Skip to content

The sit-down strikers began to worry about the illegality…

“The sit-down strikers began to worry about the illegality of their action and the why and wherefore, and it was then the chief of all C.I.O. organizers, Lewis, gave them their rationale. He thundered, 'The right to a man's job transcends the right of private property! The C.I.O. stands squarely…” quote by Saul Alinsky
Download Open image
““The sit-down strikers began to worry about the illegality of their action and the why and wherefore, and it was then the chief of all C.I.O. organizers, Lewis, gave them their rationale. He thundered, 'The right to a man's job transcends the right of private property! The C.I.O. stands squarely behind these sit-downs!' The sit-down strikers at GM cheered.””

Saul Alinsky

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote argues that workers’ right to keep their jobs outweighs private property rights, justifying collective action against corporate control.

In simple terms: Workers’ job rights trump property rights.

Key Takeaway

Support workers’ collective power.

Themes

labor rights collective action property rights solidarity

Mood

determined defiant

Type

political motivational

When to use this quote

  • union organizing
  • factory disputes
  • political advocacy

Key Concepts

industrial relations ethical justification union strategy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How should societies balance job security and property rights?
  • What limits exist on collective action?
A Different Perspective

The claim may overlook legal frameworks protecting property.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Saul Alinsky

Explore all 141 Saul Alinsky quotes

More Private property quotes

Browse all 377 Private property quotes