Clark, 1

Annotated Bibliography

What are the psychological and economic effects of labor union strikes?

Stephanie Clark
Professor Malcolm Campbell
English 1103
October 21, 2015

Clark, 2

Annotated Bibliography
Fowler, J. L., A. J. Gudmundsson, and L. M. Whicker. "The Psychological Impact of Industrial
Strikes: Does Involvement in Union Activity during Strikes Make a Difference?"
Journal of Industrial Relations 51.2 (2009): 227-43. Sage Journals. Web. 15 Oct 2015.
This article explored the possible psychological impacts of strikes, particularly the strike
of United Steelworkers of America employees. It looked to see if there was a link
between an employees involvement in the strike and his or her psychological health. In
order to complete the investigation, 351 employees were surveyed, some who
participated in the strike and others that did not. Those who were part of the strike
depicted higher levels of depression, anxiety, and irritation. Sage Journals is a reliable
production company. The evidence in the journal was received through a survey to
several hundred steelworkers. I probably will not use this source, since the publishers
website requires payment to read the full article.
Lunden, Jeff. "Broadway Stagehands Go on Strike." All Things Considered. National Public
Radio. 10 Nov. 2007. Web. 6 Oct 2015.
This article from the National Public Radio goes into when many Broadway stagehands
went on strike in November of 2007. By striking their shows, the stagehands forced
many shows to not open during the strike, and even caused some shows to permanently
shut down. Throughout the length of the strike, 28 shows were affected. Of those
interviewed, the patrons of the shows on strike were very disappointed that the trips they
had been planning for a long time would be ruined because of the strikers. But, not only
theatres in New York City were affected by the strike. The strike affected places like
hotels and restaurants as there were far fewer show patrons than usual. The article

Clark, 3

estimates that the strike would cause those other businesses $17 million a day. While
people hoping to catch a Broadway show were let down due to the strike, many of the
shows cast members stood with the stagehands in the strike. Without stagehands
working, Broadway shows are not able to go on, so this strike could have ended up
being detrimental to many aspects of New York City. Jeff Lunden, the writer of the
article, has worked for the National Public Radio for many years, and has collaborated
on many documentaries about Broadway. He is also a composer whose productions have
won awards off-Broadway. Since he lives in Brooklyn, New York, Lunden was able to
document first-hand how the stagehand strike affected the city. The article shows
different views on the strike, allowing it to be less biased. National Public Radio is
known for being a reliable and popular source of information. This article differs from
my other sources in that it was originally on the radio and is not a written article. Also, it
focuses on a recent strike, but at the same time shows how one strike in one business can
affect an entire city. I found this source both helpful and interesting. Since the Broadway
musical Newsies is what got me interested in labor unions and strikes, this article and
strike linked both my initial interest to my topic.
"The Right to Strike." National Labor Relations Board. National Labor Relations Board. n.d.
Web. 5 Oct 2015.
The National Labor Relations Board website states that the board is an independent
federal agency vested with the power to safeguard employees' rights to organize and to
determine whether to have unions as their bargaining representative. Employees have
the right to strike, but there are limitations to that right. Some strikes are deemed lawful,
while others are unlawful, but whether a strike is lawful or unlawful is difficult to

Clark, 4

determine. There are two types of strikers: economic strikers and unfair labor
practices strikers. Strikes can be unlawful because of their purpose, timing, and
misconduct of strikers. Labor unions cannot strike a health care institution without at
least ten days notice. The National Labor Relations Board sets the rules for labor unions
and dictates when employees are allowed to strike. Since the board sets the standards for
strikes, it is a very reliable source. I plan on using this source for my project, as it will
allow me to see whether employees are in the right or wrong when they choose to strike.
Sullivan, Michael J., Christine M. Lagana, Jack G. Wiggins, and Patrick H. Deleon.
"Psychology and Labor Unions Working Together. Professional Psychology: Research
and Practice 28.5 (1997): 413-18. Web. 5 Oct 2015.
Psychology and labor unions have started working closer and closer together over the
years. They have a collaborative relationship that benefits both psychologists and union
members. Labor union members can get psychological help in the face of workplace
struggles; whereas, psychologists can receive effective models of grass roots
organization. This source is from the American Psychological Association (APA),
therefore, it is a reliable source of information. Although I am interested in how labor
union strikes affect members psychologically, this scholarly journal focuses on the
relationship of the psychological profession with labor unions. Also, the APA requires
purchase to see the entire journal, so I will not use this source.