Topic > A Possible Decline in Union Power ). In his book, Tomlins argued that the New Deal essentially offered a false idea of freedom for workers. Tomlins sharply criticized the NLRA as a set of rules and "constraints that would curb worker militancy and ultimately weaken the labor movement." decline of the very rights it was supposed to protect. Tomlins' book was met with praise and criticism from prominent scholars and served as the impetus for a broad debate on the issue of the decline of U.S. unions. The author's main point is that, although there are valid arguments on both sides of the issue, the NLRA may not be solely responsible for the decline of unions. Tomlins' book was published in 1985, decades before the essay was written. The author provides a retrospective look at how things have changed since the publication of Tomlins' book, how different factors may have contributed to that change, and how Tomlins' theories fit into today's climate. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayCritiqueThe author throughout the article suggests that even those who agreed with Tomlins' claims in the 1980s have reason to reevaluate its potential to be outdated and possibly misdirected. Jean-Christian Vinel's criticism of Tomlins' book highlights the idea that the many years of Conservative rule over time have fundamentally changed the debate surrounding the system since it was created in the 1930s. Vinel points out that while the New Deal may not have lived up to its expected potential, it turned out to be a better proposition for workers and unions than the ideas of neoliberalism that currently dominate the political atmosphere. Accordingly, the author agrees with Vinel's arguments and has analyzed in depth how efforts to revitalize unions have failed over the years since Tomlins made his predictions. The author supports these views by highlighting the difficulties between organizing with a core of grassroots activists, which was the direction the movement was going, and the more militant approach of the pre-New Deal era. This fight may seem like a confirmation of the realization of Tomlins' predictions, however, there are other factors that were not foreseen or considered by Tomlins. It all comes down to the movement's internal weaknesses as the main factor in the failure to build a more activist movement, as well as external weaknesses. Essentially, the author argues that internal weaknesses are further emphasized where efforts to amend the NLRA and enact other statutes to revitalize union power would be futile. The author also highlights the idea that, rather than focusing on the Wagner Act as offering counterfeit freedom, organized labor's official position is that the intent of the Wagner Act was frustrated by external factors such as the Taft-Harley Amendments, the politicization of the NLRB and substantial intervention by the conservative judiciary. According to the author, none of the proposed amendments or policy solutions would be helpful in restoring strong unions. Instead, the author claims, the problem is the result of neoliberal economic policies rather than a narrow construction of the law itself. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay..
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