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: Paperback / softback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 24 January 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 trampled on individual rights to work.

Employers coined the term "closed shop" to undermine union demands that workers at unionized workplaces join the union. They launched an "open-shop" campaign, lobbying Congress to resist labor's proposals as tyrannical, bringing legal cases to taint labor's tactics as illegal, and influencing 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 politicians who aligned themselves with business interests, seeking to undermine labor's power and influence. The result was a decline in union membership, as workers became increasingly skeptical of the benefits of collective bargaining.

Despite these challenges, labor movements continued to advocate for workers' rights and improved working conditions. However, the power balance between employers and unions has shifted significantly, with employers now enjoying greater resources and influence. This has led to a resurgence of anti-union rhetoric and policies, undermining the protections and benefits that workers have fought for over centuries.

In conclusion, the tension between employers and unions at the turn of the 20th century played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of labor relations in the United States. Employers used various tactics to undermine union power, while labor movements struggled to maintain their influence. The legacy of this period continues to shape our understanding of worker rights and the role of unions in the workplace. It is essential to recognize the historical context and the ongoing challenges faced by workers in pursuit of fair wages, safe working conditions, and social justice.

Dimension: 235 x 156 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252086922