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Behinds Quote by William Howard Taft

“I think it is a wise course for laborers to unite to defend their interests… I think the employer who declines to deal with organized labor and to recognize it as a proper element in the settlement of wage controversies is behind the times… Of course, when organized labor permits itself to…” quote by William Howard Taft
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“I think it is a wise course for laborers to unite to defend their interests… I think the employer who declines to deal with organized labor and to recognize it as a proper element in the settlement of wage controversies is behind the times… Of course, when organized labor permits itself to sympathize with violent methods or undue duress, it is not entitled to our sympathy.”

William Howard Taft

About This Quote

Source Speech: Labor policy address, 1913

Workers should unite to protect interests, but unions must reject violence to retain public support.

In simple terms: Unions need peaceful unity.

Key Takeaway

Support organized labor responsibly.

Themes

labor rights unity nonviolence

Mood

cautious determined

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • wage negotiations
  • collective bargaining
  • industrial relations

Key Concepts

economics social justice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can unions stay peaceful yet effective?
  • What are alternatives to confrontational tactics?
A Different Perspective

Violent tactics can undermine legitimate goals.

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