- Union membership soared: the war increased the number of workers in industries that required unions, such as manufacturing and mining, and unions organized many of these new workers.
- Wages increased: unions were able to negotiate higher wages for their members, as the war economy created a high demand for labor.
- Working hours decreased: unions were able to negotiate shorter working hours for their members, as the war economy made it difficult for employers to find workers.
- Benefits improved: unions were able to negotiate better benefits for their members, such as health insurance and pensions.
Negative effects:
- Some unions were suppressed: the government cracked down on some unions, such as the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), which were seen as a threat to the war effort.
- Discrimination persisted: African American and women workers were still subject to discrimination in many unions, and they often received lower wages and benefits than white male workers.
- Injuries and deaths: many union members were injured or killed in the war, as they worked in dangerous industries such as manufacturing and mining.