Page:William Ernst Trautmann - Industrial Unionism (1908).djvu/9

of settlement of such strikes, yet with every recurring conflict there is the same outcry of scores of thousands against the appalling working conditions in these industries; every year the same conflagration—straw-fire like—and the same extinguishment. What is the cause?

It is evident that there is more required than a mere suspension of work, followed by apparently quick acquiescence of the employers, to hold and render permanent any achievements gained. In the cases cited last it is shown that the capitalists will quickly make concessions in order to have their institutions operated when it is most profitable; but they know well that there is no organization vigilantly guarding the advantages gained; they know that the organization temporarily established during such skirmishes is disbanded immediately with the termination of the struggle.

It is the collective power of the producers, permanently brought into action, which is feared and respected; suddenly aroused unity of action is effective because it presupposes the existence of a well-prepared and equipped organization. Failure to provide for permanent fighting bodies results inevitably in the loss of all gains made temporarily, as seen in the ever-recurring struggle of the workers in the clothing and other industries.