Labor Comes Of Age (1966)

In January 1911, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) begins his political career as a state senator, advocating for labor rights following the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that killed 148 workers. He supports legislation for workers’ compensation and limits on women’s working hours. By the 1920s, labor rights are still largely unrecognized, with only 6% of American workers organized. FDR’s commitment to labor rights strengthens over the years, leading to his appointment of Francis Perkins as the first female cabinet member when he becomes president in 1933. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining wage earners’ purchasing power to support economic recovery.

FDR sponsors the National Industrial Recovery Act, which includes Section 7A, granting workers the right to collective bargaining. However, labor disputes escalate, leading to widespread strikes in 1934. The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 is passed to ensure workers’ rights and improve labor-management relations. FDR navigates the divide between labor factions, particularly the AFL and CIO, while also introducing the Social Security Act to provide unemployment and old-age benefits.

The labor movement evolves with the introduction of sitdown strikes, which become controversial. Despite challenges, labor gains recognition, particularly in the automotive industry. The Wages and Hours Act of 1938 establishes minimum wages, abolishes child labor, and marks significant progress in labor rights. FDR’s efforts contribute to the labor movement’s political power and the advancement of human progress through industrial relations.

**Keywords:** Franklin D. Roosevelt, labor rights, Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, workers’ compensation, National Industrial Recovery Act, collective bargaining, National Labor Relations Act, Social Security Act, sitdown strikes, Wages and Hours Act, child labor, economic recovery, labor movement, AFL, CIO.