Why is the contract of a yellow dog called that? - briefly
The term "yellow dog contract" originates from the early 20th century in the United States. It refers to an agreement that prohibits workers from joining or organizing labor unions. The name comes from the derogatory term "yellow dog," which was used to describe workers who refused to join unions, much like a yellow dog is seen as cowardly or disloyal.
Why is the contract of a yellow dog called that? - in detail
The term "yellow dog contract" is a historical and somewhat derogatory label applied to a type of employment agreement that was prevalent in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name originates from a specific incident involving a railroad worker named Richard O. Buckley. In 1898, Buckley was fired from his job with the Southern Railway for refusing to join the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, a labor union. Buckley subsequently sued the company, alleging wrongful termination. The company's defense was based on a contract that Buckley had signed, which stipulated that he would not join any labor union during his employment. This contract became infamous and was dubbed a "yellow dog contract" due to Buckley's perceived lack of loyalty and his willingness to sign such an agreement.
The term "yellow dog" itself is derived from the idiom "yellow dog," which refers to someone who is cowardly or lacking in principles. The implication is that a worker who signs a yellow dog contract is betraying the interests of his fellow workers by agreeing not to join a union. This type of contract was designed to prevent workers from organizing and collectively bargaining for better wages, working conditions, and benefits. Employers used these contracts as a tool to maintain control over their workforce and to suppress labor activism.
Yellow dog contracts were particularly common in industries where labor unions were strong, such as railroads, mining, and manufacturing. Employers would often present these contracts to new hires as a condition of employment, effectively forcing workers to choose between securing a job and supporting their fellow workers through union membership. The contracts were legally enforceable, and workers who violated them could face severe penalties, including termination and blacklisting, which made it difficult for them to find future employment.
The use of yellow dog contracts became a significant point of contention in labor relations and led to numerous legal battles. In 1932, the Norris-LaGuardia Act was passed, which outlawed yellow dog contracts and prohibited federal courts from issuing injunctions against workers engaging in peaceful strikes or other forms of collective action. This legislation was a major victory for the labor movement and helped to pave the way for the passage of the National Labor Relations Act in 1935, which further protected workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively.
In summary, the term "yellow dog contract" refers to an employment agreement that prohibits workers from joining labor unions. The name originates from a specific legal case involving a railroad worker and reflects the derogatory perception of workers who signed such contracts as being disloyal to their fellow workers. These contracts were used by employers to suppress labor activism and maintain control over their workforce. The legal battles surrounding yellow dog contracts contributed to the development of labor laws that protect workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively.