DQ: Struggles of Labor

1. DQ: Struggles of Labor • What kind of problems did workers who had jobs during the Great Depression face?

2. Video: Labor Issues during the Great Depression • Describe issues facing workers during the Great Depression • Identify any figures involved along with organizations • Achievements?

3. The Struggles of Labor • Loss of jobs cut union membership after the Great Crash • The AF of L, founder Samuel Gompers, was a federation of craft unions (Examples) • New movements to promote industrial unionism emerged to group all workers under one common union

4. The Birth of the CIO • 1936—Congress of Industrial Organizations sought to organize steel and automobile industries • John L. Lewis, leader of the CIO, wanted a single union to bargain for all workers—one industrial for each trade • 1937 union strikes occurred at General Motors and U.S. Steel for union recognition

5. The CIO advised 4740 strikes in 1937 “sit down” strikes started but were later banned by the Sup. Crt. • Power of factory owners over workers was much reduced

6. New union members • Women, blacks, and Hispanics became members of the CIO”Solidarity Forever”

7. 1955 the CIO and AF of L combine to form the AFL-CIO=all skilled and industrial workers can join

8. The End of the New Deal • Election of 1936national income up by 60% from 1933 • By 1937 huge budget deficitgov’t cuts spending • Unemployment increases to 10 million in 1938 leading to a recession • FDR is criticized for “court packing” incident

9. Election of 1938 • marked the end of the New Deal • Republicans gained control of Congress and had enough votes to block New Deal legislation • Fair Labor Standards Actcreated minimum wage

10. Legacy of the New Deal • Extension of the federal gov’t and President • Deficit spending • Federal social programs • Greater concern for workers • Conservation gains • Renewal of faith in democracy