Economic and Social Aspects of International Trade Union Work

Abstract

Social and economic activities are the primary concern of trade un ions, but these can flourish only under political freedom; the fight against dic tatorship and the support of democratic movements must be waged by unions. International trade union work knows no geographical boundaries, but its charac ter is influenced by the stage of economic and social development of a region. In industrially advanced countries it encourages and strives to maintain policies of full employment and full share by labor in resulting benefits of a stable economy, for instance. In underdeveloped countries, where trade union move ment has just begun, it seeks to help in economic and social development geared to needs. The community of interests of workers in these two types of econo mies is stressed.—Ed.