States an Opinion and offers Suggestions.

Industrial Unionist, Volume 1, Issue 3, 1 April 1913, Page 3

States an Opinion and offers Suggestions.

At this early stage ot‘ the I.W.W. movement in New Zealand, it is well for the membership to consider the tactics best calculated to ensure the success of our immediate objective The reason why the I.W.W. cannot be launched here on an industrial basis for some little time, is not, as is generally supposed, because economic development is backward, but because of the lack of sufficient propaganda. In short, the bulk of the N.Z. workers realise but dimly the existence of a Class Struggle, and, consequently, it seems perfectly clear that the propaganda, or recruiting Local Union, must precede the Local Industrial Union. When, as a result of the educational work performed by the propaganda Local, the workers form Industrial Locals, the recruiting Local will then pass out of existence, having fulfilled its mission. But before that time arrives there is much work to be done, and it is with a view of coming to an understanding as to the best method of performing this task that this is written.

While form is essential, and it must be made clear that it is Industrial Organisation we are after, it would be a waste of time for those active in the movement to expend their energies adjusting details pertaining to form when so much requires to be done to get the workers to recognise the necessity for any form of industrial organisation. Therefore, the pressing need is to point out to the workers, and make them realise, the Class Struggle.

The indicator that will point to the fulfilment of this task will be the formation of industrial unions composed of a membership able to adjust for themselves all details as to form, etc.

The best opportunities presented to our propagandists are within the craft unions, and it is here that our members have a chance to make use of their knowledge of the industrial movement and the psychology of the worker. If well versed in both they can stir up militancy within the craft union, make its members realise the Class Struggle, and that the only effective way to combat Capitalism is by Industrial Organisation.

If on the other hand our propagandists, though zealous enough, confine themselves to being anti everything and everybody, and just repeat at regular intervals “ the sacred letters” 1.W.W., they will probably do more harm than good. The most effective way of bringing others to our point of view is to ascertain where they stand and then make our reasoning as strategic as possible without a sacrifice of principle. In regard to the craft organisations themselves, we cannot logically rail at them for not doing what we cannot put in operation at present, and although we know how impotent they are to combat the aggressions of Capitalism, we must realise that until their membership is ripe for our form of organisation, our place is to fight along with them in their battles and to instil militancy into their tactics.

As to our attitude towards what is popularly called “ Political Action,” let it not be forgotten that the I.W.W. is non-political. It has no time to devote to Parliamentary activities, and the bulk of its members share the view that whatever may be gained by working class “ Political Action.” is more than counteracted by the bad effects of such “ action,” fostering as it does the idea of leadership and the tendency of the workers to lean on someone else rather than to proceed directly to do their own work. The I.WAV. stands on its own legs, Education and Organisation, and recognises that whatever “Political Party” is in office, it must function for it according to the economic power of the Industrial Organisation—neither more nor less.,

Apart from thus stating the position, a tendency may develop in the I.W.W. here as elsewhere to take up a strong “ anti-political” stand; in fact, making that the main issue. The constitution of the I.W.W. bars “ anti-political” as well as political alliances, and such as use the organisation for “anti-politi-cal” purposes and continually harp on this theme, are certainly not

advocating Industrial Unionism, and the membership should see to it that they are brought to their bearings. Those who have a penchant for putting forth “ political” or “antipolitical views” can do so outside of the industrial organisation where the I.W.W. disclaims all responsibilities for such utterances or actions, and, judging by the experience of the past, as the thoughts of such members mature, they will leave the “ political” or “ antipolitical” field to others, and devote all their attention to Industrial Organisation.

What we want at present is a propaganda Local in every industrial centre in New Zealand, pointing out the Class Struggle and the need for Industrial Organisation, and then will come the I.W.W. on an industrial basis—not before.— Yours, etc., P.F.