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to recognise that the benevolent paternalism which they practised for so long, with not unfavourable results does not fit easily into the pattern of modern democracy. They have certainly shown much patience, tolerance, fairness and understanding ofter under difficult and provoking circumstances.
50.
.
The less progressive employers of labour must also be made to realise the wisdom of ensuring that the wages of their workers are adequate to provide a reasonable standard of living. As civilisation develops the ambitions and aspirations of the workers in all countries incrcase and must be met so far as this is practicable. The argument which is most likely to appeal to any employer is that a successful strike breeds further strikes and while there exists real cause for dissatisfaction stike is always possible.
51.
It cannot. be too strongly emphasised, however, that a square deal for the workers involves a square deal from the workers. The fundamental problem of improving the living standards of the workers cannot be solved simply by increasing wages.
52.
In considerable areas of the world today we are witnessing large groups of the population endeavouring to pursue the mirage of higher standards of living with the same or even lower output. That way lics inflation and unemployment, not progress.
53.
In essence what is essential is to get all employers to realise that a happy and contented labour force is an asset from every point of view and to get both sides to appreciate that the building up of mutual respect must be their first aim.
54
Collective bargaining is only practicable in an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding and goodwill. Peremptory demands backed by a threat of strike action may sometimes be successful, but such a practice will not pay in the long run. curt refusal to consider representations from the workers is equally reprehensible.
55.
What should be aimed at, having regard to the present stage of the development of local unions, is some method of liaison between both sides which will enable cach to under-stand what the other is thinking because joint consultation at local level invariably pays dividends. The majority of employers do not seem to have made much affort to develop joint negotiating machinery and the reason most frequently given is that the unions have not yet developed sufficiently on sound lines to permit of this. Although there is an element of truth in this such a statement is too sweeping.
L
56.
The degree of latitude allowed to some of the Chinese news- papers to indulge freely in Communist propaganda is surprising to any newcomer to the Colony, and it cannot but profoundly affect the out- look of the workers. That the U.S. and Britain are imperialists and that those who support them in any way are "running dogs of the imperialists" - a very derogatory term is quite a usual line in the vernacular press.
That Russia is the fount of all wisdom is often inferred. In pursuit of propaganda they do not seem to hesitate to distort the truth On the other hand it must be said that the news- papers with Kuomintang sympathies are almost equally outspoken and no doubt this has the effect of maintaining a balance as is the case with the rival "Federations" with their opposing ideologies.
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