Here's a breakdown of why Tony Boyle is infamous:
* "Bloody Harlan": Boyle's leadership was marked by violent suppression of dissent within the UMWA, particularly in the Harlan County coalfields of Kentucky. This era was known as "Bloody Harlan" due to the violence, intimidation, and murders that occurred, often attributed to Boyle's supporters.
* Murder of Joseph Yablonski: In 1969, Yablonski, a vocal critic of Boyle's leadership, challenged him for the presidency of the UMWA. Yablonski, his wife, and daughter were brutally murdered in their home. Although Boyle wasn't directly convicted, the murders are widely believed to have been orchestrated by his associates.
* Conviction and Imprisonment: Boyle was eventually convicted of violating federal labor laws for using union funds to finance his re-election campaign and for obstructing justice in the Yablonski murder investigation. He served a prison sentence.
While Boyle did hold a powerful position within the UMWA, his legacy is one of corruption, violence, and tragedy. His actions had a lasting impact on the labor movement and the history of the UMWA.