Southwest Washington labor press. [volume] (Hoquiam, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1926-08-13
AMERICAN LABOR MOVEMENT
GAINS ARE MOST GRATIFYING

AnVNclucHt anu h8 SURVEY the pIO9~
lens Of today and study the oppor-
tunities Of the future, want to say to
you, men and women of the American
labor movement, do not reject the
cornerstone upon which labor's struc-
ture is builded-but base your all up
on voluntary principles and illuminate
your every problem by concerted de-
votion TO the highest Of all purposes
human wellbeing in the fullest, widest
deepest sense"
| Realizing the MISUNDERSTANDING
nature Of our movement, we should
thoroughly acquaint ourselves with ev-
cry phase of its structure, and thus
fully equipped go forth to teach those
not of US, the meaning. and the pur-
poses for which we strive. It should
be fully realized that the labor move
ment has never permanently prospered
by forced growth-by compulsion.
Members should be secured by teach
ing the fundamental purposes for
which it was constructed. Remember,
too, that in dealing with mankind, we
are dealing with men and women who
have been reared in many and var
ious environments, with all Of the
weaknesses and virtues to which man
kind IS prone. No two persons think
alike any more than they look alike.
Each has his individuality, has been
reared in q distinct environment de-
veloping a peculiar mentality, just
as good and just as weak as will and
opportunity have enabled it to develop.
With this understanding we are con-
fronted with the task of teaching our
prospective menbers--sell them trade
union principles, and secure their will
lingness and voluntary consent in pro-
noting the objects for which we ara
striving, teach and sell them the pur-
poses for which the union card stands.
We must also sell trade unionism to
the employers and the public, in the
interest Of higher standards of life,
human betterments. We must teach
that these things are not alone for
the bettermen Of the workers, but
better for society and better for bust
ness. While we are anxious to con-
vince the employer that unionism s
not harmful; but beneficial to bust
ness, we must not give the impression
that we expect employers to take the
lead in organizing his workbench. I'm
less we interest the worlxmen in the
principles of the trade unions their in
dpction into the union at the behest Of
the employer, is oft-times a liability
rather than an asset.
The unionizing Of the job through
employers, superintendent, architects
or other outside influences must not
supersede, or replace, the unionizing
Of the workmen before they 60 on the
job. That is, it is not as essential to
unionize the job as it is the men. The
strength Of our unions is not altogeth-
er one Of numbers, but one Of fealty
to ENTHUSIASTICALLY to trade union
traditions. Loyalty to fundamentals
and universal effort Of the member
ship to teach the gospel of trade UNI
ionism viii do more to spare the job
than any effort Of the boss. Union
izing through the employer or such
other agency tends toward autocracy.
Under autocracy men accept orders.
Autocracy stills the voice Of protest.
True trade unionism is democratic in
its purposes and opposes aut0cracy
wherever found.
In conclusion, let us recite some Of
the inherent ethical declarations of
the American Federation Of Labor, to
the end that the lessons may be more
complete; and, as we study them, let
each Of US on this, Labor Day 1926,
IL we have not 50 become before, be
quickened and conscious of their force
and import:
"Our trade unions are open forums.
They ask only that workers adhere to
the principles Of organized labor and
its purposes to make tomorrow bet
ter day.
~0ur unions are frankly opportunis-
tic. They are not interested in blue
print programs or world upheavals.
They scott at the theory that social
orders can Be manufactured. They
know that every organism is subject
to the law Of change, and they adj
just themselves to that process. They
believe that the worker who does not
control his life, who labors under dan
gerous conditions, who Is denied 8 liv-
ing standard, is not equipped to take