Chapter 7: Cogs in the Great Machine

1. What changes did IBP introduce to the meat packing industry?

The new IBP was a one-story structure with a dissembly line. Along this dissembly line works stood in one spot performing the same task over and over again with eight-hour shifts. I believe that this process is not the way people should work. The workers shouldn't work eight hours performing the same task cause with all the equiptment they have in the factories it could be dangerous for that person and the people around them.

2. What were the links between IBP and organized crime?

Links between IBP and organized crime is that many horrific injuries happened throughout the work day. The brutal injuries included severe back and shoulder injuries, lacerations, amputations, expsure to dangerous chemicals, and at times a person would fall into a vat and get turned into lard. With all of these brutal injuries I don't see how a person could stay and work for that company. Although, they have families to take care of so I admire that they would to this kind of work to provide for their family.

3. How do wages in meat packing plants today compare with wages in the early
1900's, after the workers became unionized?

Workers had gained union representation by the end of the depression. With this the workers wages had greatly improved and were soon exceeding the national average for workers in manufacturing. The wages provided the workers with stable, middle-class income.

4. Where do meat packing companies go to recruite new employee's? What is the new industrial migrant?

Meat packing companies recruite new employee's from Mexico, Central America, and Southeast Asia. The new industrial migrant are people that travel from their home to slaughterhouses and meat processing plants.