The Connecticut labor news., 1924-02-23
WORKERS MUST BELONG TO REAL,
 TRADE UNIONS
By DANIEL J. TOBIN President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauff CUTS, Stable
 men and Helpers.

l of TeamSterS, Chautf CUTS, Stable men and Helpers.
 Organizations of workers today that
 are outside of the American Fedora | ton of Labor have in reality no real trade unionism in their hearts. Not only is 1t necessary to belong to a
 union but 1t is the duty of each in
 dividual to belong to a real and pro per union Not only is it the duty of the members of our union to faith 1 fully observe the rules and help in the
 work of their own particular union l the doctrine of trade unionism and
 enlighten the workers as to the just ] fight in which Labor is engaged | throughout the country, endeavorlng
 to better the conditions of the work CTS, and in many respects, obtaining greater liberty and greater freedom l for the masses.
 Each member of legitimate trade
 union organization should be proud
 of his membership not only for the
 results that have obtained for him self and his family through his own particular organization but also for
 the courage, the strength and the help he has given the great trade union movement which is fighting
 continually in the trenches for the protection of the toilers of the na- ton.
 Our international contributes sub
 stantial sum each month to the
 American Federation of Labor so
 that 1t may carry on the great strug-
 gle in which it is engaged. That in
 stitution is watching continually for adverse legislation in Washington and has three of its very able repre- sentatives permanently employed as a legislative committee endeavoring to
 put forward favorable legislation
 which will protect the workers, and also working against cruel and unjust laws that are introduced at each ses-
 sion by the enemies of the toilers- the National Manufacturers Associa-
 ton.
 The rank and file of independent
 unions pay just as much in dues to
 their local officers as do the men
 who belong to legitimate trade
 unions, but after paying an equal amount in monthly dues they have no projections; they belong to no real
 trade union movement; they. con tribute nothing towards the great struggle that is going on day and [ night by the great masses of Aneri-
 can toilers in their fight to protect the freedom and lives of their families. The American Federation of Labor and its allied international unions will be engaged continuously during the period of the campaign before the next general election endeavoring to elect to office those men and women who are favorable to the workers. The American Federation of Labor and it's allied international unions are non-partisan in politics, believing that those who are true to Labor's cause, no matter to what party they belong, should be elected to office by the workers. It costs money, time, pa tience and perseverance to carry on this great struggle.
 Do you know that as a dues-pay ing member of your organization that part of the money you pay in is contributed to carry on this great work?
 Do you know that part of the money you contribute each month in dues Is set aside in a defence fund, | commonly called strike fund, to protect you and other members of our organization in case you become nvlved in legitimate conflict with your employers?
 What does the fellow do towards helping in this great struggle who belongs to an outlaw, independent, seeding union? Absolutely nothing. The rank and file of such an organ ization do not get anything for the they pay in, nor do they con tribute anything towards aiding in the. great struggle in which the masses of American workers are en- gagged.