Microeconomics – American Labor Movement – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
Union Tactics:
answer
A. the craft or exclusion union - organized according to skill (e.g. carpenters, plumbers, shoemakers, printers)
question
B. the industrial or inclusive union:
answer
Organized by industry (e.g. the United Mine Workers - labor workers in the mining industry may be a part of UMW regardless of the particular job they perform)
question
Early National Movement: Two Failures
answer
1. National Trades Union (1834) 2. National Labor Union (1866)
question
National Trades Union (1834)
answer
First national attempt at organized labor activity. Tried to promote the 10 hour day.
question
National Labor Union (1866)
answer
Stimulated by the inflation caused by the Civil War and the extreme shortage of able-bodied men; and how to deal with the recently freed slaves. Leadership disconnect with rank & file; Leadership was politically active while rank & file primarily concerned with wages, hours and working conditions (business unionism)
question
First Successful Nation Union
answer
The Noble and Holy Order of the Knights Labor (1869)
question
The Noble and Holy Order of the Knights Labor (1869)
answer
An inclusive union; excluded only doctors, lawyers, bankers and dealers in liquor. At first, a secret organization which was met with opposition from the Catholic Church;
question
The Noble and Holy Order of the Knights Labor (1869) - First President?
answer
Uriah Stevens Succeeded by Terrence Powderly in 1879.
question
Goals of The Noble and Holy Order of the Knights Labor (1869)
answer
1. Increased educational opportunities 2. Reform the wage system including equal pay for women. 3. The elimination of child/convict labor. 4. The 8 hour day. 5. Direct legislative representation Of these, only (2) and (4) were of importance to the rank & file.
question
Decline of The Noble and Holy Order of the Knights Labor (1869)
answer
1. Philosophical divide between the leadership and the rank & file. 2. Very confused varied membership
question
The Noble and Holy Order of the Knights Labor (1869) ceased to exist formally:
answer
The union ceased to exist formally in 1917 though for all practical purposes it had died in the early 1890s
question
American Federation of Labor (AFL)
answer
Determined not to make the mistakes of the The Noble and Holy Order of the Knights Labor (1869): 1. Craft or exclusive union 2. No political affiliation 3. Emphasis on business unionism.
question
American Federation of Labor (AFL) - First President
answer
1st President: Samuel L. Gompers of the United Cigar workers; served to 1924
question
Decline of the American Federation of Labor (AFL)
answer
1. Adverse government decisions 2. Manage refuses to recognize or bargain with the union. 3. Lost two major strikes: 1892 - Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin workers, and 1894 - the Pullman Strike
question
Fastest growing segments of the American economy from 1910 to 1925:
answer
automobiles, mining, oil production, metals production, tire manufacturing, aircraft.
question
The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) - First President:
answer
1st President, John L. Lewis from United Mine Workers
question
The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO)
answer
Versus the AFL, a much younger and better educated leadership; also much more aggressive in organizing
question
The AFL - CIO merger of 1955. Why?
answer
1. Personalities changed 2. A common enemy 3. Agreed to do some Public Relations work 4. The AFL agreed to accept the concept of Industrial unionism. 5. A common goal
question
Milestone Labor Legislation:
answer
A. Norris-Laguardia Act (1932) B. National Labor Relations Act (1935) C. Taft-Hartley Act D. Landrum-Griffin Act (1959)
question
Norris-Laguardia Act (1932)
answer
Government will remain neutral in labor disputes.
question
National Labor Relations Act (1935)
answer
Guarantees the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing.
question
Taft-Hartley Act
answer
Forbids "unfair" labor practices by unions
question
Landrum-Griffin Act (1959)
answer
Created a "bill-of-rights" for the rank & file to protect them from their own leadership applies to all unions but really aimed at the corrupt Teamsters Union and Jimmy Hoffa specifies terms of office, no ex-convicts can hold office, well-advertised elections secret ballots, etc.
