The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1916-06-16
AND THIS IS THE TRUTH

of the labor movement, the intent of
the statement being to convey the
thought that some groups of workmen
have the same attitude towards less
fortunate groups than the aristocrats
are supposed to hold for the mass Of
the people. If the statement was made
that some groups of workmen enjoy
much better conditions than others,
that they are able to accomplish more
for themselves than some of the other
groups, a fairer statement would be
made.
While it is true that the more
highly skilled workmen receive higher
wages than workmen with little skill,
yet the fact remains that number
of very highly skilled workmen re-
ceive comparatively low wages. If
those who enjoy calling names with
the object of creating an unfavorable
impression towards some union or
group of unions would take a little
time to study the trade union move
ment they would Dissolved that every
one of these unions, which they call
aristocrats, began their present organ
iZation confronted by the same con-
ditions and the problems which faced
all others, that in the beginning their
wages were governed by the same in
fluences and their hours of labor were
as long as those of all other workers,
that the employers were just as much
opposed to their organizing as they
were in the other trades and in
CARNATIONS from their beginning con.
tinually endeavored to educate their
members to agitate for improved con-
ditions and to establish the ways and
means by which education could be
carried on by which discipline could
be established and through which a
sound financial system could be placed
in operation.
UnorganiZed or poorly organized
more successful workers, and call
them aristocrats, but the so-called
aristocrats secured their higher wage
rate, shorter hours of labor, and
recognition from the employers, be-
cause they were willing to devote
more time to the study of their trade
problems and were willing to be gov
erned by sound business-like methods
in the transaction of their organiza-
tons affairs.
No one group in the trade union
movement has any claim for aristoc-
racy of mind, but some of the groups
have used the minds which nature en-
bowed them with more effectively
than others. Instead of sitting down,
| finding fault with the bosses, and
more successful than they were, they
have spent their time in working ous
methods which would enable them I'd
more fully protect their interests and
they have been willing to go dowI
into their pockets regularly every
week and pay sufficient amount OF
dues to give them financially effective
organizations.
| AS matter of fact, it is ridiculous,
to talk about aristocrats in the tradd]
union movement, for there is no such,
thing. Some organizations composed
exclusively of laborers today receive|
higher minimum wage rates than,
workmen who have spent years to
learn their trade.
The differences which exist between
some organizations in the labor moved
ment do not arise from any spirit of
aristocracy, but because some groups
of workers are more willing to pay
their way than others.
1t will be found almost invariably
that those workmen who like to talk
about the aristocrats in the trade'
union movement are those who are uni
willing to pay high dues or to finance
their organizations SO that they may
become international Mold
ers' Journal.