The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1911-11-24
UNION BENEFITS.
Organized Labor a Great Aid to
Worlds Progress.
ITS AIMS ARE PRACTICAL.

Favors Trade Agreements With Capt.
tai and Recognizes the Value Of Ar
bitration-Strikss tho Last Resort of
| Unionism.
The trade union as q constructive
force is ever striving to build up and
not tear down. Essentially right in
principle, its forces are ever directed
to the end that perfection in organiza-
ton may be accomplished. Its ideals
and its aims are practical, and its
work Is progressive 1t has aided in
dustry in the results achieved during
more than a century of well directed
effort
The patent offices of the world act
as the barometers that indicate the
skill and intelligence Of people, and
as the progress of a country depends
upon the success of its industries the
Importance and value of the trade I'M
ion movement for industry are great.
It is conceded to be a truth that to
the progress of industry inventive
genius gives valuable aid, and 1t has
been found that where labor received
fair compensation for Its services in
ventive genius reaches its greatest
height.
Trade agreements in industry aid
materially in the elimination of diff
ferences which otherwise might arise.
Not only does labor favor equitable
agreements with capital, but capital
to a certain degree favors a trade
agreement. And this mutual under
standing which is so necessary to the
progress of industry is becoming a
doctrine of vital Importance 20 both.
Collective bargaining is as necessary
to the perpetuity Of industry and its
progress as labor is to industry, for
1t is only by mutual understanding
without strife between the representa-
tives Of the employer and the en-
ployee that results are accomplished.
No man has a right to sell his labor
for less than a minimum living wage,
and when he does sell it or attempts
to sell his labor below such a minimum
he helps to degrade his fellow men.
The trade union movement t;.vors
arbitration. 1t recognizes the fact that
men are human and have different
points Of view; that many times such
points Of view are the result of mis-
understanding; that by meeting in con-
ference with a desire to be fair, with
desire to see justice DONE mutual
agreements can be arrived at. Labor
therefore gives its approval and infiu-
ence to the cause of arbitration.
! The strike is the last resort, and no
body of men constituting an organiza-
ton of labor strikes for the pleasure Of
striking Men strike only after every
endeavor has been made to adjust act
ual grievances.
The labor movement recognizes that
the avoidance of strife adds to the
prestige and power of labor, and only
when it is necessary is such action
taken. Lincoln in his Hartford speech
said that the inalienable right of labor
to strike when it was necessary could
not be questioned Lincoln, of course,
was correct.
The trade union as an educator not
only equals the public school in results,
but in many instances surpasses it.
BY the curriculum Of the trade union
the mind is broadened, the character is
refined, and clearness of judgment is
acquired.
The character of the discussion is
such that the interest Of the members
in the affairs Of their organization adds
to their value as citizens. Public ques-
tons of moment are analysed care
fully. Lectures are held at the meet
ing of the Chicago Federation of La
Dor. Public men with ideas are invit-
ed to address them on questions of
public interest. Public educators are
gladly and willingly heard, and the ex
perience gained is of great benefit to
the speaker as well as the audience.
1t advocates the initiative and refer
endum so that the people directly may
have an opportunity to take a proper
interest in their affairs in order that
careful legislation may be enacted for
their welfare.
Labor has accomplished great works
but it hopes to accomplish many more
great works.-James Mcguire, Record.
ing Secretary International Brother
h00d Of Ctatioparv Eirounop