Trade Unions in the New Society

Trade Unions in the New Society

Harold J. Laski was one of the most important philosophers of our time. The ideas expressed in his books, from the Grammar of politics to hi great work on the American way of life, the American democracy, have had a profound influence on socialist thinking. All his life he was a close observer of the growing power and place of organized labour. In this book, he examines the changes in the status of trade unions and the place they occupy in the present democratic world. He contrasts their function in a capitalist or socialist country with what it has become under Russian totalitarianism. A concise book, it explores the past and the present attitudes of society towards unions and traces the changing views of the courts in the many cases in which growing labour movement has challenged the ancient concept that property rights transcend all others. It examines the impact that such relatively recent developments as mass production, social security, and a planned economy have had on the position of the working man and considers the proper role of the government in disputes which may affect the basic public welfare. Most important of all, possibly, are Lask’s observations on the desirability of labour activity in organized politics. His arguments are of the greatest importance for all concerned with democracy's future. The greatest theoretician the modern labour party possessed, Men of all political ways of thought owe him something, for whether they agree or disagree he has had a share in shaping our present society- and will certainly have a greater one in shaping our future.

Harold J. Laski

George Allen & Unwin LTD

1950

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English

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