"Yellow Dog" Contracts in West Virginia

 

The sources indicate that "Yellow Dog" contracts occurred in the non-union coal fields of West Virginia.

• These contracts were used to prevent the growth of unions in the coal industry in West Virginia.
• "Yellow Dog" contracts were iron-clad agreements where employees agreed to not join the United Mine Workers of America or any other labor organization.
• Employees also agreed to not "aid, encourage or approve" the formation of any such organization.
• In return, employers agreed to operate a non-union mine and not to employ any union members.
• Many coal mining companies asserted that 100 percent of their workforce had signed these contracts, which were required for both existing and prospective employees.

Purpose of "Yellow Dog" Contracts

• The non-union operators framed their use of "Yellow Dog" contracts as part of their campaign for the "open shop," but the agreements actually created a closed non-union shop.

Specific Examples

• The Pocahontas Operators' Association ordered and distributed thousands of these contracts to its member companies.
• Their use began in June 1920 following the United Mine Workers of America's successful efforts to organize workers in neighboring Mingo County.
• The Pocahontas operators were concerned that the union would gain a foothold in their area.
• Superintendents of mines held meetings with their employees, presented the contracts, and informed them that anyone who refused to sign would be dismissed.

Union Opposition

The union considered "Yellow Dog" contracts to be coercive and designed to obstruct workers from freely choosing to join a union. Additionally, the union believed that the contracts were intended to prevent the union from engaging with these workers. This was because union officials could face accusations of encouraging workers to violate their employment agreements.