What was the purpose of hiring guards during the labor conflicts at steel mills?

The purpose of hiring guards during labor conflicts at steel mills was primarily to maintain order and protect nonunion workers. During strikes and labor disputes, tensions often escalated, leading to potential violence between striking workers and those who chose to continue working, referred to as scabs or nonunion workers. By employing guards, companies aimed to ensure the safety of these nonunion employees and to allow the mills to continue operations despite the strikes.

The presence of guards was intended to deter any aggressive actions from striking workers, thereby minimizing disruptions to production and protecting the interests of the company. In this volatile environment, maintaining a semblance of order was crucial to both the companies and the labor situation, making the role of guards essential during these conflicts.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the primary intention behind hiring guards. Protecting union leaders, escorting union strikers, or intimidating nonunion workers may be side effects of the guards’ presence, but they were not the main purpose for which the guards were deployed in these labor conflicts. The focus was on safeguarding nonunion workers and ensuring operational continuity at the steel mills.