What was a common fear among business leaders regarding unions?

Business leaders often feared that the rise of labor unions could lead to the spread of socialism and anarchism. This concern was rooted in the historical context of the late 19th and early 20th centuries when many labor movements were associated with radical political ideologies. Business leaders believed that unions could empower workers to challenge the existing economic system, potentially disrupting the capitalist framework and leading to demands for broader societal changes that aligned with socialist or anarchist principles. This fear of radicalism often led to efforts to suppress union activity, as leaders sought to maintain control over labor relations and prevent any shift toward ideologies they viewed as a threat to their interests and the economy.