The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1915-05-07


ganize to strike would be q
IL misstatement. but to say that
we organize so. that we can
act unitedy in all matters affecting
our terms of employment and that at
times we find it necessary to strike
would probably be an accurate deflni
ton of our purposes. When we do
strike 1t is with the object of securing
some condition to which we feel we
are entitled, and to secure this our re-
serve strength must be sufficient to
carry us through period during
which the employers mind gradually
reaches a stage where consideration
Of the contest leads him to believe that
basis of agreement can be reached
which he is willing to accept
This period may vary from few
days to many months. but during all
of this time. whatever it may be, the
workmen must either be supplied with
food and shelter or surrender their ef-
fort because Of sheer exhaustion
Strikers cannot exist on enthusiasm,
courage and loyalty to principle
alone. They must eat and be clothed
as well. and their wives and children
must not lack food, clothing and shell
ter. From some source the strikers
must be given financial relief.
II there is one thing that stands out
prominently in the history Of our most
successful trade unions 1t Is that the
nature of this financial relief, its e1-
tent and regularity, has had much to
do not only in the winning Of their
strikes, but. what Is as important, In
the successful negotiation Of trade
agreements with employers. The NOR
al effect of a substantial reserve In the
trade union treasury is powerful one
upon workmen and employers alike.
The very fact that workmen will con-
tribute money year after year for the
purpose of self protection conveys the
impression that there is something sub
stantial about the men and their organ
ization. There Is in it an evidence of
practical methods and definite purpose
which unQuestionably influences the
employers mind, for whether he be an
tagonistic or not he appreciates tho
difference between sound financial sys-
tens and happy go-lucky methods. 1t
occasionally requires more time for
some groups of trade unionists to learn
the lesson that each group must pre-
pare itself In advance for the day when
it may be suddenly called upon to meet
the problems arising from rupture OF
working relations with employers, and
to learn the lesson as some workmen
have is to pay an exceedingly costly
price for a course In the school of ex-
perience.
There are some self evident facts
which every trade unionist must face
when a strike lengthens into weeks
and months. The strikers must be sup
ported from the funds of their own
organization or from donations from
the members of other trade unions or
from the public. Funds from some
source must be available or the strik-
ers must surrender. Trade unions are
proverbial for the generous assistance
which they render to each other, but 1t
would be fatal policy to feel that we
need not heed for tomorrow, because
If trouble comes others will donate
funds they have accumulated for their
own protection and give them to us to
use even though In our own improvi-
dence we have neither been willing to
M I'd IN To- trn
husband our funds during good times
But after all it Is not argument, but
experience, which supplies the surest
guide. The history Of trade unionism
in America is an open book. 1t con-
tains the record Of national trade IN
ions, which, from the date Of their
birth, have gained in strength. and 1t
also tells us Of organizations once
powerful in numbers which have pass
ed out Of existence. In addition 1t tells
the story Of the organizations which
compose the A. r. of L. and degree Of
success which each Is making in Sc
curing improved conditions for its
members. 1t tells US Of some organi-
"a lions which accomplish more than
others. Qualities Of leadership, sound
methods Of organization play their part
In this, but am probably well within
the facts In believing that the financial
system adopted has been prominent II
not the most prominent factor. Look
ing the field over as 1t Is today, va
ind that the international unions, with.
out exception, whose members pay the
highest dues and accumulate adequats
defense funds. are making the most
progress, while the organizations WITH
the poorest financial systems or basts
lag furthest behind in the march to-
ward improved terms OF employment
A rnar4cap Eoda tIop