security. However, organization of white collar workers has protected workers from fascist movements because education of workers was ensured that proved to be greatest insurance for them. This has paved the way to economic and political maturity of labors. But, as a matter of fact, this maturity was not possible without support of white collar workers, middle class, and farmers (Boris and Lichtensteinp 2003, p. 292. The success and progress of labor in the year of depression can also be considered from shop stewards of United Automobile workers, where the power and authority of organized workers is introduced.
However, workers of other nationalities were also given protection in the period of Great Depression. An example of this fact is Indian Reorganization Act 1934, which provided self government to Indians (p. 425, 257. Depressions usually pave the way to breaking of unions. In 1930, unemployment was at its peak, and labor was helpless because of unprotected jobs and wage rate. But, as a matter of fact the Great Depression is regarded as finest hour for labor, it is a time of increasing social idealism, successful political campaign and strikes, and positive changes in labor law. Additionally, at the end of 1930s, majority of Americans considered the fact that unions are major keys for ensuring democracy in real sense. Views of Americans regarding labor changed to a greater extent as they considered them essential for promoting economic prosperity.
The American Federation Labor unions, however, turned to politics in order to seek legislation for ensuring protection of union jobs and level of wages. In 1930s, unions got new meaning, and they gained much popularity. They became representation of better and improved working conditions and wages, and became a new and constructive measure of democracy. Further, Americans of different backgrounds started believing and considering that right to vote was not sufficient as such rights should be extended to workplaces. There should be no absolute power with employers, and voice should be given to workers via facility of collective bargaining.
During the time of Great Depression, joining unions emerged as most respectable, wise, and democratic act to do, and this was not true only for blue collar workers, instead workers from all professions such as teaching, cab drivers, and waiters etc joined unions. Unions began considering that having faith and confidence in collective bargaining is their democratic right. Additionally, the Works Progress Administration was formed in order to facilitate men and women with temporary employment opportunities if they were unable to find employment in the private sector.
Furthermore, Federal Government has also played various important roles in promoting wellness of labor. This can be realized from the fact that president Murphy considered protection of workers, and for that he introduced thrift gardens for unemployed people, and facilitated emergency lodging in vacant factories (p. 407, 237.
The American Federation Labor unions, however, turned to politics in order to seek legislation for ensuring protection of union jobs and level of wages. In 1930s, unions got new meaning, and they gained much popularity. They became representation of better and improved working conditions and wages, and became a new and constructive measure of democracy. Further, Americans of different backgrounds started believing and considering that right to vote was not sufficient as such rights should be extended to workplaces. There should be no absolute power with employers, and voice should be given to workers via facility of collective bargaining.
During the time of Great Depression, joining unions emerged as most respectable, wise, and democratic act to do, and this was not true only for blue collar workers, instead workers from all professions such as teaching, cab drivers, and waiters etc joined unions. Unions began considering that having faith and confidence in collective bargaining is their democratic right. Additionally, the Works Progress Administration was formed in order to facilitate men and women with temporary employment opportunities if they were unable to find employment in the private sector.
Furthermore, Federal Government has also played various important roles in promoting wellness of labor. This can be realized from the fact that president Murphy considered protection of workers, and for that he introduced thrift gardens for unemployed people, and facilitated emergency lodging in vacant factories (p. 407, 237. The American Federation Labor unions, however, turned to politics in order to seek legislation for ensuring protection of union jobs and level of wages. In 1930s, unions got new meaning, and they gained much popularity. They became representation of better and improved working conditions and wages, and became a new and constructive measure of democracy. Further, Americans of different backgrounds started believing and considering that right to vote was not sufficient as such rights should be extended to workplaces. There should be no absolute power with employers, and voice should be given to workers via facility of collective bargaining.
During the time of Great Depression, joining unions emerged as most respectable, wise, and democratic act to do, and this was not true only for blue collar workers; instead workers from all professions such as teaching, cab drivers, and waiters etc joined unions. Unions began considering that having faith and confidence in collective bargaining is their democratic right. Additionally, the Works Progress Administration was formed in order to facilitate men and women with temporary employment opportunities if they were unable to find employment in the private sector.
Furthermore, Federal Government has also played various important roles in promoting wellness of labor. This can be realized from the fact that president Murphy considered protection of workers, and for that he introduced thrift gardens for unemployed people, and facilitated emergency lodging in vacant factories (p. 407, 237. The American Federation Labor unions, however, turned to politics in order to seek legislation for ensuring protection of union jobs and level of wages. In 1930s, unions got new meaning, and they gained much popularity. They became representation of better and improved working conditions and wages, and became a new and constructive measure of democracy. Further, Americans of different backgrounds started believing and considering that right to vote was not sufficient as such rights should be extended to workplaces. There should be no absolute power with employers, and voice should be given to workers via facility of collective bargaining.
During the time of Great Depression, joining unions emerged as most respectable, wise, and democratic act to do, and this was not true only for blue collar workers, instead workers from all professions such as teaching, cab drivers, and waiters etc joined unions. Unions began considering that having faith and confidence in collective bargaining is their democratic right. Additionally, the Works Progress Administration was formed in order to facilitate men and women with temporary employment opportunities if they were unable to find employment in the private sector.
References
Boris, E., and Lichtensteinp, N. 2003. Major Problems in the History of American Workers: Documents and Essays. Boston : Houghton Mifflin
The Great Depression and first new deal
The Great Depression and first new deal
