"Going Slow" is Theft
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rrilHE principle-0r 'shall we say' lack of principle of going slow" as a kind of alternative to 'a full time strike, is a device initi ated by the unscrupulous as a method of slowing production and, often, of inconveniencing and irritating the public. It is indulged in to try to gain forcibly some advantage, and is frequently adopted by large and small sectional interests contrary to the established means for negotiation. Going slow. is a thoroughly unethical way of forcing : an einployer, Whether he be an individual or the State, to pay for something that is not being given, the Workers concerned hoping to receive their full Wages for whatamounts' to a' partial strike, and certainly not an honest amount of work.
Comparisons are Odious If a tradesman gave those concerned in such activities short weight or measure, they would be the first to complain, yet there is little or no difference between this procedure and "going slow." Employees who engage in this practice are themselves giving "short measure" in respect of their work—in other words, when they draw their wages they are pocketing a certain amount to which they are not entitled, and there is only one word for this conduct—it is theft; the equivalent of pocketpicking or bag-snatching; robbery without violence; but still robbery. In fact, in some cases, it is worse because, normally, in such circumstances Only au individual is affected, whereas by this method a multitude of people, completely nonparticipants in the particular dispute, may suffer, whilst trade and industry over a wide field are• likely to be reduced in efficiency. Even if carried out in connection with piece work the ratio of labour cost to production is greatly increased, although in this case the pay packet will also be lighter.
What would happen to the workers and to the well-being of the Nation if, irritated beyond endurance by action of this nature, employers decided to adopt retaliatory tactics of a similar kind? "Going slow " by them on production or on sales would result in widespread unemployment, for thousands of workers would become redundant. Shop win , Thoughts on .a Tragic Development dows would be partially in Relationships Between Master system of the country would and Man deteriorate. Consideration must, however, be given to this point if this insidious evil continues to spread. Soft answers do not always turn away wrath.
This is all part of the regrettable loss of power over certain unruly sections of their members which is being experienced by the leaders of some unions. For many years they fought for rights to negotiate, and to strike if all else failed. Such rights are now being sabotaged, and if this continues there can be only one end the equivalent Of mob law and a breakdown of democracy.
There is little doubt that the majority of workers is perturbed at this spreading unrest and would greatly prefer to see the fight for their interests carried on in a more scrupulous and legitimate manner. Unfortunately, however, it is often the minority of hotheads and trouble-stirrers which, by its clamour, drowns sober protest and sensible advice.
Modern industry, travel and commerce are also so specialized and interwoven that "go sloW " tactics carried on by a few in some important departments may, and probably will, seriously affect all others. It is upon this factor that the actively discontented rely.
Taking a Mean Advantage Too many are taking advantage of the obviously weak position of a Socialist Government when it endeavours to deal with sporadic outbreaks of This nature. Some employees are inclined to feel that with " their " people in power, action which would otherwise be far more strongly condemned and, possibly, strong measures taken against them, may be indulged in without any considerable risk, and even with open or tacit approval from some of their representatives in Parliament.
For many years the idea has been deliberately inculcated that a Socialist Government would be able to bring about a complete reversal of the existing order and make the employees the masters. The result is that the T.U.C. and the Government find themselves in a quandary. They know full well that such a state of affairs would be unworkable and disastrous, but the process of swallowing their early promises is proving most indigestible.
Now, they are faced with the prospect of a rise in the cost of living, upon which, hitherto, so many scales of pay have depended. If any benefits at all are to be derived from the devaluation of sterling, this must not be accompanied by wage increases which would largely negative any, reduction in selling prices abroad that might otherwise be achieved.
We fully realize that the long-suffering British public—and that includes all of us—may have to pull in its belt another hole, but if it does not do this now it may mean a far greater tightening in the future.
In the meantime, away with strikes and 'go slow" tactics. They can do irreparable harm to our country and make far more difficult the work of the Government, whatever its colour may be in the near future. Beggars cannot afford to be choosers, and at least until the day be reached when we shall be free from foreign aid. all must pull together instead of in different directions. United we may stand.