Final answer:
False option b.The claim that the idea of fair wages emerged only in the 1960s is false. The labor movement and discussions on fair wages have been present since the early 20th century, with legislation and union actions throughout the decades advocating for fair compensation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea of employees being paid a fair wage for their services certainly did exist before the 1960s. This concept has been evolving for over a century with the growth of the labor movement, unionization efforts, and various labor laws aiming to protect workers. There were significant periods in the early 20th century, like the 1920s and the 1930s, where the discussion around fair wages was already at the forefront of labor activism. For instance, during the 1920s, despite a decline in union membership, the labor movement was active, and there were significant disparities in wages, including low pay for workers, particularly in the South. The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 helped grow union membership by granting the right to organize, which played a crucial role in advocating for better wages and working conditions.
Beyond this period, the World War II era saw government encouragement for unions, understanding that they would be instrumental in ramping up production efforts. However, post-war legislation like the Taft-Hartley Act created a less favorable climate for union activity. Nevertheless, the labor movement continued, and although it faced challenges in the 1950s, the issue of fair wages has been integral to its campaigns. The struggle for wage equality persisted into the 1960s and beyond, as highlighted by the wage disparities that were still present at the time, particularly between different racial groups and genders, a gap that has only been partially closed in subsequent decades.