The Butler County press. [volume] (Hamilton, Ohio) 1900-1946, 1916-10-13
BASED ON TRUE DEMOCRACY

Could compish-Organized Labor
Stands For Industrial Peace, Arbi-
traton of Disputes and Justice to All.
Not many years ago membership in
q trade union was something to be
kept secret, says the Garment Worker.
Nearly all unions had signs, grips,
etc, by which members of the same
union unacquainted could recognize
each other. The worker who had the
courage to join a labor organization
and make known the fact was looked
upon with suspicion. He was a per-
son to be avoided He was classed
as a dangerous character, Il disturber
of the peace and a menace TO society.
Outlines he was referred to as an an
archist, and many members of trade
unions in bygone days have had to
Withstand insults and ostracism from
those engaged in professional and 9th
er walks of life.
The trade union button was in the
eyes of many people a badge of dis
honor In the shop should it become
known one was a union man, it meant
instant dismissal
Employers of labor, ministers of the
gospel, presidents of colleges, judges
and professional men were numbered
among those who considered labor un-
ions un-American. Every possible OBJ
stacle was thrown in the way to pre-
vent their growth.
However, despite the combined ef-
forts of employers associations, With
their blacklist; despite the wholesale
issuance OF injunctions by certain
judges; despite all attempts on the
part OF its opponents, organized labor
has moved steadily forward. conquer
ing every force arayed against it, un-
til today labor occupies proud and
exalted place in the affairs Of the ma
ton.
The union man no longer sinks fu.
lively through the shop or factory
fearing detection. No longer is the
American trade unionist stunned. A
great and wonderful transformation
has taken place. rhe trade union
movement in this country has become
a power to be reckoned with 1t is
now respected where once it was ma
ligned
Many who scotfed at labor unions
now proudly wear the emblem of la
bor Instead of the members Of or
ganized labor being scorned, it is he
who refuses to join with his fellow
workers to advance their common in
terests who is looked upon with con
tempt and referred TO as a parasite.
There was time when reference TO
the worker was understood TO mean
the man who toiled in the workshop
and factory or in the field. The clerk
the office employee, the teacher and
the professional man, according to
their ideas, had nothing i'll common
with those who earned their bread by
the sweat Of their brow. toJing from
sunrise to sunset. There was a wide
gulf between these two classes. So
cially they were estranged.
How is it now? Attend meeting of
the Central Labor union IN any large
city. What do we find? gathering
Of men and women from all walks of
life, the skilled artisan debating with
the day laborer. the teacher from the
public school discussing questions af-
fecting the welfare of the teamster,
the actor rubbing shoulders with the
hodcarrier the stenographer and the
bookkeeper on the same committee as
the machinist and the boilermaker, ali
seeking to be helpful in advancing the
cause of humanity and striving to
bring about the true brotherhood Of
man.
The trade union movement is the
greatest movement for good the world
has ever known. In 1t is found true
democracy Through 1t the workers
have thrown off the shackles of op-
preston. The hours Of toll have been
shortened living conditions improved
education provided for all and children
protected from those who would turn
their lives into dollars. 1t would take
volumes to tell of the reforms labor
has accomplished.
And why has labor by united action
been able to do that which no other
force the world has ever known could
accomplish? 1t is because this great
movement is founded on liberty, truth
and justice 1t is an absolutely un-
selfish movement which does not con-
fine its efforts to bettering the condi
ton of it's own members alone, but
reaches out to the ends Of the earth in
its endeayor to uplift all mankind.
Organized labor points the way to
better and higher things. 1t stands
for peace in the Industrial world and
between nations 1t stands for arbi-
tration. 1t stands for things that are
clean and pure. 1t hates iniquity and
oppression and wages persistent war
fare against those who seek to exploit
the worker for personal gain. 1t puts
the man above the dollar. 1t is the
great humanitarian institution that is
bound to triumph in it's endeavor to
restore to man his birthright.
The right to life, liberty and the
pursuit of happiness, which has so
long had an empty meaning for count
less thousands of wage slaves, will
eventually, through the trade union
movement, have real meaning to tba
workers.