The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1931-04-04

and leadership of the strike struggles only to
the extent that they have overcome the mis-
takes and weaknesses indicated by the Fifth
Congress Of the RILU, and which we're thorough
ly discussed at the November session Of the Ma
tional Committee But these weaknesses, which
when partly overcome, resulted in the growing
activity Of the TUUL unions, the overcoming in
the decline in membership in practically all the
unions, and the gain in membership in num-
Der of unions textile, mining; still remain the
major weaknesses that must be overcome in
order that the TUUL may organize the discon-
tent of the workers and develop strike struggles
under its leadership These weaknesses were
manifest in the preparation and leadership of
all strikes in the recent period.
Weaknesses Sharply Brought Out
Cd The strikes of the textile workers in
Lawrence the strike of the miners around the
Pittsburgh section, the strike of the dressmak-
ers in New York, sharply brought out these
weaknesses in our policy and organization The
wrong approach and formulation of partial de-
mands has not been overcome (dreSsmakers).
The absence of sustained shop activity and bas-
ing our organization in the shops, the develop
ment Of the united front committees in the shops
grievance committees, shop comnitteeS) was
clearly seen in these strikes This was also seen
in the work of the other unions and leagues
principally in the work of the Metal Workers
Industrial League Youngstown. The lack of
democracy in the TUUL unions and leagues
prevails everywhere, but was particularly disas-
trouS in the strike struggles (needle). All of the
TUUL organizations have not as yet learned how
to draw the most active rank and file workers
into leadership, but instead constantly clamor
for new forces from the outside instead of look
ing for these forces from among the masses
Another important shortcoming in the work of
the unions is the lack of concentration in the
CIV &c
the point of view of territory metaD and the
sections of the industry (food) as well as the
strata Of the workers in the industry (needle)
In the organization of the strike committees the
unions, while in theory adopting the correct
policy OF the broad rank and file strike COM
mttee, in practice have not developed these
strike committees into the real leading body of
the strike needle) and in other cases the failure
to build broad strike committees was too easily
dismissed on the ground of difficulties Q,ay-
renee. Similarly, excuses were given for failure
to draw women workers into active leadership on
the strike committee Oawrence). Another i'm
portant and serious error prior, during and after
the strike was the lack Of recruiting into the
union (niners).
Finally, the united front policy during the re-
cent strikes, was carried out in the most sec
tarlan manner by making it condition that
the workers join the TUUL unions in order to
JON the strike instead of ceiling for the cleo
ton of rank and file strike committees of the
workers in all unions, for the struggle for the
economic demands (needle) and the failure to
give more than formal recognition to the rank
and Tile workers who came on strike Also in
the struggle for independent leadership in prac-
tlce, an insufficient struggle was carried on
against the Musteites Oawrence) and the ac
tivities of such boss organizations as the Amer
lean Legion OaWrence)
Concentration Points
The NEB decided that the TUUI, shall con-
centrate its major activities in the next period
on the development Of the struggles among the
mining, textile, metal and marine workers This
does not mean that we must neglect the de-
Velopment of the struggles in the other indus
tries, where great possibilities exist Dorchester
needle, Haverhi-shoes, etc). Also that special
aVtenuon be given to the development of the
work in the most important industrial districts
(Plttsburgh. Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago Nor
must this be interpreted to mean that the oreat-
est attention must not be directed towards the
development of our work in the South where
beginnings are now made CDanville Elizabeth
Town. GreenVlle, Birmingham, Chattanooga and
III the west, principally in the building of the oil
agricultural and lumber workers unions
The Development of Shop Organization.
10 The greatest attention must be given to
'ile ue'elopmenC OF shop organization. The
building OF grievance committees as united front
podeS, IN the shop, furnish the KEY to the de-
Velopment OF live shop organizations and strug
gle Tor the interests of the workers Stimuli
taneously with the development of these erie
vance committees must go the recruiting into
the unions and the building of shop branches
OF the union. In the process of the develop
ment OF the struggle for the grievances of the
workers, we must set up broad strike commit
tees, elected by all the workers to the extent
that the conditions will permit. Finally the
building of shop and mill committees on the
united front basis must be organized when the
conditions become ripe. Such committees, dele
gated bodies, selected by the workers in the mill
10 the extent that the conditions permit. are
united front bodies though working in COOP
Grafton with the unions of the T. u u L.. to
the extent that we will be able to influence
them without our leadership must not be con-
FUSED with the regular executive organs of the
union in the shop. We must guard against the
tendency that would liquidate the union bv
building only the united front shop commit
tees. and not simultaneously build up the union
organization in the shops, and at the same time
guard against the tendency that would liuudate
the united front of the workers by limiting the
shop committees to only those who are ready
and willing to join our unions
t. u. U. L. Center Must Be STRENGTHENED
FN In order to be able to give leadership
to the potential struggles, the T. U. U. L.
center must be strengthened. The Board recog-
x.szA {l-oT