key term - National War Labor Board

Definition

The National War Labor Board (NWLB) was a U.S. government agency established in 1918 during World War I to mediate labor disputes and ensure the smooth functioning of wartime industries. It aimed to prevent strikes and work stoppages that could disrupt production, ultimately promoting the labor needs of the war effort while also addressing workers' rights and demands for better conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NWLB was created by President Woodrow Wilson in response to growing labor unrest during the war, aiming to stabilize labor relations.
2. One of its key achievements was the establishment of the principle that laborers should have the right to organize and collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions.
3. The board dealt with numerous disputes, mediating between labor unions and employers to prevent strikes that could hinder war production.
4. The NWLB played a crucial role in promoting women and minority workers in the workforce during the war as many men were drafted into military service.
5. Although the NWLB helped improve conditions for some workers, its effectiveness diminished after the war, leading to increased labor strikes and unrest in the post-war years.

Review Questions

• How did the National War Labor Board influence labor relations during World War I?
  • The National War Labor Board influenced labor relations during World War I by mediating disputes between labor unions and employers, which helped to reduce the number of strikes that could disrupt wartime production. The NWLB's establishment of rights for workers to organize and collectively bargain marked a significant shift in labor relations. It fostered an environment where both labor needs and wartime production goals were addressed, contributing to greater stability in industrial operations crucial for the war effort.
• Discuss the impact of the National War Labor Board on women and minority workers during World War I.
  • The National War Labor Board had a notable impact on women and minority workers during World War I as it opened up job opportunities that were previously unavailable. With many men serving in the military, industries needed workers to fill roles left vacant, leading to a significant increase in female employment in factories. The board's efforts to support labor rights also meant advocating for fair treatment, which laid some groundwork for future movements toward gender and racial equality in the workplace.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the National War Labor Board's policies on American labor movements after World War I.
  • The policies of the National War Labor Board had long-term effects on American labor movements after World War I by establishing a precedent for federal involvement in labor relations. While it initially supported workers' rights to organize and negotiate, the decline of its authority post-war led to a resurgence of strikes and unrest among workers who felt their rights were no longer protected. This tension contributed to the rise of more organized labor movements throughout the 1920s and 1930s, ultimately influencing significant labor legislation like the Wagner Act of 1935 that sought to safeguard collective bargaining rights.

Related terms

War Industries Board:

A U.S. government agency established in 1917 to coordinate the production of war materials and supplies during World War I.

Labor Unions:

Organizations of workers formed to protect and advance their rights and interests, particularly regarding wages, working conditions, and job security.

Collective Bargaining: The process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees aimed at establishing agreements on working conditions, wages, and benefits.