Which great union leader stated, "The worst crime against the working man is the company which fails to earn a profit"?

The statement, "The worst crime against the working man is the company which fails to earn a profit," reflects a profound understanding of labor relations and the economics of business from a union leader perspective. George Meany, who was a prominent figure in the American labor movement, served as the president of the AFL-CIO for many years and was known for advocating the importance of profitable companies to ensure job security and better wages for workers.

This perspective is important as it underscores the belief that for workers to thrive, their employers must also succeed financially. If a company is not profitable, it cannot invest in its workforce, resulting in job losses, reduced benefits, and stagnant wages. Meany's focus on the relationship between company profitability and worker welfare highlights a key principle in labor rights and economic stability, influencing policies and strategies within the labor movement.

Although other figures like Samuel Gompers, Patrick Quinlan, and William Hite played significant roles in union leadership, the specific nature of this quote aligns more closely with Meany's views on labor economics, emphasizing the interconnectedness of business success and workers' rights.