Outright violence by labor union activists is fortunately far less common today than it was during some parts of the 20th century — both in Chattanooga and elsewhere.
But there was a disturbing reminder of that type of violence recently in Lambertville, Mich.
John King is the owner of the largest non-union electrical contracting company in that area. He was home one night when he saw an outdoor security light turn on. He went out to investigate, and he spotted a man trying to slash the tires on his vehicle.
The word “SCAB” had been scrawled on the vehicle as well, a TV station in the area reported. “Scab” is a pejorative term for a person who works during a strike. The vandal apparently targeted King because his shop is not unionized.
But far worse than the property damage, authorities said the man outside King’s home shot him before fleeing!
King fortunately survived the shooting, but there is absolutely no excuse for violence, property damage or threats against non-union workers or owners of businesses that are not unionized.
Labor unions have been in steep decline in the United States the past few decades. But even if someone believes that trend should be reversed, violence is no way to achieve that aim.