Thesis Statement
After years of a steady decline during 1920s and 1930s, the labor movement experienced remarkable rebirth after the war. Without the state’s approbation or hindrance of the law, workers in different sectors staged mass strikes calling for recognition of unions, wage increase and good working conditions.
History of Post War Labor Movement
Organized labor unions emerged from the Second World War in a seemingly stronger position and more membership than before.
Labor red scare and backlash swept across the United States beginning 1946.
Congress passed Taft-Hartley Act, which limited the ability of labor unions to compete with companies in organizing drives.
Post War Labor Movement Vision
Trade unions to be recognized as the legitimate representatives of workers in all industries
Activities of trade unions to revolve around collective bargaining over members’ wages and working conditions, and representation of members in disputes with employers over violation of employment contracts.
Trade unions to adopt a federal system for effective lobbying and representation of members’ interests at the local and national level.
Unions to become ardent devotees of the union contract and defender for job security, especially during periods of economic downturns.
Lobby for government support for workers in industries as opposed to siding with employers.
Conclusion
The postwar labor movement had a vision for just and good working conditions for all workers. To this end, the movement adopted legalism as a tool for enforcing a new social contract for workers. This way, the movement was able to secure the necessary capital that provided union recognition, private funded social wages and steady wage increases.
Preliminary Reference List
Herman, Jerry J. With Collaborative Bargaining, You Work with the Union--Not Against It. The American School Board Journal 172 (1985): 41-42, 47
Lichtenstein, Nelson. Two Roads Forward for Labor: The AFL–CIO's New Agenda. Dissent 61.1 (2014): 54-58.
Rosenfeld, Jake. What Unions No Longer Do. Harvard University Press, 2014
Sitati, Ezekiel. Examining the development sin the labor laws. Melbournes Journal of politic 3(2009):55-74.
