Short Final: Taking Inventory

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10:15 PM ET

Verified

Credit: Piper Aircraft

Key Takeaways:

During a contentious labor dispute, William T. Piper was asked about the number of employees at his Piper Aircraft factory.
He famously responded, "About half," implying that only a fraction of his workforce was effectively working due to the dispute.

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According to legend, while in the midst of a contentious labor dispute with employees, William T. Piper was standing with a business associate in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, overlooking the large Piper Aircraft factory on the Susquehanna River. The other man asked, “So, how many people work here these days?”

Piper replied with a sigh, “About half.”