Search results

In the course of their history, trade unions have had a choice between two types of ideologies. The 1st, characteristic of US trade unionism, accepts the existing pol'al & econ order, & directs its efforts toward assuring a n eutral attitude on the part of the gov which would permit them to obtain within the existing framework a higher standard of living for labor. The adoption of this `economic' conception implies, sooner or later, the abandonment of the individualistic conception of the body politic: the state is forced to recognize the existence of diff interest groups, sometimes directly opposed to each other, by virtue of the pressures they exert. European trade unionism, on the other hand, has generally chosen a `political' conception of its role, though the positions adopted vary considerably from one country to another & from Cath to Communist trade unions. (Translated by Z. Dana from IPSA).

In Jan 1955 the Institute of French Opinion asked a sample of individuals to list in order of preference ten French pol'al figures. A factoral analysis of the 1,436 replies showed that the 'leftist-rightist' continuum was of major importance in French pol'al preferences on the eve of the fall of Mendes-France, & accounted for 26.4% of the variance. Next in order of importance were factors related to European problems & questions related to the French Union. These results indicate how important post-WWII problems are in the view of the public, as well as the continued importance of the left-right distinction. Tr by J. A. Broussard from 1PSA.

During the year race relations have taken a turn for the worse. The Institute of Race Relations has a very important role in those matters. Its attitude is that economic integration counteracts the segregation which would in the long run create the ruin of South African civilization. In the urban area the Group Areas Act does not solve the difficulties of the coexistence of various racial elements. Housing facilities are inferior to present needs. The commission of the social and economic development of rural areas pursues its enquiries. Due to economic integration, territorial segregation becomes impossible. Non-Europeans form an increasing past of the labor force. The Commission for study of industrial legislation made three recommendations on the possibility of a greater coordination of wages, the abolition of mixed trade unions and the reorganization of African ones. Migratory movements into towns are regulated by placement bureaus. Professional aptitudes are classified into managerial, mechanical and non-mechanical. The number of agricultural workers has increased. Recent policy increased the rigor of the law against Africans. Delinquency is quite high, and health conditions should be much more improved. While the life expectancy is 66 years for the European, it is only 44 for the colored Africans. Tuberculosis and under-nutrition are the principal causes of sickness. D. Bystryn.