Powers against Strike Agitators
The new Defence Regulation IAA empowers the Government to take drastic measures against agitators who incite workers to strike in essential industries. This is the Government's reply to the recent inexcusable strikes among the Yorkshire miners and the shipyard and engineering apprentices. The " right to strike" in essential industries had already been removed for the period of the war both by the voluntary undertakings of the trade unions, who promised to settle disputes by compulsory arbitration, and by the Conditions of Employment Order. The unions in their official capacity had loyally kept to the understanding ; the strikes that have occurred have been acts of trade union indiscipline, instigated by persons who defied the authorised leaders. No nation engaged in a life-and- death struggle against an enemy would tolerate a repetition of the recent large-scale stoppages in vital industries, and popular opinion is certainly behind the Government when it arms itself with new powers. It is significant that the Minister who has been responsible for the framing of the Regulation should be that staunchest of all trade unionists, Mr. Bevin, and that he carries the trade unions with him as well as the employers. That is not surprising, for the recent unauthorised strikes have not only obstructed the national war effort, but have also been blows at trade union discipline. It will be noted that the Regulation aims only at dealing with irresponsible persons who foment strikes, and that it is expressly provided that persons may say what they like at authorised trade union meetings. The unions, having kept their promises, have earned the support which this Regulation indirectly gives them. It is indicative of the quasi-constitutional position which they now hold in industry that it is they who are helping the Government in the avoidance of unrest, and the Government which is helping them to strengthen their hold on members.
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