This piece of art was drawn by Art Young (1866-1943). Young was a Socialist artist whose labor and political cartoons were published in newspapers and magazines such as The Masses (1911 – 1917), Liberator (1918-1919), and Good Morning (1919-1922).
In this piece, we see “The Boss” who is delighted when he sees an unorganized work-force where “every man is for himself”; an unorganized work-force poses no threat to him. Then, we see “The Boss” who trembles in fear when he sees workers organized in solidarity for their labor and economic rights.
Today, we are seeing state legislative attacks on workers, unions and organizing efforts across our country. States such as Arizona and Wisconsin are passing Right-to-Work laws that oppress workers, lower wages, and boost the profits of the already well-to-do.
It will do workers well to recognize their need to organize in solidarity for their labor and economic rights, much as the workers in the cartoon above have done.
Unfortunately, I have no information on the date of this cartoon or the name of the magazine or newspaper in which it was published.
scottspeak 