Here he can satisfy that longing for
the recognition of his point of view denied him in the great
factory and here he can meet men of similar condition, on terms
of equality, to discuss freely and without fear the topics that
interest him most. There is an immense psychic potency in this
intimate association of fellow workers, especially in some of the
older unions which have accumulated a tradition.
It is in the local union that the real life of the labor
organization must be nourished, and the statesmanship of the
national leaders is directed to maintaining the greatest degree
of local autonomy consistent with the interests of national
homogeneity. The individual laborer thus finds himself a member
of a group of his fellows with whom he is personally acquainted,
who elect their own officers, to a large measure fix their own
dues, transact their own routine business, discipline their own
members, and whenever possible make their own terms of employment
with their employers. The local unions are obliged to pay their
tithe into the greater treasury, to make stated reports, to
appoint a certain roster of committees, and in certain small
matters to conform to the requirements of the national union. On
the whole, however, they are independent little democracies
confederated, with others of their kind, by means of district and
national organizations.
The unions representing the different trades vary in structure
and spirit. There is an immense difference between the temper of
the tumultuous structural iron workers and the contemplative
cigar-makers, who often hire one of their number to read to them
while engaged in their work, the favorite authors being in many
instances Ruskin and Carlyle.
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