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The Impact of New Immigration and Industrialisation on Union Development…
The Impact of New Immigration and Industrialisation on Union Development
Ethnic Divisions
Biggest division for the period was between
white and other ethnic backgrounds
From
1865
, whites were concerned about threats to their jobs from
free African Americans
as well as
European immigrants
Many immigrants, along with whites, were
unwilling
to work with
African Americans
African Americans
offered a source of cheap labour and their refusal from Trade Unions weakened the labour movement.
The problem continued in the 20th century. African Americans like
Philip Randolph
formed their own trade unions because of racist attitudes which weakened the labour movement further
Even during the civil rights movement, unions did little to help African Americans
In the latter part of the period, Asian immigrants (especially after the
Vietnam War
) weakened the labour movement. Many worked for low wages and non-union enterprises
Industrialisation in the Gilded Age
Between
1860 and 1900
, industrialisation accelerated and industrial workers rose from
885,000 to 3.2 million
Generated a large workforce of skilled and un-skilled workers
By the
1880s
, traditional skills were disappearing due to factories and men and women were becoming unskilled and low paid. 1890, women were
35%
of the workforce
Created
contract system
. Workers could be laid off in slack periods
Skilled and unskilled workers had
12-hour shifts
. Bricklayers earned
$3 a-day
whereas unskilled workers earned
$1.30 a-day
Increased need for railroad workers led to an increase in deaths. in 1889,
2,000 workers were killed
Union membership was at
500,000 by 1900
1920s
Period after WW1 saw a growth in demand for consumer goods. Real wages rose and more workers were taken on
Resulted in employers being forced to recognise unions or establish
welfare capitalism
which could be seen as limiting workers rights
1950s
Economic boom after WW2 saw real wage rise and workers buying consumer goods. As with the 20s, the position of workers did not always improve
Rising prosperity meant many workers were not interested in union activity and did not want to risk their economic gain
Unions suffered because of the decline of blue-collar work. Those employed in new high-tech companies were less likely to join
Some in service industry and govt sector were forced to sign non-union agreements and also an Act was introduced to stop workers for the govt from striking
Increasing number of women damaged union membership as women showed less inclination to join
Labour Rights During Depressions
Workers and unions seem likely to be the first affected during economic depression, not always the case.
1930s. Workers vulnerable because of high unemployment, the govt was desperate to get people back to work. Major impact on union rights
Economic Changes and the Impact on Unions
Mass production and new industries in depression and growth brought major changes to the nature of the workforce. This had a big impact on
union membership
Mass production threatened the position of
skilled workers
and therefore created divisions in the labour movement.
New tech and automation in the
50s
saw a decline in the number of
blue-collar
workers who had been the traditional members of unions
Growth in
white-collar
workers in the 50s and increasing amount of women who were less interested in unions brought a decline in membership
Further Decline
70s and 80s saw continued growth in high-tech industries and white-collar work
Rising unemployment
Relocation of industries and smaller enterprises. Workforce became more scattered and less unionised
Skilled workers were highly paid and didn't want to be part of unions