Sunshine Was Never Enough: Los Angeles Workers, 1880-2024

Los Angeles is a city built on the backs of workers. From the early days of the city's founding, workers have played a vital role in shaping the city's economy, culture, and politics. Yet, despite their contributions, Los Angeles workers have often faced exploitation, discrimination, and poverty.

This article will explore the history of Los Angeles workers from the late 19th century to the present day. We will examine the challenges they have faced, the victories they have won, and the ongoing struggle for economic justice.

Sunshine Was Never Enough: Los Angeles Workers, 1880–2024

by John H. M. Laslett

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5283 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	458 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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The Early Years: 1880-1930

Los Angeles was founded in 1781 as a small Spanish pueblo. The city grew slowly in the early years, but it began to boom in the late 19th century with the arrival of the railroads and the discovery of oil. This growth attracted a large number of workers to the city, many of whom were immigrants from Mexico, China, and Europe.

These early workers faced a number of challenges. They worked long hours in dangerous and unsanitary conditions for low wages. They were often discriminated against because of their race, ethnicity, or gender. And they had little power to improve their working conditions.

Despite these challenges, workers in Los Angeles began to organize in the late 19th century. They formed unions to fight for better wages, hours, and working conditions. One of the most important early labor unions in Los Angeles was the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU). The ILGWU was founded in 1900 and it quickly became a major force in the city's garment industry. The ILGWU led a number of successful strikes in the early 20th century, which resulted in improved wages and working conditions for garment workers.

The Great Depression and World War II

The Great Depression hit Los Angeles hard. The city's unemployment rate soared to over 20%, and many workers were forced to take pay cuts or lose their jobs. The Depression also led to a wave of strikes and labor unrest. In 1934, workers at the Douglas Aircraft Company went on strike for higher wages and better working conditions. The strike lasted for over two months and it eventually led to a victory for the workers.

World War II brought a new wave of prosperity to Los Angeles. The city's factories and shipyards worked around the clock to produce war materiel. This created a huge demand for labor, and wages rose as a result. However, the war also brought new challenges for workers. Many women and minorities were forced to enter the workforce for the first time, and they often faced discrimination and harassment. And the war led to a rise in inflation, which eroded the gains that workers had made during the war.

The Post-War Era: 1945-1970

After World War II, Los Angeles continued to grow rapidly. The city's population doubled between 1940 and 1960, and the city's economy boomed. This growth led to a new wave of immigration to the city, and many of the new immigrants were low-skilled workers who took jobs in the city's growing service sector.

The post-war era was also a time of great social and political change. The civil rights movement and the women's movement brought about new demands for equality and justice. And the Vietnam War led to a new wave of anti-war protests. These social and political changes had a significant impact on the labor movement in Los Angeles.

In the 1960s, workers in Los Angeles began to organize in new and innovative ways. They formed community-based unions and they launched campaigns for social and economic justice. One of the most important labor victories of the 1960s was the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law outlawed discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

The Neoliberal Era: 1970-2024

The 1970s marked the beginning of a new era of economic neoliberalism. This era has been characterized by a decline in unionization, a rise in income inequality, and a decrease in government regulation. These changes have had a profound impact on workers in Los Angeles.

The decline in unionization has led to a decrease in wages and benefits for workers. The rise in income inequality has made it more difficult for workers to afford basic necessities such as housing, healthcare, and education. And the decrease in government regulation has made it easier for employers to exploit workers.

These changes have led to a new wave of poverty and inequality in Los Angeles. The city is now home to one of the largest populations of homeless people in the United States. And the city's workers are struggling to make ends meet.

The Fight for Economic Justice

Despite the challenges they face, Los Angeles workers continue to fight for economic justice. They are organizing in new and innovative ways, and they are building alliances with other social justice movements. They are demanding living wages, affordable housing, and quality healthcare. And they are fighting for a more just and equitable society.

The fight for economic justice is a long and difficult one, but it is a fight that is worth fighting. Los Angeles workers have a long history of struggle and sacrifice, and they are determined to build a better future for themselves and their families.

Los Angeles is a city built on the backs of workers. From the early days of the city's founding, workers have played a vital role in shaping the city's economy, culture, and politics. Yet, despite their contributions, Los Angeles workers have often faced exploitation, discrimination, and poverty.

The history of Los Angeles workers is a story of struggle and sacrifice. It is a story of victories and defeats. But it is also a story of hope and determination. Los Angeles workers have a long history of fighting for economic justice, and they are committed to continuing that fight until all workers in the city have a fair shot at a good life.

Sunshine Was Never Enough: Los Angeles Workers, 1880–2024

by John H. M. Laslett

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5283 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	458 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE