Why did companies engage in union busting?

A. to stop unions from growing

B. to build union membership

C. to locate strikebreakers

D. to make workdays shorter

A) To stop unions from growing.

Explanation:

Business owners during the Gilded Age (late 19th century / early 20th century) did not like labor union. This is because labor unions fought for increased pay, safer working conditions, and shorter work hours. Business owners did not like these goals because it would reduce their profits dramatically. This is why business owners wanted to stop labor unions from growing, as labor unions would only cost them money and headaches.

The correct answer to this is: A. to stop unions from growing.

Companies did not want unions to grow as it forced them to treat their workers better and cut into the corporate profits.