The National Erectors' Association and the International Association of Bridge and Structural Ironworkers (Volume 42) - Tapa blanda

Reseña del editor

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1915. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XX. Conclusion. In a study of conditions obtaining in the structural iron industry and the relations between the ironworkers and their employers, the most striking fact is, that the application of physical force will neither establish nor maintain just and fair relations between employers and employes. Many instances might be cited in the industrial world, where the use of physical force has, for a time, won advantage for the side that has used it. Such gains, however, are temporary and do not make for permanent industrial peace. An employer may at times through force of circumstances be compelled to submit to certain conditions which he believes are unjust. Fear of violence and the destruction of property may cause him to make terms with a union against his will and business judgment. But if he is forced to submit through fear or business,necessity, he will break from the restraint on the first opportunity. Workingmen on the other hand may be compelled to submit to conditions which they regard as irksome, if the advantage is on the side of the employer. They submit sullenly, because they are compelled to do so by force of circumstances. Instead of co-operating with their employers under such conditions they are constantly looking for the day when they can turn the tables and get the upper hand. Force may subjugate one side or the other in an industrial dispute, but it will not remove discontent. It will not establish justice. When one side is all-powerful and the other side is subservient, there is sure to be injustice. Where there is injustice, there will be discontent. The abuse of power is not always on the side of the employer. Where unions are in complete control, abuses are as apt to develop as where the employers exercise absolute power. In neith...