Canadian Labour Movement Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant barrier to the development of unions in Canada?

Access to widespread industrial jobs

Strong government support for unions

High levels of union membership in Canada

Tendency of unionists to join American-based internationals (correct)

What characterized the employment relationships in Canada before the First Industrial Revolution?

Paternalistic relationships often with relatives or friends (correct)

Frequent strikes and organized labor activities

Formal contracts between workers and employers

Highly organized labor unions

What role did the government play in the growth of the Canadian labour movement during the 20th century?

Taxed unions heavily to suppress their influence

Promoted only public sector unions

Discouraged union formation through restrictive laws

Encouraged union growth through supportive legislation (correct)

Which factor was NOT mentioned as a problem facing the Canadian labour movement?

High level of industrialization Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of the union activity prior to the First Industrial Revolution in Canada?

Limited and often masked as friendly societies Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant contributor to increased labor conflict in early Canada?

Immigration of unskilled laborers leading to crowd behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic describes the unions that existed before the First Industrial Revolution in Canada?

Rare, mostly local, and non-confrontational Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a response to the challenges faced by the Canadian labor movement?

Pursuing legal recognition of unions Signup and view all the answers

What triggered the Canadian labour movement to initially attempt to elect members to Parliament?

Government's lack of consultation with labour movements Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919?

End of the radical labour movement in Canada Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant challenge faced by the Canadian labour movement in the 1920s?

Government repression and wage cuts Signup and view all the answers

What was the unemployment rate among Canadian workers by 1933 during the Great Depression?

One in four workers Signup and view all the answers

What type of new approaches did Canadian workers begin to explore during the Great Depression?

Radical political and workplace strategies Signup and view all the answers

Which party was launched during the Great Depression as a broad-based coalition?

Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) Signup and view all the answers

How much did inmates in government-sponsored relief camps earn per day during the Great Depression?

$0.20 Signup and view all the answers

What significant hope began to emerge for Canadian workers by 1935?

Developments in the United States Signup and view all the answers

What factor retarded the development of a strong labour movement in Quebec during the 19th century?

Subordination of craft organizations to the Catholic Church Signup and view all the answers

What management style was introduced during Canada's first sizeable factories to control labour costs?

Coercive drive management Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key events during the First Industrial Revolution in Canada?

Creation of the Trades and Labour Congress of Canada Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant social challenge posed by the Knights of Labor during their time in Canada?

Advocacy for education and political action Signup and view all the answers

Which act did the federal government pass in recognition of working people's political power?

The Trade Union Act Signup and view all the answers

What motivated many Quebec workers to seek jobs in the U.S. rather than in English Canada?

Better wages and conditions in the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

What type of unions began forming in Canada as a response to harsher working conditions in factories?

Craft unions Signup and view all the answers

What was the status of unions under the Quebec government during the 19th century?

Banned as criminal conspiracies Signup and view all the answers

What significant merger occurred in 1956 in the Canadian labor movement?

The merger of the Trades and Labour Congress and the Canadian Congress of Labour Signup and view all the answers

What marked the end of the major Communist influence within the Canadian labor movement?

The merger of the TLC and CCL Signup and view all the answers

Which group joined the labor movement in large numbers for the first time during the 1960s?

Women, professional, and white-collar workers Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary characteristic of strikes in the post-World War II era?

Strikes were carried out with greater peace and organization Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable event for labor militancy in Quebec during the 1970s?

The Common Front strike of 1972 Signup and view all the answers

How did younger workers in the labor force during the 1960s express their discontent?

By insisting on better working conditions beyond pay Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the outcomes of the expansion of public sector unionization in the 1960s?

Increased involvement of women and white-collar workers Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the decreased membership in unions during the early 1960s have on the labor movement?

Change in how members viewed their unions as instrumental Signup and view all the answers

What was a major focus of Brian Mulroney's Conservative government post-1984?

Deregulation of regulated enterprises Signup and view all the answers

Which union broke away from the Canadian Labour Congress in 1985?

Canadian Auto Workers Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant internal issue faced by the Canadian labour movement during the 1980s?

Major schisms within labour federations Signup and view all the answers

What principle did the Canadian Federation of Labour operate under?

Business unionism and political neutrality Signup and view all the answers

What major economic development in the 1990s impacted the Canadian labour movement?

Formation of a North American trading bloc Signup and view all the answers

What led to the rise of union raiding during the 1980s?

Loss of membership due to economic restructuring Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT part of Mulroney's government agenda?

Expansion of social programs Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the consequences of the schisms and breakaways in the Canadian labour movement?

Division of resources and membership Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary pressures placed on employers due to trade agreements?

Pressure to cut labour costs Signup and view all the answers

What type of work arrangements grew as a consequence of economic changes during this period?

Atypical work arrangements Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did public sector workers take in response to their working conditions?

Launched a series of strikes and protests Signup and view all the answers

Which political party faced backlash from the labour movement for its previous actions in government?

NDP Signup and view all the answers

What was a common feature that diminished in labour management relations as economic conditions changed?

Job security and loyalty Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the formation of broader regional trading blocs have on Canada?

Showed that Canada could no longer isolate itself from global economic developments Signup and view all the answers

During the period from 1985 to 2000, how did employers react despite economic recovery?

Wielded layoffs to increase short-term gains Signup and view all the answers

What labor movement strategy was employed in response to the changing economic landscape?

Consolidated smaller unions into larger entities Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 2: The History of the Canadian Labour Movement

The chapter traces the development of the Canadian labour movement from craft to industrial to public sector unionism.
It examines the role of government, Canadian unions' political involvement, and international unions.

Development of Canadian Unions: A Brief Overview

The Canadian labour movement evolved from a small, locally based movement in the 19th century.
Key obstacles unique to Canada included:
- Late industrialization
- Sparse population
- Significant foreign (often US) control over the Canadian economy
- Division between English and French movements
Canadian unionists often joined US-based international unions rather than Canadian unions.
Government legislation played a crucial role in fostering union growth.

Pre-Industrial Period

Organized labour activity, like strikes, existed as early as the 18th century, but was rare before 1850.
Most Canadians were self-employed or worked for family/friends in a paternalistic way.

Early Labour Organization in Quebec

The Quebec government, like other Canadian governments, banned unions.
Worker protests were often seen as seditious, and craft unions were suppressed by the Catholic Church.
Discrimination against Quebec workers in US canals and railways further hindered union development.

Labour in the First Industrial Revolution

Large factories, mines, railways, and lumber mills emerged in the mid-19th century, employing hundreds.
Employers sought to control labour costs and maximise profits, which led to harsh working conditions.
Workers responded with the formation of craft unions, often affiliated with American international unions.

Labour in the Second Industrial Revolution

Industrial revolution of the late 19th century saw factories become larger and more capital intensive.
AFL president, Samuel Gompers, heavily involved in organizing Canadian workers.
The Trades and Labour Congress (TLC) played a key role in the development of the Canadian labour movement.
International unions like the IWW had a significant impact on Canadian labour movements.

The First World War and its Aftermath

Labour shortages and rising prices during World War I led to rapid union growth.
The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, a significant event
Socialism and radical protest were integral to the movement

Labour During the Depression

The Great Depression (1930s) severely impacted workers, leading to high unemployment and poverty.
Workers utilized new approaches to address their issues, including a variety of political involvement

Labour During WWII

Prime Minister Mackenzie King's policies regarding Canadian workers led to labour strife.
Canada Labour Relations Board was created in 1944 to establish union, bargaining, and striking rights.

Labour During the 1950s

The 1950s saw union consolidation and stabilization, focusing on improved wages and work conditions.
End of Communist influence in the labour movement.

Labour During the 1960s

Public sector unionization became a major factor, with women and professional/white-collar workers entering the workforce.
Renewed labour militancy, particularly in Quebec.

Labour in the 1970s & 1980s

The 1970s and 80s were marked by significant challenges like recession, political change, and declining trade union membership.

Labour in the 1990s

NAFTA and global economic integration presented significant challenges to Canadian labour in the 1990s.
Labour activists and unions addressed difficult employment conditions and worker rights.

Canadian Labour at the Dawn of the New Millennium

The study notes end by assessing the lasting impact of global economic integration, and the evolving role of labour unions.
Issues of workplace relations and workers' rights are identified as continuing priorities for labour movements and unions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the historical development of unions in Canada. This quiz explores the significant barriers, employment relationships, and government roles that shaped the Canadian labour movement from before the First Industrial Revolution to the 20th century. Assess your understanding of the challenges faced by unions and their evolution over time.