Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

TRADES UNIONS I7I steady reductions. It is not surprising that any system with higher wages given for increased output should cause distrust among American workers. The Unions have been steadily gaining strength ; and, so far, the changes caused in the United States by the war have greatly strengthened the power of labour generally. The flood of European im- migrants has entirely stopped; in fact, foreign workers have been steadily leaving the States, so that the tide has turned the other way. There is no unemployment; wages are rising, and the demand for a shorter day is being pressed.1 When we survey the situation in England we find that the most modern economists are often to be found urging upon employers the full recognition of Trades Unions. Times have entirely changed since “ political economy ” thought it had demonstrated that Trades Unions were futile, or detrimental to the real interests of their members; but the idea still lingers among employers who do not study current economics and sociology. The late Prof. W. Smart in his last book says that the employer “ has no divine right to his honourable position unless he governs divinely. And if I am not mistaken, the first thing that will test his worthiness for the high office is the attitude he takes to Trades Unions.” 2 He continues in a note : “I am afraid Trades Unionism is a thing which the unregenerate 1 See an article in the Engineering Magazine for April, 1916, by F. C. Howe, the Commissioner of Immigration, U.S.A. 2 “ Second Thoughts of an Economist,” p. 154, and note.