Three Aspects of the Russian Revolution
they will be reduced to the role of the shop stewards in our Western workshops. It is true that even when the organization is powerful and well established it is not always easy to make these representatives of Trade Union authority in a particular establishment carry out the policy adopted by the association. The history of their rebellions and of the inconsidered and violent strikes which arose out of them form in all countries one of the most thrilling and, alas! one of the longest chapters of the history of labour. But in the end the general, moderating Trade Unionist idea prevails. In Russia, doubtless for a long time yet, the spirit of independence in the workshops will remain very marked, and Trade Union authority will be most precarious, but there is every reason to believe that in the end the latter will become stronger, and that matters will develop and finally be conducted pretty much as in the West.
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