Government - help / hinder

What was the 1914 Clayton Anti-Trust Act?

limited the use of injunctions against striking workers and allowed peaceful picketing, provided protestors did not damage property

What happened with the NWLB and WW1?

Established the NWLB to negotiate with unions. This was not done out of sympathy for unions but because of the need to sustain production and prevent strikes

Why was the NWLB successful?

Samuel Gompers, leader of AFL, ordered his large number of workers not to strike, improvement in union position due to gvmt position helped to increase union membership in WW1

What happened with the NWLB in WW2?

The improved position of unions encouraged workers to join, and membership rose considerably. Government action had improved the position of workers

What happened post WW2? (hinder)

Many in Congress, particularly Republicans, who had won the 1946 election, believed that the power of unions had grown too strong

What was the Taft Hartley Act in 1947? (hinder)

Restricted union power. Sought to reduce influence of Communists, whom they believed dominated the labour government

What were issues pre 1914? (hinder)

A general lack of legislation meant that owners could reduce wages and lay off workers at times of depression. Unwillingness of the government to intervene ensured workers had no means of seeking redress of grievances