Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1926-10-01
Opiates Used
Now Instead
Of Bludgeons
Anti-UniOn Employers Adopt
ing New Tactics as Pub
lie Opinion Changes

1t is interesting to note how anti
union EMPLOYERS adopt new tactics as
organized labor develops pubic opln-
ion.
The history of these employers war
against unionism is seI1es OF ad-
iustments in an effort to control
workers. The latest change IS to
abandon the bludgeon method of at
tack and depend on opiates.
1t seems but yesterday that TINS
type of employer refused to be die
tated to" when employees asked that
he bargain with them collectively. he
made no attempt to conceal his oppo,,
sition and labor exposed this unsoclal
position.
He changed to the "open" shop.
Under this system, he said, there
would be no difference between or
ganized and unorganized. He asked
no questions. He was not Interested
in unionism, he said.
But, strange to note, active trade
unionists could not retain employ
ment. When they assumed rights
this employer so loudly acknowledged
they possess, they were quietly drop
ped and their names were found on
blacklist records of "open" shop or
ganizations.
This method was more refined than
bludgeon tactics, but they served the
employers purpose.
The workers continued their agita-
ton for voice in working conditions.
Their unions grew in power and IN
fluence and their living standards IN
creased.
I Now the anti-union employer has
again been forced to change front. A
new public opinion has compelled him
to outwardly yield. So he processes
to accept the principle of collective
bargaining and has set up company
union"
The change is embellished with up
to-date rhetoric on "employe repre-
sentation," welfare plans, stock sell
ing, "free" insurance and other feud-
alizing systems. These are supposed
to satisfy the employers "hands."
Instead of frank opposition to trade
unions, the employer attempts to drug
workers He pictures his company
"union'' as honey little affair.
The story is told by the employers
publicity staff. 1t is charming tale.
it reveals the company union" as
permitting representatives of both
sides to "look eye to eye" across the
conference table.
But the story is never complete.
The public is not told how workers
are restricted to unframed negotiat-
ors, and how the workers representa-
tives are selected under the watchful
eye of foremen, straw bosses and
company men.
Neither does the story tell of skill
ed pleaders and accountants who may
present the employers case, but not
so the workers. They are represent
ed by and in the manner the employ
er dictates. In short, this compliance
with the form of trade unionism per-
mits the employer to have the same
control as in the bludgeon days.
Trade unionists must continue their
agitation for the right to bargain col
lectively. They must continue to ex-
pose the company union" hypocrisy,
as they did the immortality and ille-
gality of former positions that were
just as stoutly defended by the en-
ployer.
They must show that the company
"union" is an opiate; that its mem
bers have no more rights as free men
than under the avowed anti-union
shop system.
The company "union" will survive
only as long as organized labor fails
to expose this deceit. 1t can not stand
against an education that is based on
fundamentals.