COORDINATING AGENCIES AND RESIDENT SCHOOLS

 

ing that organized labor be represented in the public educational system. Thus
a precedent was established for current labor advisory committees. Where
workers’ education is not under the control of official labor organizations,
several trade unions may be represented upon a board which demands that the

interests of workers be duly recognized. While interpreting the significance
of workers’ education to others, the agents have an opportunity to clarify the
subject among themselves.

One of the first signs that trade unions were interested in their own educa-
tional programs was the appearance of labor colleges. Several organizations
together offered a combination of classes to their members. Duplication
thereby was minimized; fees could be small and teachers and materials uti-
lized to the full. In recent years the “colleges” have suffered a severe mortal-
ity. Some still in the field have ben split by the craft-industrial controversy.
A few have continued to be effective.

The Congress of Industrial Organizations also has recognized that the labor
movement needs workers’ education, that instruction is essential to strong
trade unionism. The agency accordingly has recommended that labor organ-
izations themselves sponsor educational programs or at least cooperate
actively with others so engaged. As yet, however, it has instituted no central-
ized procedure. However, like spirit and principles seem to motivate the edu-
cational programs of affiliates, even though financed by individual unions
themselves. Industrial unionism seems to imply workers’ education."

One must look beyond the trade unions for any extensive coordination
service. Two factors are responsible: lack of harmony among labor organiza-
tions often causes failure to cooperate even in education; many programs are

 

THE AMERICAN LABOR EDUCATION SERVICE

sponsored by non-trade unionists, making integration by autonomous agencies

In the field since 1926, the American Labor Education Service may be
designated as the oldest independent national agency. The organization
evolved from the Bryn Mawr Summer School for Women Workers in Indus-
try, when more schools and wider assistance for their alumnae were needed.

It has fulfilled the designated purpose and is now aiding the community and |

“Interview with John Edelman, Chairman of Education Committee of Pennsylvania
State Industrial Council, 1938.

53

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