Evidence it was a barrier to labour and union rights

What were unions for?

Unions that existed were only to protect those in skilled/craft industries

Who did unions only admit?

Admitted only craftsmen, idea of strength thru numbers ignored. Unions didn’t allow unskilled workers to join. Despite attempts to develop unions for unskilled worker, this was a problem before WW1

What were skilled workers trying to protect and what happened despite this?

Their positions, their opposition to unskilled workers limited the size of union membership and therefore the pressure that the workers could exert on gvmt and employers in this period

What happened during the New Deal with lots of unskilled workers in mass production industries denied rights?

organisations such as the AFL were more concerned with protecting and unifying craft unions

What did the change in economy result in?

Increase in jobs in the white-collar and service industries. These workers were less likely to join a union and were willing to sign a no-strike agreement.

Where were divisions between highly skilled workers and other seen?

In PATCO strike