Companies hired goon squads to kill workers on picket lines and at demonstrations. The police helped the goon squads. But, there was ultimate progress, and the 8-hour day was born out of it, as well as other benefits. Dangers in coal mining, however, had to be fought longer by John L. Lewis, leader of the coal-miner's union. Much was won, but not enough as evidenced by more recent strife in that industry.
Workers are simply means to an end - commodities.
The end result by which managements are measured is profits and dividends, as we all know. I know from direct contact that Swedish unions have the same status at the highest government levels as industrialists. The workers have the stature and pride of work which ensures their satisfaction. Here in our country, we have virtually stamped out unions to the point where about 15 percent are members. Furthermore, the managers of the largest remaining unions have become corrupted to the point where their interests are to please and maintain peace with corporate management, as your article indicated.