Pages 95-105 Thomas_J._Sugrue_The_Origins_of_the_Urban_Crisis on racial discrimination under fordism

The Meanest and Dirtiest Jobs

Introduction

• Employment agencies in Detroit labeled as "Colored" and "White".

• Racial preferences were part of job listings in newspapers; prevalent until made illegal in 1955.

• The real influence on jobs was from companies, unions, and worker actions rather than ads.

The Automobile Industry

• Largest employer in mid-20th-century Detroit, providing 25-33% of city jobs.

• Significant employer for black workers: 4% in 1941 to 16% by 1960 in auto workforce.

• Wages in the auto industry were above average compared to other sectors, with strong benefits due to UAW negotiations.

Discrimination in Auto Work

• Black workers faced discrimination varying by plant—some jobs were high opportunity, others were heavily restricted.

• The color line in hiring practices varied considerably; some UAW locals supported civil rights, others perpetuated discrimination.

• Disparities observed in plant employment stats illustrate arbitrary hiring practices leading to uneven black employment across GM and Chrysler plants.

Employment Statistics Overview (1960)

• Statistics reveal discrepancies in black employment across various plants. E.g., Chrysler plants showed varying degrees of black employment from under 1% to 50%.

• Plants like Fisher Body had minimal black presence while Chevrolet plants employed many blacks.

• The occupational composition didn't explain why some plants had more blacks—for instance, skilled work didn't always correlate with fewer black workers.

Decentralized Hiring Practices

• Hiring discretion was largely localized, leading to arbitrary decisions by plant managers.

• Complaints arose regarding discriminatory practices leading to black applicants being turned away, indicating persistent racist hiring policies.

• Companies often blamed workplace disruption fears or custom-based hiring for the lack of black hires.

Experiences of Black Workers in the Auto Industry

• Many blacks relegated to undesirable, dangerous jobs, often justified by racist attitudes from employers.

• There was an expectation that black workers would accept lower-tier jobs due to limited options, particularly for those migrating from the South.

• Despite the socioeconomic improvements offered by auto jobs, the persistent discrimination limited advancement opportunities.

Resistance and Challenges

• Resistance from black workers existed; dissatisfaction grew due to dangerous working conditions and ineffective management practices.

• Many blacks accepted these employment trends based on prior experiences of discrimination, leading to a cycle of exploitation.

Seniority and Job Advancement

• Seniority systems established during wartime began playing a significant role postwar, often benefiting those who had a longer tenure.

• Seniority often reinforced existing racial barriers; layoff patterns disproportionately affected newer black workers.

• Promotion mechanisms favored white workers; black workers often confined to less desirable jobs with minimal chances for upward mobility.

Other Industries: Steel

• Outside auto industry, steel also showed opportunities for growth for black workers.

• Sharp rise from 4.2% of steelworkers in 1940 to 17.9% by 1950; gains slowed in the 1950s.

• Black workers concentrated in unskilled positions; systemic racial and ethnic job divisions persisted on shop floors.