Goon squad

In the United States a goon squad is a group of criminals or mercenaries, commonly associated with union, anti- or pro-, violence. In the case of pro-union violence, a goon squad may be formed by union leaders to intimidate or assault non-union workers, strikebreakers, or parties who do not cooperate with the directives of union leadership. In the case of anti-union violence, goon squads are traditionally hired by employers as an attempt at union busting, and resort to many of the same tactics, including intimidation, espionage, and assault.

During the labor unrest of the late 19th century in the United States, businessmen hired Pinkerton agent goon squads to infiltrate unions, and as guards to keep strikers and suspected unionists out of factories. The best known such confrontation was the Homestead Strike of 1892, in which Pinkerton agents were called in to enforce the strikebreaking measures of Henry Clay Frick, acting on behalf of Andrew Carnegie, who was abroad; the ensuing conflicts between Pinkerton agents and striking workers led to several deaths on both sides. The Pinkertons were also used as guards in coal, iron, and lumber disputes in Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania, as well as the Great Railroad Strike of 1877.

Goon Squad (disambiguation)

A Goon squad is a group of thugs or mercenaries, commonly associated with anti-union or pro-union violence.

Goon Squad may also refer to:

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Goon Squad (band)

Goon Squad was a dance music group assembled by producer Arthur Baker. Their song "Eight Arms to Hold You" went to number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1985. The song was used for the movie The Goonies; although the main scene it was used in was deleted (it is still played, although barely audible, during the scene when Chunk first enters the Walsh's residence), it was nevertheless included on the soundtrack. The scene involved the Goonies being attacked by a giant octopus as they waded through underground tunnels. They defeat the octopus by throwing a walkman playing the song into its mouth, which causes it to start dancing. The scene was cut for being too cartoony. The group featured vocals from Will Downing , Craig Derry, Bobby Coleman, Tina B., Cindy Mizell

A follow-up single, "Powerdrill", peaked at number thirty-one.

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