NCJ Number
115461
Date Published
1985
Length
30 pages
Annotation
These articles trace the history of the relationship between the Ku Klux Klan and organized labor, emphasizing that in addition to its well-documented attacks on blacks, Catholics, Jews, and the foreign-born, the Klan has a long history of anti-labor violence.
Abstract
The Klan has attacked organized labor because the labor movement is open to all nationalities, religions, and races, and it stands for social, economic, and political equality of all nationalities. Antagonism between the Klan and labor began during the Reconstruction after the Civil War. During its history the Klan has engaged both in direct physical attacks and in more subtle efforts to influence union policies or members. Currently the Klan's objectives have evolved into an American form of Nazism. Although the Klan says that it is no longer a violent organization, Klan members have committed more than 600 acts of serious intimidation, harassment, and violence in the last 5 years. Organized labor organizations have taken strong stands against the Klan. Personal statements and narratives, photographs, texts of international union resolutions and statements, and lists of resources.