The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-07-31
The Future of UniOnis m.


l. our country can prosper at it's
best, harmony must exist be-
| tween capital, enterprise and labor.
| Most persons hereabouts will agree that
we have had too many strikes. The
problem of how to discourage strife
and encourage friendly cooperation is
not to be solved in a minute, nor is
of labor organizations; but we think
that the suggestions Of a large employ
er of labor outlined in a communica-
ton in yesterdays Tribune. last page,
are worthy Of careful consideration. We
repeat them herewith:
"First of all the union must be thor
oughly organized, with intelligent, con-
servative, and competent leaders at the
head. Then each member is to be as
sessed say $40 per man, which serves
as an initiation fee. Assuming that the
union has a membership of 10000 men,
bers, this assessment will create a fund
Of 100000. Application should then be
made to the courts for charter, as an
organization with capital stock of
be placed at 81 a month per man, to
defray the expenses of the organization.
Application is then to be made to
reputable banking institution for
guarantee bond, which will insure each
member against loss.
Insurance fea lures, sick benefits and
burial funds are to be created in each
hrn y,o1, pf ftn ftnr, fn tn
sure the members against loss of time
by accident or sickness and protection
for the widows and orphans in case Of
death. Another feature is the intro
duction of educational classes. Still
further is the establishment of a per-
manent home for aged and INDECENT
members. and schools for the education
of orphans and permanent employment
bureaus for men and women identified
with the organization.
"When these features shall have been
established. conciliatory committees
shall be appointed representing each
local organization, and this committee
shall draft fixed scale of wages to
apply to the district wherein the locals
~
concilatory committee is then to be
formed by the various representatives
of the different districts in which one
or more corporations or companies op-
crate. The fixed scale of wages govern
ing the employment of all men, women
and children is to be submitted to the
directors or board Of managers repre-
I,a i,,to
addition to this scale bona-fide guar
antee is also to be submitted agreeing
to carry out the provisions of the con-
tract submitted, together with the en-
dorsement of the company carrying the
guarantee bond. This contract to be
binding for a period of years suitable
to both parties to the contract. At the
expiration of the said contract repre-
sentatives of both interests to meet and
readjust whatever differences arise
meantime and fix upon similar scale
for another term of years.
"Under this proposition the employ
ers can make contracts for their prod
uct and fix the market price. This
scheme will include recognition of the
.,
permanent employment, and a COM
munity of interests between employer
and employe. If such an arrangement
can be established the employer who
outlined this plan for The Tribune feels
confident that all of the corporations
and companies will only be too glad to
sign the scale, give a similar bond and
do all In their power to encourage the
friendliest Of relations
Many advantages are inherent in this
plan. One trouble with many labor
unions at present is that their mem
bershp-is continually fuctuating, being
large today and small tomorrow, the
bond of fellowship being insufficient to
cause conference and permanence. In
corporation would give property
interest and incentive, and encourage
the more substantial workingmen to
come to the front.
and authority. A corporation can sue
and be sued. II workingmen now feel
that injunctions are used to their det~
riment, incorporation would enable
them to utilize government by in
junction" on footing of equality with
employing corporations.
1t would discourage strikes by put
ting the labor movement on a plane
where efforts for justice could be con-
Quoted peacefully. No employer, con-
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