Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Steel and Kindness: Clash of the Skyscrapers
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Sep 13, 2024 
Paul Starrett, a pioneering construction company owner famed for building the Empire State Building, discusses his ambitious project to create the tallest building in the world amidst a tumultuous labor landscape. He grapples with the challenge of uniting a workforce during tense strikes and strives to balance efficiency with empathy. The intense competition with rival architects underscores the innovative spirit of the era while highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by builders. Starrett champions a humane approach, demonstrating how kindness can foster better labor relations in a cutthroat environment.
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The Pullman Strike
- George Pullman, a wealthy industrialist, built a company town where he controlled every aspect of workers' lives, exploiting them for profit.
- Despite his publicized benevolence, Pullman's greed and control led to the Pullman Strike of 1894, a pivotal moment in American labor history.
Jenny Curtis's Courage
- Jenny Curtis, a young seamstress, became a leader of the Pullman Strike, bravely confronting Pullman about his unfair practices.
- Her powerful testimony at the American Railway Union convention ignited nationwide support for the strike.
Starrett's Philosophy
- Paul Starrett, influenced by the Pullman Strike, chose to prioritize worker well-being and fair treatment.
- He adopted the "efficiency wages" approach, believing that better pay and conditions would result in a more motivated and productive workforce.
