The Hidden Connection: Why the Mafia Supported Unions

In the early 20th century, the intersection between the Mafia and labor unions was not just a matter of convenience; it was a symbiotic relationship where both parties benefitted in their own unique ways. This alliance was driven by a common goal: to counteract the violent and oppressive tactics employed by employers and their security forces during labor strikes. This article delves into the origins, evolution, and eventual demise of this influential relationship, highlighting the key players and the impact on labor relations.

Origins of the Mafia-Union Support

The rise of the Mafia, often referred to as Omertà, can be linked to the need for organized groups to provide protection and muscle against strikebreakers and private armies. In the 1920s and 1930s, small-time business owners, commonly known as Mafiosi, recognized that they needed their own cadre of fighters to protect their interests. These individuals operated on the fringes of society, often with a mix of legitimate businesses (like a restaurant or construction company) and illegal activities (hitmen, prostitution, drug dealing).

The early labor unions, particularly the AFL craft unions, faced significant challenges against industrial titans with considerable economic power. During strikes, employers hired private armies and gangsters to intimidate and attack union pickets. Some union officials began to employ their own gangsters to act as bodyguards and enforcers. However, as these gangsters sought more financial incentives, they began to demand special privileges and even corrupted the union's financial resources, turning them into a personal piggy bank.

Impact on Labor Unions

This kind of corruption and infiltration by gangsters led to the rise of internal gangs within some unions, resulting in threats, shootings, and the hostile takeover of union leadership by Mafia-aligned individuals. In contrast, the 1930s industrial unions, led by left-wing ideologies, countered employer violence with their own defense committees, demonstrating a clear opposition to reliance on gangsters.

The federal government began to take action against mob-controlled unions in the 1970s. For instance, during a years-long conflict with the attorney general Robert F. Kennedy, Jimmy Hoffa, president of the Teamsters Union, found himself in a legal battle. Hoffa was sent to prison, and upon his release, he attempted to regain control of the union, but the higher-ups in the Mafia were less interested in rekindling this controversial relationship. This allowed the federal government to exert more control over union activities, ensuring fair and transparent bargaining processes.

The Decline of Mafia-Run Unions

The Mafia's influence in unions continued to grow in various industries, including the entertainment, fashion, and construction sectors. In some cases, entire unions, such as the construction unions in New York City, were taken over by organized crime. The impact was significant; for example, in 1972, the largest union in the country, a transportation union, brought the country to a standstill, blocking highways and engaging in violent confrontations. This event highlighted the need for federal oversight in union activities to ensure fair collective bargaining.

The influence of the Mafia in unions began to decline as federal intervention increased. In the late 1970s, the federal government began to monitor union activities to prevent corruption and ensure fair bargaining. By the early 1980s, the relationship between the Mafia and unions had largely disintegrated, paving the way for more transparent and regulated labor relations.

Today, the prevalence of labor unions is more common in democratic cities compared to their presence in Republican ones, reflecting a broader shift in political and economic landscapes.

Conclusion

The alliance between the Mafia and unions was a complex and multifaceted relationship. It arose from the need for protection and muscle in the face of employer violence, but it also led to corruption and legal challenges. Understanding this historical context is essential for grasping the current landscape of labor relations and the importance of transparency in union activities.