The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1902-12-13
THE NON.UNIoN WORKER.

THE UNION WORKER.
Much is heard of the rights of the
non-union worker since the anthracite
coal strike has been referred to a COM
mission. Such non-union papers as
the New York Sun proudly refers to
the non-union worker as the fourth
PARTY in an industrial dispute. This
is clearly misleading. 1t is Il lame ef-
fort to strengthen capital-one of the
parties-with an ally. Rather than be-
ing a fourth party in dispute the
non-union worker is simply part of
the first or second party. A part OF
the second party so far as enjoying the
fruits of organized effort, and a part
OF the first PARTY when used to defeat
the hopes Of organized labor
Who ever heard Of non-union labor
effectively making it's wants known ex-
cept when aided and abetted by CAPT.
tall for capitals benefit" During an
industrial dispute the capitalist and
his managers will make much of the
nom union worker. So long as he can
be used for their benefit they will make
strong claims as to his rights, yet their
interest in the actual welfare of the
non-union worker Is too often open
to doubt. Usually when a dispute is
81 &na Sc
first disposed Of. He then is of no
more use to his employer. One would
naturally think that corporation, out
Of gratitude, would ever cling to the
men who helped to subdue their fell
low workers. Not so with the average
corporation. Perhaps employers have
little confidence in the men who are
traitors to their class. Perhaps VIII
Cartons old saying is held applicable
false to one, can be the same with
two"
In the miners strike in the eleventh
hour the non-union worker is making
claims for attention. He does not
want the union recognized. He does
not want the shorter workday. He SIM
ply wants the increase in wages.
Really how many people suppose
that this is voluntary demand of the
non union worker? Can it be sup.
posed for a moment that any kind Of
labor, union or non union, would OBJ
ject to working the shorter Workday :
No, it is not the disposition of any
kind of labor to object to better work
with labor is the method of fighting
for it.
Some have the moral courage to
make their wants known. Others
through moral cowardice brood over
their wants. and take whatever is
given them.
1t is apparent. however, that the
agents of the mine owners circulated
the petitions to be signed by the 1000
non union workers Directing to the
shorter workday, and the recognition
of the union. It would be an easy
matter to get the signatures. These
men have ever been at the service of
the mine owners.
Their objections show still more.
They show that the mine owners are
willing to give increased wages, and
are throwing out all kinds of overtures
to this effect to the commission, but
when it comes to the shorter workday
and the recognition of the union, they
are not only using their own influence
against it, but the objections of the
inundated non-union workmen as
veil.
The united mine workers have no oh
lection to the non union workers.
They would undoubtedly be taken
into the union with open arms if they
desired to join. II they would signify
an intention of uniting with union la.
Dor the recognition of the miners un-
ion would be but a matter of little
time. Then, and only then will there
be greater assurance of industrial
peace in the anthracite coal regions.
THE APPRENTICE QUESTION.