arnments on the Servicemen's League Dgculties Which May Occur When
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the Time Comes for . Changing Over Our industry From a War to a Peace• Footing. How the League May Facilitate This Task
By "Tantalus"
DURING. the organization of the resources of the Nation for total war, nc problem has exceeded in importancethat relating to labour. Upon man-power the whole intricate war machine is hinged, and this applies equally to
the United Nations and their foes. No problem has been surrounded by such complex and varying conditions and difficulties in which the psychological aspect plays so important a part. This was only to be expected, of course, in harnessing the man-power of the Nation to the colossal
war machine. Vast as the task has been—and remains— it may sink into insignificance when compared with the problem not only of the dembbilization of the Forces but of reinstating in civil occupations those countless numbers employed *on war-time production. To organize and control such a scheme, surely, will tax the utmost resources of the wisest of men.
Apart from statements Made from time to time by responsible officials, little is known regarding contemplated plans for dealing with this change-over, which is truly staggering in its proportions. From the hints already forthcoming it is possible to deduce only in the most general way the lines upon which the Government is preparing to move, Beyond any such deductions the veil is closely drawn.
It must be assumed, however, that the Government has given, and is continuing to give, a great deal of thoughtful
consideration to this subject and, therefore, will not be caught unprepared when the appropriate time arrives for dealing with matters of such magnitude and for disclosing the policy agreed upon in relation thereto.
Just as labour is the key to the war effort in all its phases, so must it remain in respect of all post-war recon struction schemes. This fact must not be overlooked by the various committees engaged in considering the different aspects of post-war planning when they make to the Government certain recommendations. It is supremely important to remember that all must revolve around the problem of demobilization, whether from the Forces or from the factories engaged in war production.
Scheme Which May Prove Invaluable It would seem, then, that the time is most opportune for the ventilation of all matters relating to post-war employment, and the Editor of " The Commercial Motor " is to be congratulated upon the highly creditable manlier in which he dealt recently in these columns with the post-war position of members of the industry now in the Services. To have put before the industry at this time proposals fora scheme which might well prove of untold assistance to those seeking re-entry into this particular section of civilian life is wholly commendable and merits the highest praise.
The leading article, " A League for War Servicemen," published in the issue of this journal dated August 20, • stated that the Editor is receiving letters from serving soldiers—both officers and men—asking adviee as to postwar careers, and it appears that many are pinning their hopes to road transport. Further correspondence reveals the fact that, despite all other activities and distractions, troops are extremely interested in this vital .matter of post-war employment within the industry. .
As matters stand, unfortunately, no message of hope or encouragement can be given to allay the doubts and apprehensions of these men of the Forces regarding the question of past-war employment. Sooner or later some information must be forthcoming, and this not evasive but satisfying and decisive in character. So far any inquiries made concerning this subject have usually brought forth the comment that the first job is to win the war. That, certainly, is so but, whilst this enormous feat is in progress, it is expedient that plans be prepared in readiness for successfully dealing with those problems which will demand attention immediately after the cessation of hostilities..
What are. the prospects of serving members re-entering the industry as also those who may wish to enter as newcomers? Regarding the former, no pledge whatever has been given by the Government, so the matter still is in the air. With referenCe to the latter, no one would dare to risk a prophecy. This is an issue which cannot be postponed indefinitely, for the fighting men will demand an answer which, after all, is their prerogative and a claim of justice. Not only is the Government silent regarding this question of the post-war status of the hauliers, but so
are the organizations and representatives. Apart from questions put to the M.O.W.T. from time to time, there is little or no evidence that pressure is being brought to bear in an effort to obtain some definite statement of policy.
An Obligation to Those Who Serve
Each member of the various committees which have been set up in connection with road transport, each member of the national councils of the representative bodies, has a definite obligation to those formerly in the industry who have lost their businesses either voluntarily, to join up, or because they were called up for-service with H.M. Forces. Any failure fully to discharge this obligation Could be described only as an act of disloyalty.
The fact that it has been left to someone outside the actual industry to initiate plans for dealing with the return of servicemen is a grave reflection upon the accredited representatives. This should have been regarded not merely as their first charge and .responsibility but. also, as their privilege.. It is apparent that they give preference to and spend considerable 'time upon the discussion of such matters as road and rail rates, reorganization plans or new schemes for the industry. =Surely the problem of the post-war position of members of the industry—which is one of the greatest magnitude—should be permitted to override these considerations.
Many readers will recall their experiences alter the past war, when they were promised "'homes fit for heroes to live in," Had the scheme ever materialized and the homes become' available in sufficient numbers many of the returned heroes could not have afforded the rent to pay for them'. In discussing those days the remark "It must never happen again " is heard quite frequently, yet a similar position may arise in the near future. It is to be .hoped that the bitter lessons of past experience have been , truly assimilated and that they will be applied to post-was
problems. •
• Whatever may be the future of road transport—whether the institution of a National Board, nationalization or a return to freedom—the first consideration should be the interests of the operators now serving and their adequate protection. They must be afforded the right to 're-enter the industry if they so desire; that should be acknowledged. generally, If the.associations and the leaders will not fight for this principle, then others surely will, secure in the knowledge Of having fight on their side,
The fact that men now serving overseas are inquiring as to their prospects is a clear indication of their thoughts. This pointer should not be disregarded, for herein may be a. formidable force which will have to be reckoned with when these men lay down their arms.
In the matter of the proposed " League for War Servicemen " it should be noted that the proposals concern mainly men previously engaged in the road transport industry and
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