Keep Politics Out of Says Industrial Organization " TANTALUS '
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IN these days, when events of major importance move swiftly across the screen of national affairs, developments no less important in character are apt to pass unnoticed. The restricted supply of newsprint does not permit of due prominence being given to such matters. For example, if greater supplies of newsprint had been available, much more would have been heard regarding the newly formed Independent Transport Workers' Association.
The fact that such a body has been established in the face of existing powerful unions is of deep significance, and may mark a new era for organized labour in the road haulage industry. The humble birth and unpretentious origin of the movement may be but a prelude to bigger things, and, in course of time, may alter the conception of the duties and responsibilities of trades unions.
Success Unaided It must be acknowledged that the strong convictions of Mr. F. T. Sullivan, lorry driver, of Leicester, and Mr. OA. Mason, of Birmingham, a former lorry driver, undoubtedly provided a source of inspiration and courage which led to the decision to launch the new organization. The mere fact that, from a local beginning, the movement has become national, with 17 branches established in various parts of the country and a membership of 2,000, is evidence of the sound judgment of the two pioneers. Progress and expansion move forward at a rapid rate in this organization, although there was no blare of trumpets to welcome the new arrival. This was not front-page news and, more likely than not, trades unionists scoffed at the idea and may continue so to. do.
Faith and a sincere belief in a cause have been known to move mountains, and the position of the unions— generally regarded as unassailable—may be shaken by the onward march of this growing army of reformers. In short, the new " union " has "caught on." The effort has been well-timed by the promoters, for to-day the trades union system is under a cloud. There is increasing evidence of growing dissatisfaction at delays in dealing with disputes. Indeed, the increasing numbers of • unofficial strikes, which cause hardship to millions of people, in most cases can be traced to this source.
Procrastination Causes Strike The recent gasworkers' strike in the London area provides a clear example of delay in the settlement of. relatively minor disputes. It has been revealed that the first move in that particular wage claim was made last year; that foimal negotiations took place last March, and that the first meeting between the two sides did not eventuate until the end of May last. Despite the period of time available in which to reach an agreement, it was the unofficial strike which ultimately brought about a settlement in a few days.
The growing practice of unofficial strikes, which defies established methods and brushes aside the constitutional negotiating machinery, is to be deplored. It is an urgent form of direct action. What lies behind this breaking away from orthodox procedure?
The answer is that the unofficial strike gets things done. It is easy to condemn the malcontents who foster these strikes and the men who follow their lead. It should be remembered, however, that such independent action would be defeated if the trades union machinery worked efficiently. Now that a successful settlement has been achieved, it will be difficult to convince the agitators of the error of their ways.
The whole fact of the matter is that the machinery set up to deal with claims regarding wages and conditions has been too ponderous and slow-moving. The time taken in obtaining a decision is too long, and, consequently, the patience of the workers becomes exhausted. Then, dissatisfaction spreads and results in a demz•nel for direct action. Until the whole machinery is overhauled and means found whereby procedure can be speeded up considerably, the end of unofficial strikes will not be in sight.
Frequently workers are heard to express dissatisfaction with the present state of affairs. The early days of the trades unions are recalled; those days when all effort was concentrated on protecting and improving wages and working conditions. That was before the unions had become a powerful political force and vested interest. Amongst the "rank and file" trades unionists there is a growing feeling that politics should be kept apart from the basic principles of trades unionism. It is felt that if this were done, wage disputes would be dealt with more expeditiously, thereby removing one of the main causes of unofficial strikes.
A Non-political Union
As against the political developments of trades unions. the Independent Transport Workers' Association does not stand for allegiance to any political party. It will support Members of Parliament of any party who are pledged to secure betterment for the workers in the road transport industry. It will oppose, on the other hand, "any politician, political party or quasi-political body which may, for any reason, propose measures which are against the best interests of the workers."
Further, it maintains that under nationalization the strength of the workers' organizations would be diminished. In negotiations for improved conditions. direct conflict with the State would ensue.
Undoubtedly, the clearly defined policy, with the strong note of independence, is responsible for the rapid growth of the Association. Members have the satisfaction of knowing that they will mit be called upon to pay a political levy and to support a cause they cannot follow or a policy they cannot accept. Herein lies the fundamental difference between the new body and the orthodox trades unions.
With the growth and expansion of the Association, the leaders are almost certain to meet with opposition from one source or another. The road is bound to be hard. If, however, they tread steadfastly in the course they have plotted and apply determination to their task, the destination should be within their reach.