What Made the Union Leaders Become Greedy?: In:Depth

During the time of the Depression many unions had begun to protest due to the inequality of the Labor workers. During this time wages and income equality had decreased because of the failing of the economy. The labor workers were unhappy about this inequality and begun to protest against the companies. During this time the union had selected people to be the leaders of the union. Some of these leaders had begun to become greedy and believed that they deserved political power. Due to these beliefs from the leaders, they had begun to take control over these uinions. The majority of the unions that were granted their wants, became greedy and wanted more than what they wanted. The leaders of these uinions believed that they were dominant. After time of becoming powerful, the leaders soon began to demand political power. Labor was a dominant force in the countries economy, and the leaders knew they could grasp a hold on the power. Although they had attempted to become domiant the government had stepped in, and ended the union leaders control.

In-Depth: DOL and the Human Spirit

Labor productivity is a very important aspect of America's global influence, and its ability to compete in the global economy. The economic definition of labor productivity refers to the "monetary value of what is produced by a unit of human labor". This means that people need to work for more than they are being paid, and what they have to spend to make a profit. Work is necessary for citizens of an advanced nation to live because work shows your worth, and it influences the amount of money you will get from working and achieving your true potential. Human labor is becoming less and less necessary as technological developments begin to take place. It will put the DOL out of business along with the entire human race because it is much cheaper to operate and maintain a machine, and get new machines than follow the 180 statues in the DOL. "Labor productivity implies two consecutive conversions of energy: first, a flow of energy input is converted into flow of applied power, and second, this flow of applied power is used to perform a particular work". This means that labor is putting energy into your job/ task. This energy is necessary to do your job/ task, and you must be efficient to work and gain a profit on your work accomplished. Child workers in the past were used because they had a high energy level all the time, and they could do many different types of jobs and tasks with minimal problems.

Primary: How the DOL influences the American Workforce

100 Years Ago in 1913, the Department of Labor was created with the intentions, "to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of working people, to improve their working conditions, and to enhance their opportunities for profitable employment". The initial DOL combined the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau of Naturalization, and the Children's Bureau with the newly formed U.S. Conciliation Service. "Though its long, varied, and often controversial career, the Department of Labor has functioned as an investigator, regulator, mediator, and law enforcer". The DOL has had grim years such as in the 1920's when they got their funding slashed by congress. The Great Depression and President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal revived the DOL. The DOL was needed in the Great Depression because people were being laid off for an extended period of time, and people needed a way to survive without jobs. The New Deal was important because... It is a recent topic in the 1970's for the DOL to include the health, safety, and retirement plans of the nation's workers. The new deal gave relief to the unemployed and the poor, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system to prevent a repeat depression.

Were the Strikes By the Orginized Unions Benefical to the Workers? Primary Source

Before the crash of the market, many orginized unions had began to create strikes. One of the most benefical strikes that occured was against General Motors. The workers had gone on strike because they felt as if their rights and wants were not being taken care of. As a result of this strike the workers were able to recieve their wants. Some of the workers, were also able to resolve their issues of wages. Gerneral Motors had decided to agree to the worker's terms. Although the strike for the Gerneral Motors workers were benefical, sometimes the stikes didnt work out in other worker's favors. The Steel workers orginization had begun a strike because they began to become selfish with their wants, and also their leaders became extremly greedy. Due to this unreasonable strike President Trueman attempted to help end this strike, but failed because of his breaching of authority. The government had then created regulations for workers, and these benefits worked towards the bosses and owners of the companies. The strikes of the workers during this time was sometimes benefical. General Motors workers were able to have their wants granted. But the Steel workers were not given the wants due to greediness of the workers.

Primary Source: Goggins' influence

Goggin and Haley were two influencial women in the fight for equality in the school system. They devoted their lives to improved the lives of others. They faced struggles with power, as it shifted from a feminist perspective, to one that accomidates both men and women. The two women went under investigation for "depletion of school funds that had affected the pay of city school teachers." Their passion was what carried out the legacy that kept the unions and foudnations alive throughout generations. Miss Goggins was elected to be a trustee for the Board of Eduacation Retirement Funds. Where was Miss Haley during this time? Was she still actively influencing teacher unions? Goggins was a teacher, which helped her standings in her position as trustee. This is beause it allowed her to see eye to eye with the people she worked with and affected, as opposed to having a superior viewpoint over them.

In Depth: Politics in Unions

The effects of Politics on Unions had taken away from the foundation of the Union. The focus was no longer about fixing problems, but about gaining support to do so. The mentality of fighting for the workers was lost altogether, as those in positions of power became preoccupied with their own position. It is true that there are many solutions to a problem, although not all paths could be carried out. This was a struggle because the term for Superintendant did not last more than a few years. After gaining the support needed to go about fixing an issue, there was an election and a new plan was made under new rule. This could have also been a result of having too much structure in the school system. Maintaining this order takes away from the real purpose, which is improving life for all of those influenced by education

In Depth Source- Immigration, culture, and Child Labor

The article I came across was called Immigration, Culture, and Child Labor in the United States. Many factors go into the reasons for why child labor such as economic suffrage and need for survival. However, the article focused on the influence that different traiditions and values from migrant families within the nation had on the active role of child labor. For example, it was more common for the european children immigrants to be in the workforce because it was known as acceptable and normal in the society for them. The italians valued the income of their sons and daughters and often sent them off the be indentured servants. They expected their kids to be focused on their job and were very strict. Although other children outside of migrant families also worked, the parents often motivated their children by acting as if it was playtime and let them stop when they were tired. The system for which parents from different backgrounds used for child labor was varied. Another point the article made was that Jewish people valued education over work and these children were more in attendence at school then kids christian families. It wasn't that the migrant or the catholic families loved their kids any less, it was just what they saw as more important for the children and thought that work was what was best for them. Not only did the parents value work over school, but the kids did as well. One would think the children would perfer school then working hard all day out in the fields or factories, but in fact it was the oppoiste. First, Children were proud to work for their parents and saw it as normal to work beside them. Second, the schools were just as harsh if not more abusive in school then at the facotries. They also saw school as too difficult and again perferred working. This made is difficult for the Progressives and new legislation because not only were they going against parents, but the children themselves. Child Labor was not an easy issue to end because it was something that was accpeted in society and wasnt as hated as many may think. The conidtions of child labor were harsh and unreasonble which was recognized by many, but not by all because for certain families including children it was valued.

What was the real reason for the Haymarket Riot?

What started as a peaceful march for labor reform ended up into a violent conflict  An unknown person threw a bomb at the Haymarket Square in Chicago during a labor demonstration resulting in a violent riot. The bomb was thrown at the police when they attempted to disperse the crowd. This makes it seem like a rebellion against authority, but the jury saw it differently. The statement given said, "The evidence has shown conclusively to us that these men were manipulating this agitation from base and selfish motives". But an example that the jury gives states, "their plan was to involve, so far as they could, not only the Socialist and Communist organizations with whom they claim some kindred, but also the labor societies... in the midst of the excitement they were creating they could not only rely upon them as a source of revenue". Looking back on this issue from today's stand point makes me think that this blame is just a result from the fear of communism prevalent at that time. It doesn't make much sense that socialists would be leaching off of labor unions when they both want equal treatment in the work force. From this limited information it makes me think that the Haymarket Riot was just the result of frustration from a work force.

Was industrialization more beneficial for workers or employers?

The industrialization era created huge change in American society. Most noticeably  it changed the way labor was handled. Machinery invented made production surge, causing the rise of factories. The operations of the machines replaced many jobs that people depended on. The machines were able to do the jobs more efficiently and quickly. The immediate effect was that employees that once had jobs to pay for their bills, no longer did. Workers became less valuable because there were better workers that required less. People who worked in the American Woolen Company(AWC) experienced this first hand. Their employer decreased their pay to only just enough for four loaves of bread. In response, the workers walked out and went on strike. This event gained national attention because it showed a reoccurring problem happening in modern society. More jobs were valued less making the fight for labor rights much harder. Industrialization gave employers less of a need to respect and protect labor rights that people should have. Although not a direct cause, industrialization allowed employers to side step much of labor progress.

Updated Sub-Topics

Christianna: Current Labor Issues
Katie: Child Labor
Chase: Labor during Depression and New Deal
Ross: Prior to 1933 and CIO+AFL
Barrett: Department of Labor

What needs to happen to promote labor progress?

Progress in labor has a very unstable history. Unions were constantly forming and dissolving, legislation was proposed to protect union members one year and discourage them the next. Much of these issues corresponded with the current issues in society. Every worker should be for labor unions unless they've been misinformed. But if this is true, why is there a fight? The only thing that workers can use as weapons is to not work. If companies don't have workers, they don't have profits. So in order for these changes to occur, workers have to be able to survive without work. Meaning they have to be able survive without pay until a change is made. But like during World War I, labor progress was set back because people couldn't afford to go without work. During healthy economic times, the National Labor Union was founded by William Slyvis who protested for change. It's downfall was the Panic of 1873 when people couldn't afford to not be working. In times of crisis, the workers don't have the luxury of protest if it means that they won't be getting the money they require. Only when people can spare their salaries can progress in labor be made.

Teacher Unions: A foundation for present day issues

The purpose of unions was to ensure workers that their safety and well-being was viewed with a high level of importance. A lack of concern for teachers would have a large effect on society as a whole, because education is the foundation of a strong society. By placing the power directly into the hands of the workers, the the concerns of the general public were answered. The people that were in authoritative positions were passionate about the rights of their colleagues. They too were effected by any rulings that would be made, and therefore there was a sense of urgency to take care of any issues that arose. This was done by the proactive atmosphere that allowed for direct action to be taken. The NEA, or National Education Association, and the AFT, or American Federation of Teachers, were both popular support groups. The NEA was the first and largest association for educators. Both struggled after World War I, because there was a rapidly increasing number of students and not enough teachers. The AFT proposed a merger, although the differences between the two groups could not be compromised. The power in these groups was primarily held by women, until the AFT elected a male for president. This decision resulted in a decrease of focus and emphasis on the importance of feminism and women's rights. This ultimately created tension between the male and female members.

What was the Controversy regarding Child Labor in America?

In early America child labor was accepted across the nation and was considered normal in society. Children as young as three to four year olds would start to work in fields, households, and factories. Boys would do similar work as men such as working in coal mines, railroads, and in the field. Boys were also taken out of their own homes to work as Apprentices or servants to other families where they would be housed and fed. Both girls and boys would be taken out of their home if their father could not provide for the family, went to the army, or had passed away. The girls would do chores around the house and watch the babies of the household. All work places were dangerous and children everyday were injured or killed. There was also a difference in work type passed on race and class. The elite would have tasks that included studying or needleworking which helped them with their education while kids of other races or who did not have as much money did more hard labor. This drove a larger gap within society between races and class because future jobs would only be given to the children who had the most opportunity of gaining education in a work place. The controversy began during the Progression Era. Within this era the "child savers" were discovered. These were people such as Kelly Florence and Edgar gardner Murphy who finally stood up and gave the children a voice by proposing laws that would regulate the wages,  hours , and working conditions for the children. The National Child Labor Comittee was founded in order for the Progressives to meet and discuss propsed bills that would help prevent or at least regulate child labor. One in praticuclar that was considered the first step in stopping child labor was the Keating-Owen Act which regulated certain age and hours for kids working, however, it was not passed because it was seen as unconstitutional. The oppositoin did not come within the Congress, it came from the states itself because many parents needed their child to work for the source of income due to the economic suffrage america was experiencing at the time. Also industries depended on the work of children and claimed they could not cut down on wages or hours because of the low profit margins. People were also getting angry witht the Progressives because they were forcing too much change  on the people which were unsuccessful that they saw no point in putting effort towards the issues such as child labor. It was during the New Deal, after the Greta Depression that people of the states started to realize the need for passing laws regulating child labor. This led to laws that created more education time for the children. Today, teenagers are still important to the owrk force of America and are the main employers in areas such as the fast food market and farming, however the conditions for this labor is much more safe and reasonable for the teens of this generation

What has America done for the working class?

In Americas history, there have been a great evolution of different organizations in the government, and private organizations that work to improve the working class in America. The people working in America work to improve America as a nation, and they represent America to other nations across the world. Unions were made to give the workers a say and give less control to their employers, and to make sure that the laws put in place for labor were being followed. The quality of working in America has been constantly improving because the labor laws created are being constantly enforced by the government agencies. Government laws were used to change how workers were being treated because employers have no choice but to follow the law and give their employees the rights they deserve. If an employer does not follow the law, and the government does not help the employees, people can react violently and non violently to gain attention which will bring them better conditions in the workplace through collective bargaining, and security through the government. The department of labor has 180 federal statues that protect workers rights such as wages, health and safety, employment and pension rights, equal employment opportunities  job training, unemployment comp and workers comp, and collective bargaining rights. These statues/ laws help with management and labor disputes that will happen in the workplace all across America.

Did the New Deal Benefit the Government by the End of the Depression Era?

Although the government did spend a mass amount of money on helping labor workers become employed by creating the New Deal, the ending result was beneficial for the American government. America strives on a successful economy and because of this, they did not have a choice in helping to fund labor unions. Because of the market crash, the unemployed rate had risen to 50%. The government worked hard by creating new administrations under the New Deal. It was necessary for the government to take action of the unemployment rate, because the failing economy couldn’t help itself. The government helped to make sure that all ages were being taken care of. They created the National Youth Administration to help America’s youth become employed. This administration helped the youth in creating employment and becoming successful labor workers.“Working men and women felt that they were valued by the government.” (Dawn of the New Deal (Overview). This quote is significant to the youth workers because it shows the concern the government held for their young citizens. This quote is also significant to all of the labor workers because without the work of the government, the adults would also be unemployed. The fear of having a high unemployment rate can lead to a downfall of a country but the workings of the New Deal helped America’s economy become repaired, after the crash. Even though the government had spent $11 Billion on saving the economy, because of this they created over 8.5 million jobs.

Initial Reaction: Labor

Labor has a necessary role in the growth of the United States. The country revolves around labor in order to have a growing economy. While beginning my research on Labor, I am taken back by the complexity behind it. Labor has been around since the 17th century but became identified later in the 18th century. In 1903 the Department of Labor was established and currently holds 108 unions. During the time of the Depression, there was a big impact on labor. Due to the downfall of the economy, the unemployment rate had increased. Labor had also struck controversy when the creation of child labor laws were enacted. Labor to this day still plays a role in our economy and plays an role in the strength of the United States. I am personally interested in researching more about how the economy was affected during the Depression Era. This connects to what we have been learning in class because we have recently learned about the struggles African-Americans faced and their move towards freedom. The labor workers also struggled with their freedom and struggled with having justice.

Labor- initial thoughts

Although labor unions first appeared in the 17th century, it became more nationally recognized in the 18th century and was referred to as unionism. Unionism is the banding together of individual workers in search for better working conditions and wages. Child labor was also a big reason for labor unions because children would not be able to get the education they needed due to long and grueling work hours.The first labor unions were formed by miners, artisians, railroad workers, etc, but eventually disappeared due to legal issues. This changed in 1842 when Lemuel Shaw helped legalize unions. After the legalization of unions the the father of all unions was formed by Samuel Gompers called the American Federation Labor. The Department of Labor was also formed in 1903 in order to protect the health and safety of the working class. The work of the labor unions in America had much success, however, they still faced obstacles such as the Great Depression which resulted in increased unemployment. Violence occured within in the unions and many people suffered by not being able to work. The working class still faces issues today, but has come a long way from the beginning of its journey.

Initial Labor Responce

Along with many issues changes that took place during the birth of America, labor constantly progressed in society. Workers in America were largely at the mercy of their employers until the beginnings of labor groups started to arise. In the 17th and 18th century, Artisans started to form organizations that worked to keep labor costs down. As time went by, more and more organizations started to unionize with the goals of improving their working environment. But these unions couldn't exist without the support of legislature. The results of cases like Commonwealth v. Hunt recognized unions right to strike. As more unions were created, more people followed their lead resulting in social and economic change. Although these changes sometimes caused conflict like the Haymarket Square Riot, they were ultimately for the greater good. Eventually after the movement had gained enough attention, a group called the American Federation of Labor(AFL) was founded by Samuel Gompers. His organization worked with other unions to secure the liberty that was promised for them. The momentum from previous changes pushed labor unions through the troubles of war and depression. This momentum allowed for major advances like the Civil Rights Act(1964) to open the benefits of unions to everybody. American labor progressed throughout history steadily to protect and secure the liberty each person is guaranteed.

Labor: General Response

America was created to be the land of opportunity. This would result in a reliance on labor, as hard work is the key to success. Workers were all independent of each other, until the late 19th century, when they began to join together to reach their similar goals. The most important of these groups was called the Knights of Labor, which began as a secret group. During the late 1880s, it thrived with over 700,000 workers, as a result of becoming a national labor union. Violence attributed to the downfall of this group, although regardless of this the legacy lived on to set an example for future unions. Unions became job-oriented, and soon after the American Federation of Labor was formed. This was an organization of trade unions, founded primarily by Samuel Gompers. This group of skilled workers was less conventional than the average union, and for this reason the number of members did not rapidly increase. Unskilled workers banded together as well, and created the IWW, or Industrial Workers of the World. This group, nicknamed the Wobblies, was highly influenced by socialist ideals. The leaders of the WWI were prosecuted for the socialist influences, which contributed to the destruction of the union.By the 20th century, the power of labor unions began to thrive.  As the as they progressed, the workplace conditions improved. This, along with the new restrictions on child labor, helped to advance the labor movement and guide it to where it is today.

Labor Sub Topics

Labor Sub Topics:

Chase Glick: CIO and AFL (includes Wobblies)
Katie Hoffmann: Child Labor
Barrett Turnoy: Department of Labor (includes Labor violence and Worker safety)
Ross Baehr: Labor laws prior to 1913 (includes Haymarket)
Christianna Goldman: Labor during the Great Depression

Initial Labor Response

In America's past, labor has changed and shifted in many different areas and fields. In the late 19th century, workers were gathering to work together on common goals such as work conditions and better pay, and benefits  In the 20th century, labor unions were very more powerful on giving workers the goals they were working for. In 1913, the U.S. Department of Labor was formed and today, there are over 180 statues about wages, health safety, employment, pension, equal employment, training, unemployment income, collective barraging. The DOT makes sure that their statues are enforced, and that people get their rights whether it be pay, benefits or anything work related. There has been many different labor acts under DOT including the Social Security Act of 1935 which gives people money from the government that they saved to use during their retirement, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which outlawed major forms of discrimination against racial, ethnic, and national and religious minorities and women. It also ended unequal voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at the workplace, and in public places. Child labor is no longer allowed during school hours on school days, and there are many other rules which make working better for the people of America better than anywhere else in the world. The DOT is very important for labor laws and enforcement in the United States, and it keeps the U.S. very advanced in the work place as compared to the rest of the world.