The Bosses' Union: How Employers Organized to Fight Labor before the New Deal

During the early 20th century, labor strife and unionization created tension between employers and middle-class observers. Employers launched an open-shop campaign to undermine union demands and created perceptions of organized labor as a nuisance, leveraging money and connections to shape public opinion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

At the dawn of the 20th century, labor unrest plagued the nation, with union organization and collective bargaining emerging as potential avenues for stability. However, both employers and many middle-class observers remained wary of unions wielding independent power. In her insightful book, Vilja Hulden delves into how this tension paved the way for pro-business organizations to shift public attention away from concerns about inequality and hazardous working conditions towards the notion that unions infringed upon individuals' right to work.

Employers launched a campaign known as the "open-shop," which aimed to undermine union demands that workers at unionized workplaces join the union. They lobbied Congress to resist labor's proposals, brought legal cases to tarnish labor's tactics, and influenced newspaper coverage of unions. While employers were not a unified force or all-powerful, they generally agreed that unions posed a nuisance. Employers successfully capitalized on their resources and connections to shape perceptions of organized labor that still resonate in our discussions on worker rights.

This shift in public perception was facilitated by the media, which often portrayed unions as disruptive and harmful to the economy. The rise of anti-union sentiment was further fueled by the publication of books and articles that portrayed labor unions as tools of communist infiltration. These narratives contributed to the erosion of support for labor unions and the consolidation of power among employers.

Despite these challenges, labor unions continued to play a significant role in shaping American society and the workplace. They fought for better wages, safer working conditions, and social justice for workers. However, the decline of union membership and the erosion of labor rights have had far-reaching consequences, impacting the economic and social well-being of workers across the country.

In conclusion, the tension between employers and labor unions at the turn of the 20th century set the stage for a significant shift in public perception and power dynamics. Employers used their resources and connections to undermine union demands and create a perception that unions were a nuisance. While labor unions continued to play a vital role in shaping American society, their decline has had far-reaching consequences for workers' rights and economic stability. It is essential to recognize the historical significance of labor unions and work towards rebuilding their power and influence in the modern workplace.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252044830