Labor

Abstract

The unprecedented decrease in strikes is not entirely attributable to the depressio. The general weaking of unions since the war is an important explanation. Unemployment has led labor to stress its demands for the shorter work day and shorter work week, as well as economic planning, public works programs, and so on. There is disagreement in the movement over unemployment insurance, with the possibility that the Federation of Labor will indorse a compulsory plan, although the conservatives would prefer voluntary social insurance through collective bargaining. The communists have resorted to parades and demonstrations in order to popularize their unemployment demands, encountering hostility and persecutions. The depression has led labor to manifest a keener interest in political action, with both the conservatives and radicals gaining thereby. The South was againg the pivot for organizational activity, but both conservatives and radicals have encountered obstacles and have made less headway than last year.