Labour History Chapter 2

A system where employers held all the power and employees had very limited rights, often facing unfair treatment and coercion.

A form of early union where skilled workers in a specific trade organized to protect their interests and control who could join their trade.

A union that primarily focuses on improving workers' wages, benefits, and working conditions through collective bargaining.

A stance where unions choose not to directly align with or support a specific political party.

A legal concept that gives provinces exclusive power to regulate labour relations within their borders.

A legal system that protects employees from unfair treatment and discrimination in the workplace.

Union tactics that aim to improve working conditions and worker rights.

The power imbalance between employers and employees, where employers have significant power and control.

A 1935 U.S. law that protects employee rights to form unions and bargain collectively with employers. It created the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to oversee and enforce these rights.

A 1935 U.S. law that protects employee rights to form unions and bargain collectively with employers. It created the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to oversee and enforce these rights.

An independent government agency established by the Wagner Act to ensure fair labor practices and resolve labor disputes between employers and unions.

A process where employers are legally obligated to negotiate with certified unions representing their employees.

A 1944 Canadian law inspired by the U.S. Wagner Act, granting workers the right to form unions and bargain collectively.

A legal framework established by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1946, requiring all employees in a unionized workplace to pay union dues, regardless of membership.

The automatic deduction of union dues from employee paychecks. This practice is common in unionized workplaces and secures a consistent financial base for unions.

A period in the 1950s characterized by economic prosperity and political conservatism. Unions grew stronger and more unified, making significant progress at the bargaining table during this time.

A period in Canadian history marked by the growth of factories, stricter supervision, and the organization of workers into international unions. The American Federation of Labor played a key role in organizing Canadian workers.

A significant event in Canadian labor history where a split occurred in the labor movement due to a ban on dual unionism. This convention aimed to unify Canadian workers under a single federation, aligning with the principles of the AFL.

A landmark legislation that established a framework for resolving industrial disputes in specific sectors. It required industries to engage in conciliation procedures before resorting to strikes, laying the foundation for Canadian labor law.

A period characterized by rapid industrialization in Canada, driven by the growth of industries and businesses. This era also witnessed a rise in radical unions and violent strikes, leading to military intervention in some cases.

A major event in Canadian labor history that marked the end of the radical labor movement. It involved widespread strikes and a general strike in Winnipeg, demonstrating the power of organized labor.

A syndicalist trade union focused on achieving worker control of the means of production and disrupting the capitalist system. It had a significant presence in Western Canada but eventually merged with the Canadian Labour Congress.

A period marked by the Great Depression, leading to a severe economic downturn, widespread unemployment, and a weakening of labor's position. This era also witnessed the rise of alternative unionism and the formation of the CCF (Cooperative Commonwealth Federation).

A case that shifted labor relations from federal to provincial jurisdiction, influencing how labor issues are managed in Canada.

A law passed in 1967 that enabled federal government employees in Canada to bargain collectively, similar to what was happening in the private sector.

A period of heightened labour activism in which private sector unions became more assertive in demanding better working conditions and terms.

The period where the Canadian public sector labour movement reached its peak, characterized by strong unions and a significant impact on the national economy.

The period of economic challenges brought on by the energy crisis that led to high inflation and unemployment, forcing unions to adapt to a changing landscape.

A government measure taken to control inflation during the economic crisis of the 1970s, limiting labor’s ability to secure wage increases.

A period of economic recession in Canada marked by high unemployment and concessions from unions seeking to navigate difficult economic conditions.

The process of companies merging or combining into larger entities, often resulting in changes to the labor structure and potential job losses.

A trend in which labor organizations move towards forming larger alliances or unions, as exemplified by the creation of Unifor in 2014.

A movement in 1872, primarily led by Hamilton workers including printers, aiming to reduce the workday to nine hours. This marked the first widespread, organized protest in Canadian labor history.

This 1872 act, along with its amendments, introduced by John A. Macdonald's government, was a major turning point for Canadian labor. It removed the criminal status of joining unions and while penalties remained for striking, it laid the groundwork for a more formal Canadian labor movement.

Founded in 1886, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) focused on skilled workers and advocated for three main principles: exclusive jurisdiction (one union per trade), business unionism (prioritizing economic well-being), and political nonpartisanship (avoiding alignment with political parties). These principles have both united and divided the labor movement throughout history.

Founded in 1869, the Knights of Labor welcomed both skilled and unskilled workers. This union was more radical than the AFL, aiming for one large union, worker-owned cooperatives, and opposing strikes. It existed for a relatively short time.

This approach, representing a key difference between US and Canadian unionism, advocates for unions that represent skilled and unskilled workers, promoting social change beyond economic welfare. Key priorities include social issues such as ending child labor.

This Canadian unionism approach focused on improving social conditions like ending child labor alongside economic gains. It went beyond simple economic welfare, actively advocating for legislation and social change.