Organize the Unorganized
Page 31
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ON March 12 we published a leading article entitled" Operators, Defend Yourselves ! " in which we drew attention to the urgent need for the individual operator of every class to take an active part in the fight for the freedom of the industry, and pointed out that not 10 per cent. of operators are pulling their weight in this direction or doing anyf:iing to help the industry out of its difficulties.
This plea for co-operation has attracted great attention throughout the industry. It has been referred to by Licensing Authorities, by prominent speakers at various public functions of the leading associations and, again, in a striking letter from the chairman of the London and Home Counties Division of the Commercial Motor Users Association, which is published in this issue.
He draws attention to the one great object of the critical year ahead of us as being the organizing of the unorganized, an expressive term which we have used in briefer form as the title of this leader. Incidentally, he makes a strong appeal for combined efforts by the associations to enrol the great majority of the huge army of "unattached," otherwise we cannot hope to secure justice for the industry, which, whatever the varied views may in other directions be, is the endeavour of its representatives.
We still hope that, in future, it will not be found impossible to attain a more satisfactory measure of co-operation between the associations themselves, but, in the meantime, the promotion of unity can best be ensured by extending the power of the associations, both financially and in respect of their memberships. It must be remembered that we are all working for a common cause, which, if not defended with vigour, will be lost.
Quite apart from present restrictions, the possibilities of railway domination and injustice in respect of legislation, it must be impressed upon every operator, particularly in the various branches of haulage and contract work, that one of the planks in the Socialist programme is the nationalizationl of all forms of transport, including the road. Surely the majority. of the 90 per cent. of users lis not desirous of such a consummation, but the present attitude might easily lead the authorities to believe that most are quite indifferent as to the future.
Membership of an association is by no means an expensive matter, and the direct or indirect benefits received are indubitably far in excess of the expenditure involved. Looking at the case from another point of view, it is manifestly unfair that such a small proportion of enthusiasts should be called upon to bear the brunt of a fight which is being conducted for the benefit of all.
Operators, awaken from your lethargy, throw your strength into the breach and help stem both the open and insidious advances of your enemies!