Denver labor bulletin., 1918-08-10
SCOPE OF TRADE
UNION ACTIVITY

Tie following concise enumeration
Of the scope Of trade unionism has
been SO often quoted in the labor press
that it appears to have lost its iden-
tity, or rather, the identity Of the man
who wrote it. We reproduce it in
this issue at the request of one of
our readers, adding that it admirably
outlines many advantages, not usual
ly recognized, which trade unionism
affords:
There is no law limiting the scope
of trade unions; neither is there any
fulness, their growth and develop
ment. Their functions and benefi-
cence are as broad as the universe,
and as protective as human ingenuity
can devise. With growing intelli-
gence and the elimination Of narrow
sel6shness, the trade unions can full
fill a mission, overshadowing the best
and noblest traits of human endeavor
and character in the worlds progress
The scope of the trade unions is
developing with the growth of organi-
zation on a permanent basis; the key
stone to the arch Of permanency are
the protective and benevolent features.
What we need is a wider scope, ris-
ing above petty selfishness and the
apprehension Of timid minds. A more
perfect organization Of labor on a
trade union basis is the most stupen-
dous work Of modern times; it has
no parellel in history. Prejudice, ig-
norance, selfshness and cowardice are
some Of the obstacles in the path of
progress, which have to be removed.
The scope Of trade union, as con-
stituted at present, embraces many
It is a protective organization-it
raises wages and prevents reductions;
it equalizes wages for equal work per-
formed; it endeavors to secure q Hv-
ing to all. It establishes a minimum
wage for common work; it restricts
cut-throat and unfair competition.
1t is an insurance society-the CO.
operative insurance in cases Of death
and total disability is superior and less
costly than the rate charged by the
ordinary insurance company, with a
class of high salaried officers and
agents, absorbing excessive premiums.
1t is mutual, safe and economical.
1t is a savings bank-the trade
union enables the worker with limited
means, and not overburdened with
thrift and the habit of saving for a
rainy day, to deposit weekly small
sums of money in the shape of dues
and assessments, which are returned
to him when most needed-when sick,
out of work, travelling, etc. The de-
posits being scattered over a large
territory, make them absolutely safe;
the amount lost by the failure of a
few banks does not exceed a fraction
Of l per cent The deposits draw in
terest for the benefit Of all members.
It is a Legislative body-it plans,
adopts and amends a constitution and
local bylaws without any interfer-
ence and advice from outside parties.
Mistakes can be rectifed speedy
whenever necessary. There is no con-
f1ict Of interests to any appreciable
extent; local differences can be ad-
justed in the interest Of the general
welfare, viewed from a broad stand
point.
It is a direct legislation leaeue-the
initiative and referendum, which are
the cardinal features in the structure
OF the constitution, enables a small
number of unions to propose amend
ments and substitutes. They are sub
mitted to referendum vote, with or
without any discussion, as the case
may be, and approved or rejected. This
form of legislation is simple, direct
and effective.
It is a school of economics-the
Manchester school of political econo-
my, from Adam Smith to the present
day, has evolved a school of doctrines
and critics of all shades and colors;
it has evolved a system of speculative
philosophy not based on concrete cases
and facts. Numerous books have
been issued on the functions of capi-
tai, the value of labor, the rate of
wages, and profits, the laws of sup
ply and demand, of exchange, finance,
etc. The trade union has, in the at
tempt to improve the condition of the
worker, exposed these economic faIla-
cies. 1t is developing a new school,
which is pure and simple, and based
m facts and scientific investigation
1t is debating club-the business
of the union, be it of routine char
acter or of a more complicated ma
ture, involving questions of vital i'm
port, requires discussion and delibera-
ton. Points of order are raised which
require careful decision; the motion
under debate is amended and sub
stituted. Parliamentary skill is
brought into play; the natural abili-
ties of the members as debaters and
parliamentarians are developed by
constant practice. The progress made
in this direction in the course of years.
is of vital influence in the affairs of
the nation.
1t is trial court-the rules of the
union require, for the management of
its affairs, the enforcement of disci-
pline and obedience to the laws en-
acted by the majority. Punishment
as a deterrent, in the shape of fines,
suspension and expulsion from men,