Article September 1, 2013

Labor

Ed Townsend

Originally published in the February 1, 1963 issue of The Christian Science Monitor

The tendency to criticize and condemn organized labor is understandable—but regrettable. Labor is a controversial force. It causes an intensely emotional response. Most people react quickly for or against unions. It is hard to be unbiased.

It is easy to understand why this is so. In one way or another, at one time or another, unions which represent not only the economic aspirations of workers but also, now, their political and social aspirations, come into competition and conﬂict with business and industry, government, political parties, civic organizations, chambers of commerce, medical associations, banks, insurance companies, churches. Even housewives feel the pressures of higher prices and blame "greedy" unions.

Unfortunately the image of labor leadership is clouded because of a few officiate—notably James R. Hoffa, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters—who have run afoul of the law or have come into the glaring spotlight of investigations.

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