The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1943-04-22
UNION LOYALTY AND LEADERSHIP

hOUBLE-CROSSEDl IN recent election by men
O in his union whom he had trusted most, but
a local president said afterwards 1--WE need to get
back to the deep personal loyaltes that founded
the unions. We must see to it that we do not put
self-seeking in place of building solid union"
Men of character pioneered the American labor
movement They forged loyalty out of their toll
and sacrifice for a common goal few years ago
a handful of men started out to organize a large
steel company. The opposition was so bitter they
had to meet secretly in their homes No hall in
the town could be hired for such meeting. And
even if it could be, few would have had the cour-
age to attend.
SO they met in their own homes. And there
these early fighters got to know each other. Their
wives would put on the coffee and bake special
cookies for the occasion. They joined in the plan
ming for the organization drive. Often fearful for
their husbands safety, the women banded to-
gether in this common cause. Confidence was built
up Brotherhood, loyalty and trust were words
that meant something in those days. They meant
something because these men and women lived for
principles and not for the promotion OF them
selves.
But loyalty of this kind cannot be bought; it
only be caught from men and women Of char
acter who are uncompromisingy loyal in their
own lives to the highest standards they know.
Times have changed since those pioneer days.
The unions have little to fear from violence from
the outside. Mighty in numbers, they have been
able to negotiate their way to better wages and
working hours. But more than ever it is important
to maintain the original strength of the labor
movement-the loyalty and the standards which
yielded to nothing. Thousands joining the
ranks daily How urgent it is that these JegiOnS
of novice workers understand the significance of
the principles of trade unionism, and that they
are taught, through the right kind of educational
programs, the vital necessity of maintaining those
original standards for which the great labor
pioneers gave their lives. We have raised the
standards OF living. Now, as Moral ReAma-
ment put it, must raise the standards FOR
living.
1t is clear to anyone that if these standards
are watered down, and comprise takes their place,
the whole labor movement will be weakened and
its role of leader of the millions jeopardized. Wild
cat strikes and division inside local unions are
caused by members who out for their own
gain instead of for the good Of the union.
BY the example OF union leaders and by the
kind of philosophy they give, our unions can gain
a new fighting faith.
A true union member will:
Think of his union as more than a pro-
tective oIganiZaton-it is a world brotherhood
2-COnSder his unions charter and cOnstitu-
ton a code Of honor that begins with himself.
3-llave a burning passion for justice for
others-not just for himself.
Build unity by accepting the other fellows
good ideas readily as his own.
AT no time since the early struggles for recog-
milton has labor had great chance as now to
show the world that the fundamental principles
Of unionism hold the secret of sound democracy
and world.