1. Postwar Economic Dislocation: The end of World War I led to a sharp economic downturn, resulting in widespread unemployment and fierce competition for jobs. During this period of high unemployment, workers became less inclined to join unions or engage in collective action, as they feared job loss.
2. Anti-Union Sentiment: Post-war conservatism contributed to a negative public perception of labor unions. Business leaders and the media disseminated propaganda to portray unions as radical, disruptive, and responsible for the economic downturn. The general public became less sympathetic to labor's cause, making it harder for unions to gain support and recruit members.
3. Government Repression: The federal government actively opposed labor unions by passing laws that restricted union activities. For instance, the Labor Injunction Act of 1922 empowered federal courts to issue injunctions to prevent strikes and other forms of collective bargaining, significantly limiting the ability of workers to organize and bargain for better wages and working conditions.
4. Company Unionism: Many employers created "company unions" controlled by management. Through these company-dominated unions, employers could exercise control over worker relations while circumventing legitimate labor unions. This practice undermined union organizing efforts and further weakened the labor movement's influence.
5. Industrial Changes: The rise of mass production and the increasing use of technology during the 1920s altered the nature of work. Many skilled jobs were replaced by semi-skilled and unskilled positions, making it more challenging for workers to form effective industry-wide unions.
6. Immigration Restrictions: The Immigration Act of 1924 curtailed the inflow of immigrants into the United States. Immigrants, who had traditionally been a significant source of labor movement support, decreased in numbers, further reducing the pool of potential union members.
7. Craft Union Focus: The American labor movement continued to be dominated by craft unions that represented specific skilled trades rather than unskilled and semi-skilled workers. This narrow focus excluded a vast portion of the industrial workforce, many of whom were minorities or women, who were often most in need of union protection.
These factors combined to significantly weaken the American labor movement in the 1920s, making it difficult for unions to organize workers, bargain for better conditions, and influence labor policies. Union membership declined steadily during this period, and the labor movement struggled to regain its strength until the enactment of the National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) in the mid-1930s.