A few thoughts for those...
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D.Duck wrote:
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D.Duck wrote:
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...whose lives are easier now because of the labor movement:
Labor is the great producer of wealth: it moves all other causes.
Congressman Daniel Webster, 4/2/1824
With all their faults, trade unions have done more for humanity than
any other organization that ever existed. They have done more for
decency, for honesty, for education, for the betterment of the race,
for the developing of character in man, than the other association of
men.
Clarence Darrow, The Railroad Trainman, 1909
Without labor nothing prospers.
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The history of America has been largely created by the deeds of its
working people and their organizations. Nor has this contribution been
confined to raising wages and bettering work conditions; it has been
fundamental to almost every effort to extend and strengthen our
democracy.
William Cahn, labor authority and historian
We insist that labor is entitled to as much respect as property. But
our workers with hand and brain deserve more than respect for their
labor. They deserve practical protection in the opportunity to use
their labor at a return adequate to support them at a decent and
constantly rising standard of living, and to accumulate a margin of
security against the inevitable vicissitudes of life.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, fireside chat, 1936
If I were a worker in a factory, the first thing I would do would be
to join a union.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt
The first thing a dictator does is abolish the free press. Next he
abolishes the right of labor to go on strike. Strikes have been
labor's weapon of progress in the century of our industrial
civilization. Where the strike has been abolished ... labor is reduced
to a state of medieval peonage, the standard of living lowered, the
nation falls to subsistence level.
George Seldes, Freedom of the Press, 1935
The right to join a union of one's choice is unquestioned today and is
sanctioned and protected by law.
President Harry S. Truman
Only a fool would try to deprive working men and women of the right to
join the union of their choice.
President Dwight Eisenhower (1953-1961), general and Allied Supreme
Commander in World War II
There's s a direct relationship between the ballot box and the bread
box, and what the union fights for and wins at the bargaining table
can be taken away in the legislative halls.
Walter Reuther
In light of this fundamental structure of all work... in light of the
fact that, labor and capital are indispensable in any social system
... it is clear that even if it is because of production in any social
system ... it is clear that even if it is because of their work needs
that people unite to secure their rights, their union remains a
constructive factor of social order and solidarity, and it is
impossible to ignore it.
Pope John Paul II
The history of the labor movements needs to be taught in every school
in this land. America is a living testimonial to what free men and
women, organized in free democratic trade unions can do to make a
better life. ... We ought to be proud of it!
Vice President Hubert Horatio Humphrey, Jr. (1865-1969), Lyndon
Johnson Administration
Our labor unions are not narrow, self-seeking groups. They have raised
wages, shortened hours, and provided supplemental benefits. Through
collective bargaining and grievance procedures, they have brought
justice and democracy to the shop floor.
President John F. Kennedy, 1962
The AFL-CIO has done more good for more people than any (other) group
in America in its legislative efforts. It doesn't just try to do
something about wages and hours for its own people. No group in the
country works harder in the interests of everyone.
President Lyndon Johnson, 1965
Here's some reading on the "job bank" program. Granted it's an
agreement entered into by both management and labor.
Sure doesn't /didn't help the cost of cars.
The problem with American cars hasn't been their cost, but their quality
and lately their gas mileage, and, of course, the fact that U.S.
automakers pay for the health insurance of their workers. In most other
countries, that cost is borne by all taxpayers.
So the job bank program is a good thing?
You are aware that workers in many modern countries have the same sorts of
protections provided to them by their governments, just as their
governments make sure that all workers and their families have access to
health insurance/coverage.
Yes, I am aware. Are they good programs? Do they help promote self
improvement?
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