1930s
when i said they got legal rights
Labor unions became legal in the United States through a series of legal and political changes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially, unions faced legal challenges, often being labeled as conspiracies against trade. The landmark case of Lochner v. New York in 1905, which upheld workers' rights to organize, marked a shift in the legal landscape. Subsequent legislation, such as the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, further solidified the legality and rights of labor unions, establishing the framework for collective bargaining and union activities.
1930s
Both the Pullman case and the Danbury Hatters' case involved the prominent labor lawyer Clarence Darrow, who defended the rights of workers and unions. These cases highlighted significant issues related to labor relations, strikes, and the legal challenges faced by unions in the early 20th century. Additionally, both cases underscored the tensions between labor rights and legal restrictions, as well as the impact of court rulings on organized labor.
There were legal limitations and the leaders of the unions demanded unfair wages for unskilled or semiskilled labor.
Labor unions today differ significantly from those in the early 1800s in their structure, goals, and legal standing. Early unions were often informal and focused primarily on immediate issues like wages and working conditions, while modern unions are more structured, with established legal protections and collective bargaining rights. Today's unions also tend to address broader social and political issues, advocating for workers' rights on a larger scale, including equity and inclusion. Additionally, the workforce has evolved, leading to unions that represent diverse industries and professions compared to the more homogeneous groups of the 19th century.
The Commonwealth v. Hunt case of 1842 was a legal judgment issued by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. The court case was on the subject of labor unions. Before the case, the formation of labor unions was strictly prohibited, and those that did could be charged with conspiracy. However, in March of 1842, Chief Justice Lemuel Shaw ruled that labor unions were legal organizations that retained the right to form a strike under the United States Constitution as long as the processes were non-violent and did not disrupt the rights of those around them.
Unions played a crucial role in shaping labor laws in the early 20th century by advocating for workers' rights and better working conditions. Through strikes, protests, and collective bargaining, they highlighted issues such as child labor, long hours, and unsafe workplaces, which garnered public attention and political support. This pressure led to significant legislative changes, including the Fair Labor Standards Act and various workplace safety regulations. Ultimately, unions helped establish the foundational legal protections that improved labor conditions and set standards for future labor rights.
The Wagner Act, officially known as the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, significantly contributed to the growth of unions by establishing the legal right for workers to organize and engage in collective bargaining. It created the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which enforced these rights and addressed unfair labor practices by employers. By protecting workers' rights to form unions without fear of retaliation, the Act facilitated a surge in union membership and strengthened labor movements across the United States. Ultimately, it helped to legitimize and empower unions, leading to greater worker representation in various industries.
The CIO formed during this time. Labor unions had more legal rights. Unskilled workers joined unions. this answer is under the question "Which of the following contributed to unions growing more powerful in the 1930s?" The National Labor Relations Act (APEX)
Commonwealth v Hunt
Pros:Labor unions can ensure the rights of workers.Cons:Labor unions can increase the cost of business, resulting in the firing of workers.Labor unions can create "unfair dismissal" laws, which makes it hard to fire workers who are lazy or incompetent.Labor unions can create distrust between employees and employers, which inhibits the work done on the job.Labor unions can encourage shipping jobs overseas because the cost of working with unions is too high.