Trade Union Development

Hokitika Guardian, 29 April 1922, Page 2

Trade Union Development

At the usual meeting of the W.E.A. Economics class’ held in the Education Board building on Thursday last, the tutor (Mr H. Belshaw) dealt with the development of Trade Unionism in, various countries.

The United Kingdom took the lead in Trade Union Affairs, and so the development of Trade Unionism was chaotic and displayed many conflicting, forms. After the repeal of the combination laws there were many ambitious projects and the growing solidarity of the working class expressed itself in Unionism of the thirties—a. movement towards one big union with the general strike as a weapon. The movement was premature and resulted in failure. Since 1850 the movement has increased in numbers and in strength. The new-model as evidence in the Amalgamated Society of Engineers (the first really successful Trade Onion) appealed to fill the needs of the time. It had capable leaders well voiced in tbe current ideas on economies, and its constitution was tilt aped and controlled by acentral executive. It was a friendly society, as well as a trade union. Until 1890 this type of Union consisted mainly of skilled workers, conservative in policy and accepting as -its function the improvement of conditions within the capitalist society was the predominant type; but about that time came tbe extension of the movement amongst the unskilled and a type of Union sprang up which excluded friendly society benefits and became more or less of a fighting organisation. This tendency was accentuated by the period of industrial unrest about 1911U.

Tbe present position is difficult to describe especially when one is removed from the scene of activities. The appointment of shop stewards and Whitley councils and the State regulation of wages during the war period marked certain strong tendencies towards conciliatory measures, but on the other hand, there appears to he a growing tendency towards industrial unionism. In fact the trade union ideals are largely in the melting pot. Craft and Industrial Unionism, conciliation and militancy, conservative isolation and militant combination, amalgamation and disruption—all these appear to the observer as jumbled into a. kaleidoscopic higgledy piggeldy. One hesitates to prophesy j blit the main tendency appears to be towards industrial unionism.

TRADE UNIONISM IN FRANCE. Tbe Trade Union (or syndicate) has developed along different lines in Franco. Several times has the movement risen only to be submerged and lest in successful national upheavals. The movement has not developed gradually, and more or less naturally as in the United Kingdom, but has been created and re-created in accordance nith the theories of individuals. Numerically tlie movement is weak, there being less than a million trade unionists. This may be explained by the revolutionary nature of the trade union i-olicy, only the militants joining up,

and by the national disinclination to '■ombino. Friendly society benefits are kept distinct from the unions and sol this incentive to membership is lacking. Further, industry in France is less strongly localized than in the United Kingdom and is on a smaller scale. The syndicate is, then, purely a fighting organisation whicth dissolves as easily as it arises. Contributions are low so that the unions have little to lose in the event of failure. -Sabotage is indulged in arid the general strike 5s regarded as the wefipoii which will bring about the down-throw of capitalism. Local unions federated into bourses and also into 'regional or national federation which in turn are represented on a central body known as the Confederation Gene vie du Travail (C.G.P.). The industrial basis is accepted as normal and advantageous.

TN GERMANY. In Germany Trade Unionism is firmlv established. Three types of union exist side by side—the Free or Social Democratic Unions (24 millions), Radical Unions (109 thousand), Christian Unions (345 thousand). The two latter are anti-Socialistic and are of but little importance. The free unions are strong. The teachings of the Social Democrats create a sense of class solidarity and strong opposition emphasised the necessity for large unions. The movement grew from the centre outwards and well illustrates the German capacity for organisation. There is a strong tendency towards amalgamation and industrial unionism central control is. strong, and the policy of sectional strikes backed up by the power of the whole organisation is in favour.

IN U.S.A. In the United States Craft Unionism has, developed strongly, the craft unions being combined into the American Federation of Labour. This body represents the skilled workers in Americo, the old Labour aristocracy. The I.W.W. originally destined to supplant the A.F.L. which was believed to be too conservative, now takes over the function of organising the vast body of unskilled workers. It is frankly revolutionary in its. aims and is really a type of “class” unionism. Owing to the peculiar difficulties of the situation in the United States, the movement is not numerically strong, (in 1913 only 1 American worker in 40 was a trade unionist). The strong opposition of employers and of the law , the changing technique of industry, the competition of skilled and ed, accentuated by the flood of immi- ■< gration ,the Taylor system of scientific management and the intense individualism of the native American, have all checked trade union development.

Next lecture wall be devoted to a study of trade union structure and policy. and reference will be made to New Zealand conditions.