The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1941-04-17
LABOR news
FROM BRITAIN
. ORGANIZE WORKERS OF
INVADED COUNTRIES
. ANTICIPATE
RECONSTRUCTION
. WOMEN WORKERS
SAFEGUARDED


scheme Of Trade Union organization
among refugee workpeople sponsored
by the British Trades Unions.
1t is one that guarantees the restor-
alton of Trade Unionism in the occu-
pied countries of Europe as soon as
they have been cleared of the Nazi
invaders. At the same time, the
scheme provides effective Trade Union
protection to the large number Of
continental workers who are being
taken into British industry. Among
them, national groups have already
been formed.
Each group is associated with the
international Federation of Trade
Unions. And steps are now being
taken to arrange for the admission of
workpeople in each group to men,
bership of the appropriate British
Union when they find employment.
The basis of the scheme is clearly
illustrated in the constitution drawn
up for the Belgian trade unionists.
This constitution establishes a Trade
Union Centre in Britain for all Bel
gian workers regardless Of creed or
politics. The head office of the Bel
gian Centre is in London and cannot
be removed elsewhere without the
consent of the International Fedora
tion and the British II. U. c.
The Centres main task is to or
ganize all Belgians employed in
British agriculture, industry, trade or
transport. Within the Centre there
are to be Trade branches formed as
circumstances may necessitate. Trade
branches already formed will affili-
ate as such to the Centre with all
their membership.
1t is stipulated in the constitution
that every Belgian worker belonging
to the Centre must become a men,
ber of the British Union Of his (or
herr trade. Conversely, every Bel
gian who enters British Union must
join the Centre.
Provision is made for the payment
Of dues, both to the Centre and to
the British Union. Membership of
a British Union will entitle the Bel
gian worker to its "trade benefits" and
to the standard wages and conditions
provided by it's collective agreements.
General protection Of the social inter-
ests Of the Belgian workers as immi-
grants in Britain will be undertaken
by the Centre. 1t will also help un-
employed Belgians to get work, and
will conduct propaganda on behalf of
Free Trade Unionism.
X X x
Much greater Importance than ap-
pears on the surface lies in this
scheme of refugee organization. 1t is in
| fact a workmanlike restoration of the
international Trade Union movement
which the Nazis think they have de-
stroyed. Clearly stated in the Ar
ticles of the constitution is the pledge
which ensures this.
1t is laid down that at the end of
the war, it will be the duty of the
Belgian Trade union Centre to return
to Belgium as soon as conditions per-
NIT. 1t will go back with all it's men,
bers, its assets, administrative staff
and equipment, ready to carry on in
peace-time reconstruction. If anything
is found to have survived in occupied
territory of the original Trade Union
machinery it will be joined on to the
new Centre.
Those who have planned the scheme
know that there are in all the occu-
pied countries loyal and courageous
do ,e.{c E.rh 10
preserve the working class movement.
Contacts are being established with
them.
They will be enabled to rejoin the
Belgian National Centre when the
time comes for the exiles to return.
Eventually, trade unionists in all the
occupied countries will have rebirth
of freedom. Through the instrument
tality of the British Unions, sooner
than any other economic, cultural or
political institution, Free Trade Union
ism will resume it's activities in all
the ravaged lands.
X X 4
The tremendous draft of women
workers into Britain's war industry
is taking place under carefully guard
ed conditions. Thousands Of women
and girls who have never previously
worked in any kind Of wage occupa-
tion are responding to the call Of natl
onal service. Hundreds of firms that
have never employed women before
are doing so now. And the Ministries
responsible for the great drive" are
taking the most stringent precautions
to see that the conditions of employ
ment for this new industrial army are
all that they should be.
Employers have just received from
the Ministry Of Labor memorandum
setting forth the Governments view
of their responsibilities.
One requirement laid down is that
where any substantial number of
women or girls is employed, Woman
Personnel Officer is to be at once ap-
pointed. The appointee must have
knowledge Of the industry or trade
and Of the firms methods and pro-
m 4