ABSTRACT
The emancipation of labour is neither a local, nor a national, but a social problem, embracing all countries in which modern society exists, and depending for its solution on the concurrence, practical and theoretical, of the most advanced countries. The first International Working Men's Congress declares that the International Association and all societies and individuals adhering to it will acknowledge truth, justice, and morality, as the basis of their conduct towards each other, and towards all men, without regard to colour, creed, or nationality. A number of unions do not allow their members to come together in support of their candidates except at official meetings. Such a ban is restrictive and undemocratic, and it violates the civil right of free association. Just as 'every nation has the government it deserves', so also trade unionists have the leaders they deserve, both in individual trade unions and ultimately in the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
