The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1917-12-29
LABOR'S PROGRESS.

The twelve-month period which
will end next Monday night will be
remembered as one marked by few In
dustrial disputes in the Zenith City.
True, there have been some ripples
in labor circles, such as the strike OF
the shoe workers at the Northern
shoe company; that Of the boilernaak-
ers last summer, and that of the
freight handlers in November. All
were of minor Importance with the
exception of the dispute between. the
boilermakers and their employ rs,
and the fact that the latter were doing
work needed by the government re-
suited in the strikers being granted
some concessions, and an adjustment
of the trouble.
Although wage increases have
failed to keep pace with the unpre-
cedented increases in the cost of liv
ing necessities, several local unions
have succeeded in obtaining fair ad-
vances in their scales, while unskilled
labor is receiving the highest wages
paid within the last score of years.
II war time profiteering is checked
to the extent that business interests
are not permitted to exact unreasop-
able and eXtortionate profits, and
there are no attempts to lower work
ing standards and increase the hours
of toll, it can be reasonably assumed
that the workers will exert all their
influence towards the maintenance of
peaceful and harmonious relations
with their employers.
Industrial efficiency is just. as es-
sential as military strength in the
successful waging of the war against
militarism, and the government will
require the loyal services of every
man, woman and child, in their re-
spective capacities, to terminate the
conflict with the loss of as few lives
as possible.
The past year is significant N that
organized labor, and the principle of
collective bargaining between en-
ployer and employee; have made huge
inroads into the prejudices and oppo.
sition of conservative business against
labor unions. This progress ia largely
the result of the attitude of the pres
ent administration, which has given
official Endorsement to the right of
workers to organize, rendered it's
services in settling all disputes, and
fostered a spirit of tolerance and for
bearance on the part of the employ.
ing interests.
During these crucial times there is
little justification for interruption of
production or industry, if both CAPT.
tai and labor subserve individual well
1are to that OF the country, and give
tangible evidence of their protesta-
tions of patriotism. If differences
are unavoidable, they should be SUBJ
mltted to mediators of the department
OF labor, with the assurance that calm
deliberation will be given the conten-
tions of the controversial parties. and
Justice melted out to all, with the pub.
lie veal receiving the first and last
consideration.
The approach of the new year ush-
ers In period when it is appropriate
to make resolutions governing our
conduct in the future.
F'ealty to our country makes it an
expedient and noble resolve for labor
to pledge its unfaltering support 70
the prosecution of the war; to elimin-
ate embarrassing and objectionable
stoppage of the wheels of industry
and be just. conscientious and cour.
ageous In all it's dealings.
To observe such a program means
that labor's hands shall always be
clean, and when right-not might
dominates the worlds activities the
workers will come to a realization of
those Ideals which have ever been
foremost In their aspirations, and the
fruits of toll will revert to those to
whom they justly belong.
The year 1918 is full of hopes and
.possibilities-and may labor OBSTINATE
It milestone worthy of RECOGNITION