In the court of public opinion
A police officer holding a hat labeled “Law and Order” stands in a courtroom with a labor union “Walking Delegate” who has papers showing in his pocket labeled “Bribes” and “Broken Contract.” They are standing before Uncle Sam who is wearing the judicial robes of the judge. Caption: The Justice — You’ve distrubed the peace long enough and I’ve a mind to sentence you to hard labor – a most severe sentence in your case.
Comments and Context
Just at the time when President Roosevelt’s intervention in the Anthracite Coal Strike the previous year indicated a thaw in the perception of labor unions and strikes in the minds of the public and the government, there was an uptick in labor violence and major union-related public disruptions. At the center of many workers’ actions were “Walking Delegates,” originally regarded as mere representatives of national labor organizations. Then, their roles changed and they were often regarded as agents provocateurs. Cartoonists often depicted them as bloated leeches, taking advantage of workers through onerous union dues. Finally they were seen — and sometimes were — plotters of violence during strikes, andb attacks on “scabs,” worker who crossed strike-lines.
