The Color of Work

The Struggle for Civil Rights in the Southern Paper Industry, 1945-1980

By Timothy J. Minchin | Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

About the book

Histories of the civil rights movement have generally overlooked the battle to integrate the South’s major industries. The paper industry, which has played an important role in the southern economy since the 1930s, has been particularly neglected. Using previously untapped legal records and oral history interviews, Timothy Minchin provides the first in-depth account of the struggle to integrate southern paper mills.

Minchin describes how jobs in the southern paper industry were strictly segregated prior to the 1960s, with black workers confined to low-paying, menial positions. All work literally had a color: every job was racially designated and workers were represented by segregated local unions. Though black workers tried to protest workplace inequities through their unions, their efforts were largely ineffective until passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act opened the way for scores of antidiscrimination lawsuits. Even then, however, resistance from executives and white workers ensured that the fight to integrate the paper industry was a long and difficult one.

Editions of The Color of Work

Hardcover
ISBN 9780807826188
Paperback
ISBN 9780807849330
EBook
ISBN 9780807875483
PDF
ISBN 9798890872494

Read an Excerpt

Histories of the civil rights movement have generally overlooked the battle to integrate the South’s major industries. The paper industry, which has played an important role in the southern economy since the 1930s, has been particularly neglected. Using previously untapped legal records and oral history interviews, Timothy Minchin provides the first in-depth account of the struggle to integrate southern paper mills.

Minchin describes how jobs in the southern paper industry were strictly segregated prior to the 1960s, with black workers confined to low-paying, menial positions. All work literally had a color: every job was racially designated and workers were represented by segregated local unions. Though black workers tried to protest workplace inequities through their unions, their efforts were largely ineffective until passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act opened the way for scores of antidiscrimination lawsuits. Even then, however, resistance from executives and white workers ensured that the fight to integrate the paper industry was a long and difficult one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Color of Work about?

Histories of the civil rights movement have generally overlooked the battle to integrate the South’s major industries. The paper industry, which has played an important role in the southern economy since the 1930s, has been particularly neglected. Using previously untapped legal records and oral history interviews, Timothy Minchin provides the first in-depth account of the struggle to integrate southern paper mills.

Minchin describes how jobs in the southern paper industry were strictly segregated prior to the 1960s, with black workers confined to low-paying, menial positions. All work literally had a color: every job was racially designated and workers were represented by segregated local unions. Though black workers tried to protest workplace inequities through their unions, their efforts were largely ineffective until passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act opened the way for scores of antidiscrimination lawsuits. Even then, however, resistance from executives and white workers ensured that the fight to integrate the paper industry was a long and difficult one.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Color of Work?

Economics, Finance, Business and Management > Industry and industrial studies > Industrial relations, occupational health and safety > Industrial arbitration and negotiation

Where can I read a sample of The Color of Work?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807826188

How long is The Color of Work and how many pages does it have?

The Color of Work has 296 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Color of Work?

Timothy J. Minchin

Who is the Publisher of the book The Color of Work?

The University of North Carolina Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Color of Work is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807826188) and paperback(ISBN 9780807849330) and ebook(ISBN 9780807875483) and pdf(ISBN 9798890872494)

Where can I buy The Color of Work online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy The Color of Work from below

Where can I buy The Color of Work?