North American Aviation’s dramatic transformation and the influence of Moral Re-Armament in 1941-1945

Abstract

ABSTRACT The controversial wildcat strike by Local 683 of the United Auto Workers (UAW) in North American Aviation, Inc. in Inglewood, California, USA in 1941 was contentious in a number of ways – it hindered the U.S. defense effort, it allowed the International Association of Machinists to gain strength against the UAW in the aircraft industry, and it showed many union employees that combativeness with management might not be the best strategy. The strike ended when President Roosevelt sent in the United States Army. Although this event represented one of the most rancorous moments in U.S. labor history, only a few years later this same plant went on to have incredibly amicable labor/management relationships that allowed it to break records for aircraft production and serve as a model for employee-employer partnership. Labor and management worked together, largely guided by the practices of MRA. These principles included making decisions based not on who is right (power and opinion) but what is right (principle and common goals). MRA's focus on family life and receiving guidance are two other dimensions that are highlighted here. Personal correspondence and reports provide a behind-the-scenes explanation of how public events ensued. This case showed workers that they could oppose communism while also bargaining effectively with management using collaboration.