Wartime Workers Act

The Wartime Workers Act was an act of Congress regulating labor during the Sino-American War.

Background
Established to maximize productivity for military purposes, the Act eroded worker protections, as its provisions allowed the Federal government to file charges of treason - and in-turn a capital punishment sentence - for actions deemed seditious (such as Communist leanings) or deleterious to work output (such as labor agitation). Furthermore, it allowed companies to impose draconian new regulations on their workers. A government preferred contractor, for instance, could mandate 12-hour shifts, with 50% extra pay only for the 11th and 12th hours worked, cut down on breaks, and eliminate pay for sick leave.

Examples of use
Grafton Steel, a major supplier of steel for the war effort, made widespread use of the WWA.