The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1919-07-25

Robert Livett, international Board
Member, District 1S, United Mine
Workers of America, explains his
position and reasons for opposing
the so-called One Big Union.
Calgary, Alta, April 3, 1919.
Dear Sir and Brother:
In taking the stand of opposing
the so-called "One Big Union" move
ment, as launched at the Western
Conference of Labor, held in Calgary
recently, let me distinctly state that
am not opposed to industrial union
ism. or the ideals and aims of labor
as set forth at the conference. |
have been member of the greatest
Industrial labor organization on this
continent for many years, therefore
could not logically oppose any real
or sincere movement that had for its
object the consolidation of all labor
forces.
am setting forth some of my rea-
sons for opposing this so-called "One
Big Union movement, which, while
it may accomplish a certain amount
of good in arousing the membership
and impressing upon our interna-
tional officials the necessity of
broadening their views, will certainly
never succeed in uniting labor in
Western Canada under "One Big
Union"
l. I regard it as the acme of alb
surdity to talk of "One Big Union
with a secession from our interna-
tional affiliations.
.. l cannot regard the present
movement as anything more than
most deliberate attempt at DIS
UNION, and at a time when every
nerve and effort should be extended
to consolidate our forces. You will
notice that practically no machinery
has been created to carry out the so
called zone Big Union" beyond the
"Central Committee" of five, the col
lection of 2 per cent per capita
from the various unions. and the
taking of what is termed a 'referen-
DUN ballot"
8. The method of taking this ball
lot and the absolute powers given
the Central Committee" in counting
and tabulating same are something
that finds no parallel in the annals
of history of industrial unionism.
A. So far as 1 am able to gather
this Central Committee" can man
ipulate the vote so as to create a ma
jority or minority; whichever it re-
CARDS as eXpedient.
the possibilities of international in
dustrial unionism, and that all flu
ture organizations, whether con-
ceived in Canada or the States, must
be international in character and
scope-not national
G. That absolutely no solid or log
ical argument has ever been advanc-
ed to prove the ineffectiveness of the
international union. All arguments
AFE sn11
of same. And it is neither strange
nor wondrous that the officials Cor
"Central Committee") of the so-call-
ed "One Big Union" are already re-
ceiVing their share of criticism.
Z. That Industrial Trades Union
ism must first start with the organ
izations of the various crafts and
trades in each industry.
Al 8. The zone Big Union" move
ment is not new; it has been tried
out on this continent before. and
failed. 1t is at present in force in
Australia, and / have yet to discover
(and the Australian worker, tool
that it has secured for him "the full
product of his toll" or even a greater
Share than his Canadian brother en-
Joys. Further. it would be well to
Remember that Australia has no!
United States adjoining.
3. That the autocratlc dictator
Ship relegated to that body known
as the Central Committee" is such
that they may never be called to ac-
count for their actions--funds spent
or ballots submitted.
/ do not wish to make any per-
sonal attack upon the individuals
comprising the Central Committee"
or those who displayed so much zeal
In promoting this movement, butt
most of these men (until quite re-
cently) regarded the trade union
movement and industrial union
movement as something so antiquat- |
ed and obsolete that they reserved |
their most scathing sarcasm to con-
denim it. They never neglected an
opportunity to abuse and discredit |
the officials of any trade organiza-
lion, while honesty of purpose and |
Sincerity they regarded as so much |
sentiment and nonsense-except. of
course. when they found themselves |
Involved. After years of these tao
tics we find them out to save the
worker through the medium of "One
Big Union" ready to take the funds
of these unions to propagate their
IDEAS.
+ l am of the opinion that the last !