Southwest Washington labor press. [volume] (Hoquiam, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1923-08-31

events.
the recognition and response to the
maxim, Omitted we stand; divided we
fall"
Numerical Strength.
Another peculiar characteristic Of
this federation Of international trade
unions is the. varying numerical
strength of the several federated UNI
ions. At the convention in June of
1922 the entire voting strength of
the federation was 81 1856. This vot-
ing strength embraced the member
ship Of 95 federated international un-
ions of which 1908 votes, balance
of power, were confined to nine fed
Grated international unions. If the
American Federation Of Labor had
the power to compel obedience to its
directions and decisions a very small
minority Of the larger international
unions could easily dominate and con-
troll the whole of the affairs Of the
American Federation Of Labor. What
may, therefore, appear, as a funda-
mental weakness in organization is
in fact the very element Of life,
strength and solidarity of the feder-
alton.
Because of the absence of power to
enforce its decisions the American
Federation of Labor must of neoes-
sity proceed carefully, cautiously and
inteIligentIy. It can advance only in
such a way and to such a degree as
will command constantly the respect
and adherence to its leadership by
the federated international unions. It
is therefore a body that cannot be
easily swayed by passion or preju-
dice. On the contrary, it is COM
PEELED to move along firm and sound
channels that have been well charted
by experience and research.
Policies.
The international unions, like all
organized groups of people, shape
their attitudes, policies and functions
by growth and experiences. New and
unforeseen conditions may change
them. A change in leadership, the
spread of a new idea may produce q
change in policy. Whatever may eff
feet the change, the American FEEDER
alton of Labor is without power to
interfere or command change in pol
icy.
While primarily concerned with ali
phases entering into the employment
relationship, such as wages, hours,
conditions and terms Of employment,
these international unions must deal
also with a vast range Of problems
of internal government. They deter
mine conditions and qualifications Of
admission, the number of apprentices
TO be allowed, the desirable units Of
, local government, the manner in
4 which mandates to the officers must
be carried out, the relations which
are to obtain with unions in similar
occupations, etc.
The industrial unions are essential
ly militant organizations because at
some time or other all are compelled
to engage in tests Of strength with
employers. As q consequence each
international union has developed its
own conception Of industrial strategy
Thus the railroad unions use one type
Of strategy while the building trades
unions or the metal or printing trades
unions use another.
Federal Unions.
While the American Federation Of
Labor is fundamentally and princi-
pally a federated body, it is also an
organic body in 50 far as the organ
lied wage earners are concerned
when there are not a sufficient num-
Der of workers TO be organized into
successful unions. The American
Federation Of Labor is charged with
the duty Of promoting organization
among all wage earners. Necessarily
small groups Of workers are first
banded together. Out Of these small
groups develop larger groups. Uuti.
mately international unions are form.
ed out OF these smaller groups.
The American Federation Of Labor
embraces at this time $50 Of suct
small groups, numbering approx.
mateiy $4,000 workers.