Final answer:
Labor unions have historically faced violent backlash from business owners, which often necessitated government intervention. Employers used tactics like strikebreakers and open shops to hinder union activities, reinforcing the public's negative view of the labor movement. Despite these obstacles, labor activism led to increased worker expectations and influenced reforms concerning their rights and workplace conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Throughout history, particularly during and after World War I, labor unions frequently faced significant challenges from business owners that often required government intervention. Such challenges included violent backlash, as businesses would use various means to suppress union activities. This violence confirmed the public sentiment that unions were radical and un-American, affecting the public's view of the labor movement.
The most formidable obstacle labor unions encountered was not just the immediate retaliation but also the broader societal belief in individual work ethic over collective action. In addition to physical confrontations, business owners employed tactics such as open shops, strikebreakers, and yellow-dog contracts to undermine union efforts. Even though some industrialists attempted to improve working conditions, the majority did not extend their responsibility to workers beyond the provision of wages.
Despite these challenges, the continued activism of workers and labor unions raised their expectations and led to changes in how employers and governments addressed their rights. The need for workers during the war and the subsequent economic growth helped shift some business leaders towards accepting a need for reforms, such as the eight-hour workday and employee benefits, to increase efficiency and prevent the spread of labor unions.