Question, Did FDR Hate Unions? Did He Actually Dislike Public Employees Unions?

[we can do it]

got an email saying he did, of course, there was no source. I am not finding much.

[RoccoR5955]

1. Ignore that e-mail

It's from a teabagger, who cites no source, and hides behind lies.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. If you Google FDR + public unions you will get a lot of hits on RW websites.

They all claim he was against public unions - but that's not true. He was against strikes by public employees, but not against their unions. Here's what he really said:

"Particularly, I want to emphasize my conviction that militant tactics have no place in the functions of any organization of Government employees. Upon employees in the Federal service rests the obligation to serve the whole people, whose interests and welfare require orderliness and continuity in the conduct of Government activities. This obligation is paramount. Since their own services have to do with the functioning of the Government, a strike of public employees manifests nothing less than an intent on their part to prevent or obstruct the operations of Government until their demands are satisfied. Such action, looking toward the paralysis of Government by those who have sworn to support it, is unthinkable and intolerable. It is, therefore, with a feeling of gratification that I have noted in the constitution of the National Federation of Federal Employees the provision that "under no circumstances shall this Federation engage in or support strikes against the United States Government.""

and:

"The desire of Government employees for fair and adequate pay, reasonable hours of work, safe and suitable working conditions, development of opportunities for advancement, facilities for fair and impartial consideration and review of grievances, and other objectives of a proper employee relations policy, is basically no different from that of employees in private industry."

Read here - http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/02/16/945416/-Whats-the-Deal-with-FDR-and-Public-Unions and scroll down to the comments.

[we can do it]

4. Thank You! I did Google and found all that crap

[leftstreet]

3. It's possible. FDR's programs put the brakes on powerful Left movements

His administration was 'reaching across the aisle' in an attempt to derail a strong and growing US Left


It's impossible to know when/if a politician's policies reflect his/her personal views

[Omaha Steve]

5. Look up FDR & the second bill of rights

Japan and Germany got them. Because of FDR's death, we didn't get them here in the USA.

[upi402]

6. We did get term limits though!

Funny how the congressional term limits movement faded when Newt & Co. grabbed power.

Propaganda happens.

[Omaha Steve]

11. Good thing or Eisenhower would still be president

But reading my sig, he was nothing like current R's.

[Abq_Sarah]

7. In his own words

112 - Letter on the Resolution of Federation of Federal Employees Against Strikes in Federal Service
August 16, 1937

The desire of Government employees for fair and adequate pay, reasonable hours of work, safe and suitable working conditions, development of opportunities for advancement, facilities for fair and impartial consideration and review of grievances, and other objectives of a proper employee relations policy, is basically no different from that of employees in private industry. Organization on their part to present their views on such matters is both natural and logical, but meticulous attention should be paid to the special relationships and obligations of public servants to the public itself and to the Government.

All Government employees should realize that the process of collective bargaining, as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service. It has its distinct and insurmountable limitations when applied to public personnel management. The very nature and purposes of Government make it impossible for administrative officials to represent fully or to bind the employer in mutual discussions with Government employee organizations. The employer is the whole people, who speak by means of laws enacted by their representatives in Congress. Accordingly, administrative officials and employees alike are governed and guided, and in many instances restricted, by laws which establish policies, procedures, or rules in personnel matters.

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=15445

[we can do it]

8. Thanks All! That Is All I Found - Doesn't Sound Like He Hates Unions To Me

[du_da]

9. It would seem

he held the same opinion of union activities as any employer today and didn't want his employees to be putting up a fuss. Keep in mind, that if you take the potential for negative effect of unions out of the picture that companies think they are just peachy too. If you can't have activities that prevent the organization from providing services then collective bargaining has no more weight that any other contract negotiation and leaves no method for dealing with entities that draw lines in the sand.

[DefenseLawyer]

10. FDR also had a segregated military

Nobody gets everything right.