What is Yellow dog Contract?
An agreement between an employer and an employee that prohibits the employee from joining or supporting a labor union is referred to as a “Yellow Dog Contract.” During the early 20th century, when labor unions were gaining popularity, these contracts were common in the United States. The idea that an employee would rather be called a “yellow dog” than join a union is referred to as the “yellow dog” concept.
Yellow Dog Contracts were basically utilized as a method for businesses to stifle and discourage unionization inside their labor force. Employers wanted to stop unions, collective bargaining, and other forms of organized labor by requiring employees to sign these contracts. Employees who broke the terms of these contracts were often punished for participating in union-related activities or had their employment terminated.
Example of a Yellow Dog Contract:
Employment Agreement
This agreement is made and entered into on this [date], by and between [Employer Name], hereinafter referred to as the “Employer,” and [Employee Name], hereinafter referred to as the “Employee.”
Employment Terms
The Employer agrees to employ the Employee as [Job Title], and the Employee agrees to perform the duties assigned to them to the best of their ability.Non-Union Agreement
The Employee agrees that, as a condition of their employment, they will not join, support, or assist any labor union during their period of employment with the Employer.Termination Clause
The Employee understands that violation of this agreement, including any attempt to join or organize a labor union, will be grounds for immediate termination of employment.Acknowledgment
The Employee acknowledges that they are signing this agreement voluntarily and without coercion, with full understanding of its terms.
Signed on this [date]:
Employer Name: _______________________
Employee Name: _______________________
Over the long haul, Yellow Dog Contracts went under examination and confronted legitimate difficulties. These contracts were declared void when the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) was enacted in the United States in the 1930s. The NLRA safeguards employees’ privileges to join or frame labor unions and participate in collective bargaining, making Yellow Dog Contract unlawful.
In a nutshell, an agreement between an employer and an employee that forbids the employee from supporting a labor union or joining one is referred to as a “Yellow Dog Contract.” In the past, these contracts were used to restrict worker rights and discourage unionization. However, many jurisdictions, including the United States, where labor laws safeguard employees’ rights to organize and participate in collective bargaining, have declared them illegal.