Proletarec. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1906-19??, 1944-12-13
American Labor
Looks Abroad

The labor cOnVcntlOnS at New Orleans and Chicago both took
acuon locking to International cooperation. This fact IN Itself indicates
a common awareness of the importance of world conditions. But the
difference between the moves that were mace indicates a wide gulf in
political points of view.
The Go is signaling its determination to step out in the interna-
tional field by sending delegates to the London conference. The AFL
refuses to colaborate in this project 1t has for many years loyalty
participated in the IFTU, and at the New Orleans convention it has
gwen new proof OF its acceptance of international responsibility, But
it will not go to London.
In announcing its resolution to raise 1,0000 900 to assist in the e
Mobilization of unions in wartorn countries, the AFL gives practical
evidence of a sense of world solidarity In the words of Matthew Vol,
the Federation recognizes that an important factor in the maintenance
or hgh wages and working standards in our country is the establish
ment of high wages and working standards throughout the worldn1The
raising of this u for such a purpose goes even further. 1t is directly
in line with our democratic war aims
The free trade unions ae everywhere the prime enemies of die
tators. By planning for the earliest possible rehabilitation of European
unions, the AL is directly contributing to the creation of a democratic
Of battle is followed by a victory in the social and economic organiza-
tn of the War-ravaged nations. -
The action of the Clio in taking part in the conference called by
IN brlush union also shows courage and imagination. In $ o far IS this
indicates a definite break with labor isoationism, w must applaud it.
This step is on the other hand, tied in with developments which are
Haught WWh danger both TO the labor movement and for International
relations.
tits easy to understand why British labories desire closer connec-
tons with official labor representatives of the Soviet Union. The pact
between the British Government and the USSR looks to close future
political, military and industrial cooperation. The British unions are,
IN a sense, reflectng n official policy. If the CLIO finally works with
able to free trade unionism. The AFL, by staying clear of this new
organization and finding other means of demonstrating its solidarity
With European labor, is reaSSertng it's position a a part of a trade
union movement free from government domination.
No one can suppose that any large number of CLIO members, except
communists, approve of government-controned unions. Surely the CLIO
Wohs 10 ht IdVor giving up TIT right to strike or any other weapon
With which they can defend the interests of their members, No matter
what the Communist line may be, the Go can be depended upon in
IN end to stand up IS militant representatives of the workers rights
TO tn great labor organizations of Great Britain. But for the present
these unions ae going along with a movement which is in the direction
OF a sacrifice of labors independence. -
The New Leader has often criticized the AFL leadership for it's
conservatism. But it feels that in the present emergency u older
federation has taken the right line. 1t is retaining its freedom to act
is taking the lead in rebuilding the free trade union movement of
the World-The New Leader.