Page:Scott Nearing - British Labor Bids for Power (1926).pdf/4



"The functions of the trade unions are two-fold. First of all, they have to defend the workers' standard of life everywhere against the attacks of the capitalist forces, which have closed their ranks internationally, and are thus in a position to deliver smashing blows. This embedies an attempt to improve the condition of the working class 'within the framework of capitalist society.' But the trade unions' ultimate function is a greater one, and is therefore in a sense primary, namely to achieve the overthrow ‘of the capitalist system, the deliverance of labour, the inauguration of socialism." (Edo Fimmen, Labour's Alternative, p, 97.)

"That its mission was revolutionary, in effect if not in early intention, is historically certain. Notwithstanding the innate conservatism, caution and moderation of its policy, Congress has moved steadily, decade by decade, toward a complete transformation of the industrial organization based on craft unionism of an exclusive kind. … It has evolved in the general direction of a militant organization of all workers, skilled and unskilled, capable not only of collective bargaining on something like equal terms with the employers, but of more vigorous constructive action, under unified leadership, for the ultimate transformation of the whole system of productive industry. Almost unconsciously, at least until within very recent years, the Trades Union Congress has pursued a path which leads inevitably to the assumption of full responsibility by its central executive for the mass action of the Trades Unions. In recent years this unconscious tendency has become deliberate, a guiding principle of Congress policy and administration."—(Story of the Trades Union Congress, The General Council, London.)