Labor comes of age

Source: Internet Archive — Open Educational Films · License: CC BY Original

"Labor Comes of Age," a 1969 educational film produced by the AFL-CIO Film Division and the Department of Education, traces the evolution of labor rights and relations in the United States from the early 20th century to the mid-1930s. The film features the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt, delivered by Charlton Heston, and is narrated by Arthur Kennedy. Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt serves as the consultant. The video begins with Roosevelt's support for legislation in 1911 aimed at improving working conditions, following a tragic fire in a sweatshop. It then moves on to highlight key moments of the New Deal era, including the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933, widespread strikes in 1934, and the passage of the National Labor Relations Act in 1935. The film also covers FDR's decision to decline a $250,000 campaign contribution from John L. Lewis and his signing of the Social Security Act in 1935. The video concludes with the recognition of Walter Ruther and the United Auto Workers, coinciding with the passage of the Wages and Hours Act of 1938, which established minimum wages, abolished lockouts, and ended child labor.