EARLY ATTEMPTS DURING THE 20TH CENTURY TO ORGANIZE FARM WORKERS, TO GAIN WAGE INCREASES, AND TO SECURE EMPLOYER RECOGNITION OF A UNION AS THE WORKERS' AGENT FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FAILED. AN ESTIMATED 380 AGRICULTURAL STRIKES INVOLVED OVER 200,000 WORKERS IN 33 STATES BETWEEN 1930 AND 1948. THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT, ENACTED AS A RESULT…

In spite of recent advances in mechanization, farmworkers continue to be a vital and necessary element in the harvesting of American crops. However, farmworkers, whether migrant or non-migrant, continue to have the lowest annual income of all occupational groups. The overriding concern is one of powerlessness. Farmworkers have been excluded at the…

Describes the history of Labor Day and its development from social movement to casual holiday. Emphasizes the inherent conflict in trying to arouse positive public opinion while providing organization for workers. Focuses on celebrations in New York (NY), San Francisco (CA), Los Angeles (CA), and Atlanta (GA). Divides the historical development…

Agricultural labor and management relations in Arizona were reviewed from the time of the passage of the Arizona Agricultural Relations Act in May 1972 until the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in August 1979 that the act was constitutional. Viewing the act as antilabor, the United Farm Workers (UFW) Union fought its passage. Church and Indian…

This pamphlet on labor history highlights some of labor's economic and political actions during the past 200 years. The purpose is to provide inspiration and motivation for greater participation in union work. The introduction explains the purpose of unions--to pursue economic independence and social stature for all individuals--for defenseless…