The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-10-18


are represented In the move
ment, which has as its foundation .
principles recognized by every fairmind-
ed labor leader as the true motives of
unionisn- Chief among these is the pro-
vision against strikes. Whatever may be
the sentiment of the public. II stands a
fact that representative union men regret
and dread a strike as much as do the
employers against whom the strikes are
aimed. There are exceptions. Of course
Sam PARKS. for instance-but II will be
noticed that Sam Parks's tyrannical policy
Is not Endorsed or even tolerated BY the
better element OF the labor ranks. A care
full perusal Of the constitutions Of the large
unions OF the country reveals in every case
ample provisions against the strike. In
effect they all authorize a strike last
resort for obtaining their rights.
In the preamble of the constitution OF the
Structural Building Trades Alliance one
OF the stated objects for amalgamating Is
Ito avoid and discourage strikes. il posi-
bic, and TO prevent international strife and
friction I'm the building trades industry"
Another one is 1.-THE establishment of local
and international boards OF arbitration TO
settle disputes they arise without having
TO resort TO strikes" There have been some
serious strikes in the building trades that
have cost thousands of dollars. In some
cases perhaps they could have been avert
ed: in others they were necessary. II is
noticeable that there arc not as many large
strikes to-day as in the early history OK
trade unions Perfect organization. 1t has
been said. insures freedom from strikes.
because such an organization seeks TO settle
troubles BY conferences and not subject its
members to the distressing hardships of a
strike.
STRIKES MEAN HARD TIMES.
Strikes mean hard times for the strikers;
they mean privations. debts and perhaps
starvation. The corporations suffer but
generally the strikers suffer more. a union
does not strike for the mere love of fight;
Il viii Be found that wrongs and injustice
C some kind are behind every large strike.
a conference is much preferable nowadays
where the differences can be discussed by
10th parties and a settlement can be
reached by compromise or by arbitration
boards. IL the operators refuse To confer
and make attempts TO settle the trouble the
fault of the strike is theirs; and if the
Union strikes without giving warning or
asking for a fair discussion of the points at
issue. IT is at fault. Thus contrary 20
=
there are two sides to the question.
But one will find that all union men de-
fcnd the strike. Ii is conceded to be neces-
sary at times and the wage earners viii
sacrifice their homes and their property 10
gain in the end what they believe is ius-
tice Frank Duffy. secretary OF the United
brotherhood OF Carpenters and Joiners.
takes thtt attitude. in speaking of strikes
he said: II am not favorably inclined
towards strikes. I wish 10 avoid them If
possible. / have always used my best
deavors TO prevent them from going into
effect. They carry with them a convic-
ton OF dread, not only To the workman. but
also TO the employers and the public in
general 1t is said they cause dissension
and dissatisfaction on all sides. no matter
how trivial they are. Through them prog
ress is stopped. capital tied up, the poor
starved for the time being. the cog wheels
Of industry blocked and civil war proclaimed
in the labor world. And yet with all these
disagreeable inconvenience we find they
are necessary at times
MUST STRIKE TO WIN.
I'm order TO win better working condi-
tions with fair wages and shorter hours
of toll we are compelled TO resort TO them
the only weapon Ieft-after all other honor
able means have failed TO procure a salts
factory settlement. There is no law in the
world that can prevent them from taking
place when capital and stubbornness OPP
pose the workingman in his just demands.
There Is no conscientious human being who
would request US to avoid them when they
know the deplorable and degrading condi-
tions under which American workmen exist
and live. through no fault of theirs in this
boosted land OF freedom. in order 10 pile UP
millions OF dollars for a soulless corpora
tion. grabbing trust OF a 'catch-alP COM
pany.
Strikes are not wrong and are never
lost Even those that are called unsuccess-
ful are advantageous TO us in many re-
spscts. Then inoculate into us the spirit
OF trade unionism. brotherly love and self
respect We know that labor has had TO
fight for everything it has gained so far,
and though IL has been defeated in these
Industrial struggles fights called strikes.
st has taught us the lesson OF how better
20 prepare and wage future battle to a sue
cessful issue. More than that it has so
impressed our employers with our COM
bined strength through organization that
they are shy OF throwing down the gauntlet
dehantly TO US in the future II has made
justice OF our demands and 10 meet us in
q spirit OF fairness and equality when diff
ferences arise. for their interests are at
stake as well as ours. Is IL not also fact
that through strikes we have asserted and
thy have acknowledged the right of work
men to combine and 10 organize for their
welfare and protection and that when
grievances crop up combined capital I'm the
form of trusts and syndicates. cannot under
any circumstances deal with the working
man as an individual. but must deal with
the trade union to which he belongs. affili-
ated with other trade unions in the form OF
combined labor"
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST STRIKE.
]; Is a good sign OF the times certainly To
be able TO note that the larger organiza-
tions are striving TO take extra precautions
against the strike. The Structural Build
ing Trades Alliance is foremost example.
The National Civic Federation. which has
Just met in Chicago. is another. Its con-
ference was for the sole purpose OF dis
cussing how 10 bring about better relations
between the employer and the employee
In his book on '.Unonism in America"
John Mitchell voices a strong opposition
TO strikes. though he declares that they are
sometimes necessary but should never be