"I can butcher, but they won't give me a job.
They fired me on account of [being in the] ClO union one time.I started [to] organize the boys on the gang Almost all join right away.
So we talk all the time what the union is goin' (going to) do for us, goin' raise wages, stop speed-up, and the bosses watch and they know it's a union commin' (coming)."
based on this quote answer these questions
1. What was this person's role in their union? (2 points)2. How did this person believe that the union was going to help them? (2 points)3. What do YOU think the benefits or disadvantages of joining a union in the 1930s would be? Use examplesto support your answer. (4 points)
1. This person's role in their union was that of an organizer. They mention organizing the boys in the gang, and almost all of them joining right away.
2. This person believed that the union was going to help them by raising wages and stopping the speed-up. They talk about how they constantly discuss what the union is going to do for them, which implies they have faith in the union's ability to bring about positive changes in their working conditions.
3. In the 1930s, joining a union had its benefits and disadvantages.
Benefits:
- Improved working conditions: Unions fought for better wages, shorter working hours, and safer working environments. For example, the United Auto Workers Union successfully negotiated the first industry-wide contract with General Motors in 1937, which included significant improvements in wages and working hours for automobile workers.
- Collective bargaining power: By coming together as a group, workers had greater bargaining power to negotiate with their employers. This allowed them to demand fairer treatment and address grievances.
- Job security: Unions often provided a layer of protection against unjust firings or layoffs, as management would need to abide by established collective bargaining agreements.
Disadvantages:
- Employer resistance: Employers were often opposed to unions and would resort to tactics such as firing union members, blacklisting, or hiring strikebreakers. As seen in the quote, this person lost their job because they were part of a union.
- Union fees: Union members were required to pay regular membership fees, which could be a financial burden for some workers, especially during times of economic hardship like the Great Depression.
- Divisiveness among workers: Not all workers were supportive of unions, and there could be divisions within the workforce. For example, some workers may have feared retaliation from employers for joining a union or disagreed with the tactics used by the union.
Note: The points assigned to each answer are arbitrary and may vary.
can you shorten this answer
In the quote, the person's role in the union was as an organizer. They believed that the union would raise wages and stop speed-up, which they discussed with fellow workers.
The benefits of joining a union in the 1930s were improved working conditions, collective bargaining power, and job security. However, there were also disadvantages such as employer resistance, union fees, and potential divisions among workers.