From the Spring/Summer 1979 issue of The Western Socialist
In the ITU Review, June 8, 1978, under the heading: “Labor: Dignity of Man” appears this quote: . . . it is part of the dignity of man to create for himself and his family a basis for living through work” (My emphasis.) Unfortunately, the implication of the quote is that there is a harmony of interests between capital and labor. Can it be ignored that the primary objective of unions is as a weapon in the interests of the workers that arise because of the conflicts between capital and labor?
Capital's primary concern is PROFITS, and profits alone. Labor’s primary interests are wages and shop conditions. By the very nature of the economic relationships it cannot be otherwise, despite the claims of capital to the contrary. And the lessons of experience have proven this.
The notion that working for wages “creates for himself and his family a basis for living through work” is an illusion! The products produced by the workers on the job do NOT belong to them but to capital. Wages are determined by the costs of living! This can be seen by the many escalator clauses in union contracts.
Need I emphasize that today has seen a tremendous stride in science and technology? It has been established by research that nobody starves today because of shortages despite the propaganda to the contrary. The times are now ripe for a world fit for human beings instead of today’s dog-eat-dog jungle. Today, food is produced primarily FOR SALE, not only to be eaten. That is why potatoes, corn, wheat, cattle, etc., etc., are destroyed. We all are aware of this.
What is needed today is a world where everyone gives according to their abilities and receives according to their needs based on a real system of the DIGNITY OF MAN, freed from exploitation. This is no utopia but a present NECESSITY!!!
Rab.
In Boston Typographical Bulletin
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