Ep 15. Target: Mafia: Unions and the Mob

In American Justice season 2 episode 15, titled "Target: Mafia: Unions and the Mob," viewers are taken on a deep-dive into the connection between organized crime syndicates and labor unions in America. The episode delves into the symbiotic relationship between the two entities and highlights how the mafia manipulated and controlled unions for their own gain.

The episode starts with an introduction to the National Crime Syndicate, a criminal organization that ruled America's underworld in the mid-20th century. The narrators explain that the mafia controlled various criminal activities like prostitution, gambling, and drug trafficking, but their influence extended beyond the shady world of crime. The mafia became involved in the labor movement in America and held enormous power over highly-sensitive industries like trucking, construction, and dockyards.

The series then moves on to highlight how the mafia infiltrated labor unions. A former union member, Joe Cornacchia, gives a detailed account of how he was approached by a mobster who asked him to run for a union office. Joe explains that he was young and naïve at the time, and he was unaware of the mafia's influence on unions. But he soon discovered that the mob controlled the union's elections and ultimately determined who held the positions of power. The mob also used their influence to control the allocation of union funds, which were often used to finance mafia activities.

The episode explores how the mafia's hold on unions impacted American industries. The series highlights the case of Jimmy Hoffa, a powerful figure in America's Teamsters Union. Hoffa's close ties to the mafia and his corruption ultimately led to his downfall. The series unravels how Hoffa used his influence to control union elections and how he was ultimately implicated in charges of fraud, bribery, and racketeering.

The episode brings forth interviews with law enforcement officials and reveals how the government tried to bring down the mafia's hold on labor unions. The series highlights successful operations like the RICO Act, which allowed law enforcement to crack down on organized crime groups by classifying them as criminal enterprises.

The episode concludes by reflecting on the impact of the mafia's influence on labor unions and how it affected ordinary workers. The film emphasizes that while mafia control over unions led to increased corruption and criminal activity, it also caused immense harm to individuals who depended on unions to protect their rights. The episode brings to light the plight of workers who were exploited and mistreated, especially those who worked in dangerous jobs like construction or transportation.

Overall, American Justice season 2 episode 15, "Target: Mafia: Unions and the Mob," is a gripping account of the connection between labor unions and organized crime syndicates in America. The episode provides an eye-opening view of how the mafia infiltrated unions and used them for their own gain. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the dark underbelly of America's underworld.