ABSTRACT
The Labor Association is now one year old, and I have been sympathizing with it for one year as well. Why do I have such particular sympathy for the Labor Association? Labor is sacred, 2 all things are made by laborers, and the Labor Association is a united body of laborers, so everyone should be sympathetic to it. During the past year, the association’s difficulties in establishing itself have already written the first page in the history of the Hunan labor movement. Now it’s time to begin writing the second page. I hope that what is written on this second page will be very different from what is on the first page: that the material will be richer, the meaning fresher, the style and organization further approaching perfection. Therefore, on the basis of my own thoughts, I want to contribute some hopes for the future:
The purpose of a labor organization is not merely to rally the laborers to get better pay and shorter working hours by means of strikes. It should also nurture class consciousness so as to unite the whole class and seek the basic interests of the whole class. I hope that every member of the Labor Association will pay special attention to this very basic goal.
As far as organization is concerned, it is best to follow the pattern of the Western trade unions: a body of representatives from the members should elect a certain number of people to form a committee with full powers to oversee the administration of the association. We certainly do not want the 101old guild system, but neither do we want a system that has too many staff members, too many departments, or too much dispersion of authority.
The Labor Association has been organized by the workers, so it should be financed by the workers themselves. Furthermore, it should raise funds for strikes and elections. Of course, we cannot accomplish these goals immediately, but I feel the first step should be that whatever the circumstances, each member pays minimal monthly dues, even if it is as little as one copper cash a month. The second step should be that the association be self-supporting. This is very important. I hope every member of the Labor Association will pay attention to it.
