This issue of The Masses, Volume V, Number 12, published in September 1914, delves into the tumultuous state of labor unionism and industrial relations in America, as seen through the lens of the Butte riots that occurred in Montana earlier that year. The magazine examines the growing discontent among workers towards craft unionism and the American Federation of Labor (AFL), which they perceive as exclusively benefiting a select few at the expense of the majority.
The publication also explores the rising influence of industrial unionism, an ideology that advocates for partnership between employers and employees in the interest of the entire workforce rather than just specific trades. This shift in perspective is portrayed as gaining ground across the nation, with Butte serving as a notable example of its increased prominence and its potential to challenge the established labor order.
Moreover, The Masses sheds light on the discontent that led to the violent clashes between workers and local authorities in Butte, discussing the factors that culminated in the riots and the aftermath of the incidents. The magazine offers insights into the psychological dynamics, organizational structures, and motivations behind the events, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of this significant moment in American labor history.