Well that is a little different, that was dealing with people's livelihoods. Doesn't make it right but to me not on the same level as hating someone for their race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.
It was about intimidation. Don't cross the line.
It wasn't about money, it was about power (being able to demand changes to working conditions, benefits, protection against being let go, etc.).
It is exactly on the same level, and the fact that you can't see that is what makes "hate" crime such an orwellian concept, only one stage removed from 1984's thought crimes.
In both cases, one self-identified group of "us" (be it racial, social, or familial) decided to murder someone who they perceived as threatening their group. It doesn't matter if the murderers think they are protecting the "One True Religion", their "Racial Purity" or their "Right to Organize Labor", they are murderers of the same ilk.