7.4. Labor Relations

The history of American labor relations begins with the formation of the Knights of Labor in 1869. This organization was an advocate of the 8-hour workday when 12 or 14 hours per day was the norm. By the end of the nineteenth century, unions became powerful enough to threaten business profitability, and federal anti-trust laws were used to hinder their growth. In reaction, Congress enacted labor legislation that supported union growth. The pendulum swung back and forth until the 1960s when the political focus turned to civil rights legislation. Although labor unions grew in importance for more than a century, in recent years they have lost some of their appeal to working people. The various labor laws that were enacted had ...

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