The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1916-05-27
THE EIGHT-ROUR WORKDAY,

Trade union agitation for eight-hour day. has fill
tered into every element of society," In theory it is
accepted by many long-hour employers. They will not
apply it, however, until compelled to do by the
ganized of their workers. This is the history of
the trade union movement.
The United States Public Health Service in its re-
cent bulletin No. Is, says:
I'm spite of this tendency Production of hours> a
very large proportion of workers working so
or more hours per week and many without "one-day
The anthracite miners have just secured the shorter
work day. Their long dream been realized because
they organized.
Granite cutters announced this month that they
have secured universal eght-hour day with railroad
managers. These workers are organized
Building craftsmen, large numbers of metal work.
ers' the printing trades together with many other
dustries and cangs working under the eght-hour
system. They organized.
These include skilled and unskilled-men who
carry mortar and shovel dirt possessing tech
nical knowledge and trained minds.
The employer does not consider an eisht-hour de-
mand from the standpoint of SKILL The question that
interests him u.s. care these workers organized? And
he shapes his policy according the strength unity and
determination of the union.
There are hundreds of thousands of workers who
labor long hours They unorganized They are NOT
only employed in the iron and steel industry in the
saughterng plants, cotton mills hosiery and knit goods
yards the coke ovens and in TRANSFORMATION and
manufacturing of all kinds.
TO these the American Federation of Labor makes
appeal Regardless of SKILL SEX nationality color or
Creed If they unite under the of the bona fde
trade union the power of organized labor
behind them in their effort better working conditions
knowledge of the benefits of eight hours is of no
value unless it is made effective through the driving
power of trade unosm the enthusiasm that unitv
generates.
The eght-hour day, common among trade union
lists, was not besowal favor by employers It was
taken by these workers. They organized, and by the
irresistible power of united action shortened their work
day, heightened their lives and brought sunshine and
cheer to countless homes.
An eght-hour day is not for the timid It is only
possible where men dare act in concert against drudg
cry and toll that makes impossible opportunities for
home life, development and recreation.
When workers secure the eight-hour day thew have
time to acquire knowledge and perfect solidarity with
their fellows This is followed by consciousness of
power by faith in themselves by visions of greater
things within their grasp if they but unedy reach for
them.
They abandon age-long theories of workers
worth" and stand erect in their newfound power and
might to take their place citizens and men,
1t is this discovery, through trade rinionsn that
selfish employers fear trade unionsm smashes
the belief that workers must depend Others
organized labor Is resisted as is other institution
Every force at the command of these employers is
rayed against it, for they are we'll aware that once
their employees organized they begin to think and
quickly enlist in the fight trade unonism is wagine
against all forms Of oppression.
The American Federation of Labor appeals to the
unorganzed to join with for the universal eghthour
day.
The doors of the trade union movement swing out
ward to every wage worker regardless of skill or
PATTON sex. political affiliatios, Color creed or race
All invited to enlist under the banner of this great
humanzng institution that stands buwark against
oppression and wrong.
Wage workers, ORGANIZED Agate!