What is Organized Labour

[Brian Kohler <bkohler@cep.ca>]

Hi, discussion group:

I will quote from the preamble to the constitution of the
Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada.  I think it
captures some of the answer to the question "What is Organized Labour".

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"Believing that all persons have a natural right to the full enjoyment
of the wealth created by their labour and believing that such cannot be
fully realized except through the united, free and democratic
organization of working men and women, we do hereby unite ourselves to
create the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada,
which shall operate as an independent and autonomous labour union.

"It shall be the object of this Union to establish and maintain
collective bargaining for the benefit of the workers within its
jurisdiction and to conduct a never-ceasing effort to secure just
compensation for the workers, reasonable hours of work and working
conditions conducive to safety, good health and full enjoyment of life.

"It shall be the further object of this Union to secure legislation
safeguarding and promoting economic security and the social welfare of
all workers, and to remain vigilant in the interest of preserving and
extending civil rights and liberties within a free and democratic
society."

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Brian Kohler