LABOUR IN CONGRESS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15714, 6 September 1911, Page 8

LABOUR IN CONGRESS.

The Trado Union Congress, which is holding its annual meeting at Newcastle, is expected to mako some important advances this year towards the goal of national organisation by tho British workers. Tho body is composed of representatives of many hundreds of trade unions, and a cablegram tells us that on the present occasion the dolegates speak on behalf of 1,667,000 unionists, who with their families probably constitute not less than one-tenth of tho population of tho Mother Country. In 1909 the most important question considered by the Congress was the peaceful settlement of trado disputes, and after a keen debate a motion affirming the principle of compulsory arbitration was rejeotcd by a very largo majority. Tho Osborno judgment was tho problem of the hour in 1910. Tho Congress was very directly affected by the ruling that trades union funds could not be used for political purposes, and tho immediate amendment of tho law was demanded. A proposal was brought forward that the Congress should amalgamate with the General Foderation of Trades Unions and the Labour Party, and this suggestion, which would havo increased the influence of organised labour very greatly had it been adopted, was rejected only by a narrow majority. Tho recent strikes will bo an important factor in moulding the decisions of tho Congress this year, and if the agitation for federation is renewed tho vote of 1910 may bo reversed, sinco tho workers have had an impressive illustration of tho importance of solidarity. A plan is on foot, wo aro told, to Eecuro " the amalgamation of all unions connected with each industry, . also a central national organisation comprising all union societies." Evidently a vigorous effort is to be made to abolish the party divisions that have done much to check tho progress of tho workers in Great Britain. The Congress will bo a memorable one if it brings into existence a-body capable of speaking for the wholo body of organised labour.