World Wars

• Impact

  Increased demand in production created by the wars

  Offered employers opportunities to increase their profits

  Had to adopt more conciliatory attitude towards unions
• Union membership 1916 and 1945

  WW1- 2.7 million 1916 -> 5 million 1920

  WW2- 8.9 million 1940 -> 14.8 million 1945
• Impact of wages

  WW1- real wages rose by 20%

  WW2- real wages rose by 70% - raised standard of living for industrial workers
• NWLB benefited American workers during WW1:

  It recognised unions as representing workers and guaranteed their rights to join a union

  In return for a no strike policy and cooperation

  Employers responded positively - introducing 8 hour working days
• NWLB during WW2

  It took control of industry away from employers

  Labour shortage - growth in the armed forced and ending of immigration during the war

  Helped to strengthen the position of workers and provided opportunities for many who had been excluded from the workforce - African American and women
• Employers viewed gains made by organised labour during wars

  They wanted to regain their control + limit the gains that organised labour has made during post war periods - industrial unrest was common

  With 1919 seeing 4 million workers in industrial action. 4.5 million in 1946

  Temporary