Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1913-03-20

/ lty OF labor.
For this reason, particularly, the
trades union support the organization
OF domestic servants. Up to the end
of 1911 the General Commission had
given EGO for the new organization.
and more will be necessary in the flu
ture. The organized workers willingly
pay this money anticipating that the
success OF the organization, even if it
cannot be measured in figures, will
s.be beneficial for general solidarity.
I The conditions of the agricultural
workers are somewhat different. The
fact that they are not continuously en-
gagged as such, and that they do not
work alone lightens the task of or
ganization and presupposes better
chance OF effectiveness. The Agricul-
tural Workers Union came into being
on July I, 1909, and at the end of
the year 1911 numbered 1886 mem
mers in 511 groups. Their activity lay
chiefly in giving legal protection, but
the amount of money spent on 4this
does not correspond to its Importance.
1t was possible to report to the gener-
al meeting in December, 1872 on i'm
provement in wages and contracts.
which for a long time have in not a
rev cases been arranged for one
year.
The success OF the Agricultural
Workers Union lay along similar lines
as that of the Domestics' Union. The
progress of the workers brought about
by organization and education is i'm
portant even when not Immediately
apparent. It can be stated with pride
that out of A delegates AZ are en-
gagged as agricultural workers or for
esters. In most groups the manage
ment is undertaken by the workers
thmselves. This result in so short a
time Is the more remarkable as the
agricultural laborers were always as
the helpers of the reactionary element
OF our administration. This has
changed. The workers in the land
have become acquainted with our CO.
hesion, and the union will see that
the same Is possible for them in the
future.
The union will be supported by the
solidarity of the nation. For the first
three years the General Commission
advanced G2,650, but it is anticipated
less will be necessary in the future
as through Improvements in working
conditions the MEMBERS will be able
to pay higher contributions. The con-
tributions up to the present have
been 3D., I'd, 10 d., and L. per NTH.
The union provides legal protection,
sick benefits, victimization support,
and death benefits. Each member re-
eeives a trade journal monthly
The activity and progress of the
both organizations has been marked
by opponents who are taking precau-
tons. Housewives unions and bour-
geois wOmen's organizations are COM
bining Ito obstruct advance, and as
sist the christian" unions actively
in establishing opposition organiza-
tons.
Against the, agricultural Workers
Union state and land authorities are
working hand in hand with the
Christian" and Hirsch-Dunker trades
unions. Also the well-known Field
Workers Centre haze been endeavor-
ing to interfere. Lately, an opposition
organization under the name of the
Forest, Land and Vineyard Workers
General Union, was formed, directed
by Franz Behrens, M p, and leader
of the Christian" unions, and we'll
known through his actions on the
council of the state insurance act.
But it has not been possible to
check the progress of the new groups
Of domestic and agricultural workers.
The increase Of their solidarity should
affect the whole labor movement in
"a few years.
tGertrud Hanna, Berlin, principal
Of the Women Workers Secretariat Of
the General Commission of German
Trades Unions