On
Which The Trade Unionist Bases His Faith
1.)
Because it tends to raise wages. This is proven by
all sorts of evidence.
2.)
Because it helps to prevent the reduction in wages.
Cut downs rarely come to well organized labor.
3.)
Because it aids in getting shorter hours.
Unorganized trades work the longest hours.
4.)
Because in union there is strength. This is true of
the wage earners as of States.
5.)
Because it makes labor respected. Power wins respect
from employers as from all men.
6.)
Because association is a distinguishing feature of
the age. Men of affairs and of executive ability set the example in the
business world.
7.)
It lessens excessive competition for situations.
Useless competition is useless friction.
8.)
Because it educates as to the public questions. The
trade union takes the place of the debating society and the paid professor’s
lecture.
9.)
Because it gives men self-reliance. The servile
employee is not a free man.
10.)
Because it develops fraternity. Craftsmen are all
too jealous and suspicious of one another, even at best.
11.)
Because it is a good investment. No other
institution gives back so large a return for expenditure of time and money.
12.)
Because it makes the workers think as well as work.
The workers need to rub their intellects together in matters of common concern.
13.) Because it enlarges acquaintances. This world is too restricted for the wage-worker.
14.)
Because it teaches us co-operation. When laborers
will cooperate, they will own the earth.
15.)
Because it curbs selfishness. The grab all is toned
down by the fear of the opinion of his fellows.
16.)
Because it levels up. Getting more wages for the low
man raises the standard for all.
17.)
Because it makes the shop a better place to work in.
An arrogant foreman can’t bully a union card.
18.)
Because it is your duty. The union man is the sutler
of the union army.
19.)
Because it helps the family. More money, more
comforts and more luxuries if you please.
20.)
Because it helps the State. Unorganized and
discontented labor is the parent of mob and revolution.
21.)
Because it is scientific. The trade union stands the
test of analysis and application.
22.)
Because it is a labor saving machinery. The lever of
organization can move the whole industrial world.
23.)
Because it is legal. The state has been forced to
take off the conspiracy ban.
24.)
Because skinflints and amateurs condemn it. The
trade union is to be commended for the enemies it has made.
25.)
Because your own common sense approves it. What
argument can you bring against it?
26.)
Because it has come to stay. Social fads wax and
wane, but the trade union has fixed its place in the social structure.
27.)
Because of its possibilities. The trade union can be
made all that the hearts and intellect of the workers will permit.
28.)
Because it is American. The highest possible
standard of livelihood is none too good for sovereign citizens.
29.)
Because it is no tan experiment. A century of tests
have demonstrated its ability.
30.)
Because it is evolutionary. It seeks no miracles,
but goes on step by step.
31.)
Because it means business. It grasps at tangible
results and does not spend its force in speculation.
32.)
Because of the enemies it has made. When you see
people outside the wage class fighting trade unions, put it down that trade
unions are desirable.
33.)
Because it is philosophical. It takes human nature
as it is, not as somebody says it ought to be.
34.)
Because it is universal. The trade union idea is
coexistent with civilization
35.)
Because it is immediate. It stands as a bulwark for
the defense of labor.
36.)
Because it is a necessity. Your interests as a
seller of labor are the interests of your class.
37.)
Because- fill this out with any reason which impels
a man to gain the best possible kind of a livelihood for himself and those who
are dependent upon him.
-St.
Joeseph’s Union, Seattle Union Record, May 16, 1903