ABSTRACT
In seeking to achieve justice in the relationships of labor unions, of industrial management and ownership, and of the public interest, Robert A. Taft made his most enduring positive contribution to the American political structure. In the United States Senate, Taft's first vote on a labor question was in support of Senator La Follette's bill to prohibit the use of labor spies, professional strike-breakers, and firearms in labor disputes. Of the Labor Relations Act of 1935, Robert Taft approved, on several counts. This Wagner Act had guaranteed to labor unions the right to collective bargaining, with freedom from influence by employers. The Taft-Hartley Act was an intelligent response to this congressional and public demand for reform in labor-management relations. The Republican defeat in the autumn elections of 1948 brought Democratic majorities to Senate and House; but President Truman was unable to obtain from his Democratic Congress the rep.
