The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1938-10-20
100000 British
Workers Lack Jobs
Organized Labor Is Deter
mined to Establish Eco
nomic Changes

every other country where the modern
system of production animated solely
by the profit motive is in effect, are
suffering from large and increasing
unemployment, but the trade union
movement in that country is cer-
tain that unemployment can be solved
and is determined to solve it.
This was the message brought to
the American Federation of Labor con-
vention here by j. w. Stephenson, fra
ternal delegate from the British
Trades Union Congress. Mr.. Stephen
son, who is General Secretary Of the
Plumbers and Domestic Engineers of
Great Britain and Ireland, gave the
delegates tabloid picture Of the
growth and influential position of or
ganized labor throughout Great Britain
and said that although the number Of
jobless is approaching the two million
point he was sure that the tragedy
of unemployment would ultimately be
ended.
81 am both honored and privileged
in being able to bring to this historic
convention of the American Fedora
| ton of Labor the fraternal greetings
and good wishes of the Trades Union
Congress and the trade unionists of
Britain" Mr.. Stephenson said
81 do assure you that the organized
workers of my country are with you
in comradeship and solidarity.
81 am here to tell you that they hope
for the greatest success of this con-
vention in it's deliberations and decis-
ions, and for the still further prog
ress of the workers and their trade
union organization in this great
American Republic.
Five Million Members
81 am here simply and briefly to eX
tend the handclasp of the workers in
the industries of Britain to the work
ers of the industries of the United
States; to express their friendship, to
confirm the identity of their interests
with those of the toilers of America,
and to bind still more closely the bonds
of unity between them. Though the
broad Atlantic ocean divides US we
all belong to the universal community
of labor; we are one in aim, in hope
and aspiration.
"We have celebrated the 10th year
of the existence of our Congress with
a membership of five million in just
over 200 unions. During the past year
they have made considerable headway.
All our trade unions record increases
in their ranks.
Youth Are Organized
"Of exceptional value has been the
large recruitment ow young workers
into the unions, and the interest,
energy and enthusiasm which the
youth have displayed in the movement.
Our Trade Union Congress has prom
ulgated the Youth Charter, setting
forth the reforms we demand in the
conditions of employment of our
young people.
"Indeed, it can be said that our trade
union movement now embraces all
trades and callings, all employments.
Only just recently Congress itself has
taken the initiative in starting a
trade union for. the organization of
domestic workers-probably the most
difficult class of workers to organize
and to provide with the protective SER
vices of trade unionism
A National Institution
Grades unionism in Britain is deep
ly rooted. 1t possesses centuryold
wealth of tradition. /. In the logic of
its growth it gathers IN the best, most
capable and efficient workers in every
industry and service.
"In our small compact country we
can justly claim that trade unionism
is great national institution. 1t has
a close, intimate detailed power for
good in the daily lives of the people.
Through experience, loyalty and de-
termination, the workers of Britain
have established powerful organiza-
ton which is pillar of our domestic
society, an integral part of our COM
munty. It's views and voice are heard
and needed on all matters of concern
to the community, both domestic and
international.
"With trade unionism as its base
and malnstay we have been able to
build in Britain the labor movement
which is tremendous influence i'm in
dustry, social life and politics, fully
expressive of our democracy and the
intelligent, aspiring spirit of the work
ing people.
Unemployment Increases
During the past twelve months we
have not suffered from industrial de-
preston to the extent that you have
in the United States. Employment has
been more or less normal moreover
the armament program of the British
government has made considerable
contribution toward keeping certain
industries busy.
Nevertheless, the trend is toward
increased unemployment. More than
100000 of our workers are now un-
employed out of an insured working
population of II 10000.
This represents, as you will realize,
formidable amount of distress and
wretchedness. We in the labor move
ment, in Britain as in America, are
conscious of the desperate urgency of