Evening star., 1920-02-11
pened at these plants in the period

pened at these plants in the period
of the strike.
TT need hardly be said that the de-
feat of the steel strike leaders and
the rising up Of public opinion against
them do not signify that there is no
call for change in labor conditions in
the steel industry. -"
The fact that SO many workers in
the production of steel are of foreign
birth makes all the more necessary
the employment of extraordinary
means by the employers to establish a
neither more nor less than that of
realizing throughout the industry the
same democracy that was urged as
the goal of every united effort of
managers and men during the war
We believe the employe representa-
tion plan is the best means yet devised
for reaching the desired end"
Misunderstood by Workers.
On the part of the workers the oppo-
sition to the new idea is also due to
fear and mlsunderstanding-e
among the older and more conserva-
tive leaders of the Gompers type.
They have built up their labor organi-
zation upon a militaristic basis; they
regard the employer more or less as
natural enemy upon whom from
time to time they make war (strike)
and with whom they sign truces (col-
lective bargains). 1t Is as hard for
them to get the new idea of frank CO.
operation and democratic relation
ship as it is for the old-fashioned en-
ployers. And they really have genu-
inc basis for their apprehension; for
organizations. so-called company
unions" has been deliberately used by
employers for hampering labor or
ganization or weakening its influence.
The workers know what an indispen-
sable instrument labor organization
primary recognition of their rights.
and they dread desperately anything
which suggests interference with
their free action in this regard. They
are very suspicious of certain OF the
company unions" in the steel indus
the steel strike was called was for
the abolition of company unions"
On the other hand. some of the
progressive younger leaders. like
Hillman of the Amalgamated Gar
ment Workers. believe thoroughly in
the new movement on the ground
that any association Of workers. CIV
ing them freedom to act in matters
pertaining to their own lives. leads
certainly to more self-conscious or
rather than hinder the labor move
ment in its larger aspects.
The only secure approach to the
new system Is a genuine spirit OF
goodwill, firmly based upon scien-
tific examination Of all the factors
in the problem. Any employer who
'takes on" the shop committee" or
"employes' representation" system
merely as a sop to labor or with the
intention of using it to fight union
ism or to postpone doing real justice
to the workers is doomed to failure.
He discredits the whole idea. in which
the spirit of approach is the essen
tial element If he wants to reap the
benefits of industrial democracy he
must begin by being democratic; II
he wants genuine cooperation he
must himself genuinely cooperate:
In England the Whitley plan OF
workers councils presupposes COM
plete organization of labor. and IA
Dor must never be expected to forego
the full use of its one weapon Of de-
INSTRUMENTATION and the strike
unless it is thoroughly. convinced
that capital and management Is sim
cere in its proffers Of cooperation
and conciliation. and honestly pro-
roses to introduce a greater degree
of democracy in management.
tCopyf..a.. 11a0 ia X. \. Evenil-; Post lnr'