Django
Introduction to Labor Studies
Professor Magyar
Final Exam Review
Most Important Readings: * Yates - Collective Bargaining * Freeman- What Workers Want * Sweet and Meiksins - Globalization * Scott reading on free trade
Major Themes: 1. Government, Politics and Labor Unions 2. Collective Bargaining 3. Globalization and Free Trade
1. Government and Labor Unions
Workers and labor unions can achieve change either in the economic arena (unionizing and collective bargaining) or in the governmental arena. Over the past 75 years, some of the greatest achievements have been won in the governmental arena, and unions become integral part of Democratic coalition from Roosevelt on.
Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal (1933-1939) * New Deal – massive government jobs stimulus programs to boost economy during Great Depression. Based on Keynesian economic theory that government spending to create jobs during economic downturn will boost consumer spending * Social Safety Net: Social Security, Welfare, Unemployment Insurance programs created * Pro-union legislation: Wagner Act makes it easier for unions to organize by providing card-check union recognition when 50 percent plus 1 (majority) sign union cards. Created National Labor Relations Board to rule on unfair labor practices. * John L. Lewis and CIO take advantage of Roosevelt’s pro-union policies to increase union membership from 12 percent to 35 percent of workforce in just six years.
Republican Congressional Reaction * Taft-Hartley Act passed by Republican Congress over Democratic President Truman’s veto in 1947. * Taft-Hartley requires 90-day waiting period before union elections which gives companies time to fight union organizing drives * Creates “right to work” states where workers do not have to pay union dues. Southern states quickly pass right to work legislation, and U.S. is only nation with pro-union laws in one part of the country and
Professor Magyar
Final Exam Review
Most Important Readings: * Yates - Collective Bargaining * Freeman- What Workers Want * Sweet and Meiksins - Globalization * Scott reading on free trade
Major Themes: 1. Government, Politics and Labor Unions 2. Collective Bargaining 3. Globalization and Free Trade
1. Government and Labor Unions
Workers and labor unions can achieve change either in the economic arena (unionizing and collective bargaining) or in the governmental arena. Over the past 75 years, some of the greatest achievements have been won in the governmental arena, and unions become integral part of Democratic coalition from Roosevelt on.
Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal (1933-1939) * New Deal – massive government jobs stimulus programs to boost economy during Great Depression. Based on Keynesian economic theory that government spending to create jobs during economic downturn will boost consumer spending * Social Safety Net: Social Security, Welfare, Unemployment Insurance programs created * Pro-union legislation: Wagner Act makes it easier for unions to organize by providing card-check union recognition when 50 percent plus 1 (majority) sign union cards. Created National Labor Relations Board to rule on unfair labor practices. * John L. Lewis and CIO take advantage of Roosevelt’s pro-union policies to increase union membership from 12 percent to 35 percent of workforce in just six years.
Republican Congressional Reaction * Taft-Hartley Act passed by Republican Congress over Democratic President Truman’s veto in 1947. * Taft-Hartley requires 90-day waiting period before union elections which gives companies time to fight union organizing drives * Creates “right to work” states where workers do not have to pay union dues. Southern states quickly pass right to work legislation, and U.S. is only nation with pro-union laws in one part of the country and