Both the passage of the Wagner Act and the success of the sit-down strikes were important factors in the success of labor movements in the United States.
The Wagner Act, also known as the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), was a landmark piece of legislation that was passed in 1935. The NLRA established the legal right of workers to form and join unions, engage in collective bargaining, and strike. The NLRA also created the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which was responsible for enforcing labor laws and investigating unfair labor practices.
The passage of the Wagner Act was a significant victory for labor because it gave workers legal protections and bargaining power that they did not have before. The NLRA helped to level the playing field between workers and employers and made it easier for workers to organize and negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
However, the success of the sit-down strikes was also a crucial factor in the success of labor movements in the United States. The sit-down strikes were a new and effective tactic that workers used to shut down production and force employers to negotiate. Instead of walking out of the factory, workers would occupy the factory and refuse to leave until their demands were met. The sit-down strikes were successful because they disrupted production and put pressure on employers to negotiate.
The most famous sit-down strike was the 1936-1937 strike at the General Motors plant in Flint, Michigan, where workers occupied the factory for 44 days until GM agreed to recognize their union and negotiate a contract. The success of the sit-down strikes helped to build momentum for the labor movement and inspire more workers to join unions and engage in collective action.
In conclusion, both the passage of the Wagner Act and the success of the sit-down strikes were important factors in the success of labor movements in the United States. The Wagner Act gave workers legal protections and bargaining power, while the sit-down strikes were an effective tactic that workers used to shut down production and force employers to negotiate. Together, these factors helped to level the playing field between workers and employers and build the power of labor movements in the United States.