⚓ Welcome to Tidal Echoes

Series: “Youth Speaks Its Mind” (A republication of our hometown newspaper, The Suffolk County News, from 64 years ago)

Our history isn't just a timeline; it's a series of waves that shape who we are today. In this series, we revisit the bold voices of Sayville’s past. Today, we listen to David Beebe as he critiques the practices of organized labor and union monopolies in 1962.

Originally published in The Suffolk County News on April 12th, 1962. Transcribed for the Sayville Alumni Association.

Organized Labor and the Common Good

By David Beebe, Sayville High School

Throughout the history of the United States one may find instances where an institution has grown so large that the federal government has found it necessary to limit its activities. Such was the case with “big business” in the beginning of the century and it is my opinion that, in some areas, organized labor has reached the point where government control is advisable. Here are some of the more prominent cases of “labor monopoly” that have come to my attention.

One of the most disturbing labor practices I have heard of is one that lessens the chance of choosing the “best man for the job.” This is the practice of limiting union membership in order to preserve present members’ jobs in a time of job scarcity. This injustice was clearly demonstrated in California. A union that controlled workers on movie and television sets had limited its membership because of rising unemployment. In that same area a group of college students protested the move since they were studying motion picture production and now couldn't even try for a job. Their entire college education was, for the most part, wasted. Even if through their education, they were better equipped for the job, they couldn't get it.

Some local teachers might be surprised to learn that many of the major teacher-aid bills that were introduced into the last session of the State Legislature were defeated. The most interesting part of this condition is that the bills were defeated with the help of union lobbyists. It was obvious to experienced and novice politicians alike that this move was made for the sole purpose of offering these measures to teachers in order to entice them into union membership at a latter date. I believe that this deliberate suppression of teacher-aid in a time when teaching is not a lucrative profession and teachers are scarce, is both selfish and detrimental to the common good.

A third complaint is the destruction of private business interests in order to achieve union goals. A case in point would be the recent Fifth Avenue Bus Lines fiasco in New York City. In this case the city was forced to step into the operation of a private company because union demands were depriving bus riders of transportation.

I am, by no means, suggesting that we forget the gains that labor unions have made for the worker, but I do suggest that we halt the outrageous practices carried on in some areas.

⚓ Cast Your Thoughts

How do these words from 1962 land today? Reflecting on David Beebe's insights:

• david highlights a "labor monopoly" affecting students entering the workforce. was there a particular industry or job market you were worried about entering in 1962?
• he mentions the "fifth avenue bus lines fiasco"—do you remember the transportation strikes or union conflicts in the city having an impact on sayville life?
• his points about union lobbyists affecting teacher-aid bills show a sophisticated grasp of state politics. were you surprised by the political awareness shown by your fellow students in these editorials?