The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1907-12-07
REPORT Of COMMITTEE
ON STATE ORGANIZATION
Presented by w. E. McEwen, Sec
retary Of the Commit
tee.
And Which Was Adopted by the
American Federation Of
Labor,


senting State Federation Of Labor, is
splendid evidence Of the increasing ac-
tivity Of these organizations.
1t is the opinion of your committee
that federations Of labor in all the
states and territories under the juris-
diction of the American Federation Of
Labor should be encouraged and sup
ported by the general labor movement.
We hold that state labor feder-
alton is as essential to the success Of
the labor movement within state, as
is a national federation to the workers
of a nation.
A state federation Of labor has. at
least, three distinct functions to per-
form:-to seek state legislation favor
able to labor; to aid in promoting the
work of organization within it's terri
tory and to encourage education
among the wage working classes.
The efforts OF the several state
laws regulating the employment of in
mates in penal institutions, bearing on
compulsory education. adequate fac
tory inspection, efficient employers lia-
bility and much other remedial legis-
lation speak emphatically of the ne
cessity for active state organizations.
The assistance rendered the general
labor movement in the work Of organi-
Zation by many of the state branches
is a matter Of exceeding qualification,
and we recommend that the officers of
the American Federation Of Labor rem
der to those state branches which are
exerting themselves in this direction
such assistance as will tend to make
their efforts more efficient. The en-
ployment of an organizer in any state
for limited periods of time, during the
busy seasons, with the A. F. of L. and
the state branch dividing the expense,
is offered as a practical suggestion for
the guidance of the officers of the
American Federation of Labor in giv-
Of labor.
We must not underestimate the
educational value of the conventions
Of state branches. They offel to menu
.hers. Of local unions in tbs, numerous
cities of a state, opportunities For
studying the philosophy Of the labor
movement not otherwise afforded.
They are in a measure trade union
schools, and thus become a potent fac
tor in the general movement.
We hail with pleasure the assurance
given that an alliance between the
American trade unions and the sevral
organizations of farmers is imminent,
and we cheerfully recommend that
state branches continue to, cultivate
the friendship and fellowship of the
American Society of Equity, Farmers
Industrial and Educational Union and
kindred economic organizations Of
agriculturalists with view of recipro-
eating in the purchase of each others
products, and the seeking Of legislation
favorable to the interests of both.
For the reasons herein enumerated
we believe that every bona fide trade
union snonld affiliate with the state
branch in it's respective state, and for
fear the membership in the local un-
ions may not fully appreciate the inn
portance Of state declarations of labor
We would recommend that the officers
of the international unions b. request
ed to issue a circular setting forth
the advantages Of state federations
and advising their local unions to af-
tiliatel Herewith.
We would further recommend that
the secretary of the A.. F. of l.. be
directed to communicate with the Of
fcers Of international unions, calling
attention to the above recommended
ton, and as an additional effective
measure we would respectively propose
tine adoption of the following as a
substitute for resolution No. SO intro
duced by Delegate Kuemmerly of the
Illinois State Federation of Labor
(See page 32 Of the 4th days proceed
ings.)
Whereas, Many local unions do not
affiliate with the State Federation OF
Labor within their respective states,
and being fully cognizant Of the value
OF such organizations to the labor
movement in general, and believing
that the American Federation of Labor
Is capable of welding much influence
In strengthening state branches. it is
hereby
Resolved, By the 9th annual con-
Vent1On of the American Federation Of
Labor tnat circular letter he issued
ythe secretary setting forth the adj
vantages Of state branches, and advfs-
ing all local unions whether directly
connected with the A. F. OIL. or
through their international unions tn
affiliate with their State Federation NJ
Labor at the earliest moment, and be
it further
Resolved, That the officers of each
state branch desiring to receive the
benefit Of the distribution of said cir
cular shall, upon the call of the secre-
tary Of the A. F. of L. furnish him
with a list of local unions to which
they wish said proposed circulars sent
together with the names and addresses
of their secretaries.
Delegate Braunschweig moved the
adoption Of the report of the commit
tee. (Seconded).
Delegate Wilson (W. b. asked the
committee who would be required to
furnish the list Of addresses spoken Of
Delegate McEwen-It is the opinion
of your. committee, in order to save
useless expenditure of money; 4 those
state branches which desire to receive
3.& 5&%&k .,. ss4 # sE $s fSf25. rs 5 +. +