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THE JOB TO BE DONE
Speech to a special conference of TUC executives, London, 25th May, 1940
A letter from Winston Churchill
I AM glad that I can speak for the millions of my fellow Trade Unionists in the United Kingdom who, on May 25, 1940, discussed with me in a most inspiring conference and determined manner the detailed plans for the utilization of the services of the fifteen million working population in these islands. At the end of that discussion they adopted a stern resolution pledging themselves to support their own General Council and the Government in organizing the entire resources of the country and using the utmost endeavor to defeat the forces of aggression. They did so in the fullest assurance of the General Council’s determination “to preserve the powers and functions of the trade unions and to insure the maintenance of the hard-won liberties of the workers.”
Such a conference of responsible executives of over two hundred Trade Unions and Federations was a great inspiration to those of us who had decided to take a responsible part in the Government of the country. As I addressed them I saw on the faces of all my comrades a grim resolve and an iron determination. This is what I said:
“At this moment France is ravaged; Belgium is nearly conquered; Holland is conquered; Norway, second only to us as the home of trade unionism, is destroyed; and the enemy is at our gates. It is with that position before us that I have to make to you this morning suggestions of the way in which at this moment in an organized, methodical, and I hope voluntary disciplined manner, the British Trade Union Movement can demonstrate to the world that it is in fact the savior of democracy.
“Before, however, proceeding with my statement, I have been asked by the Prime Minister to read this letter to the delegates:
“ ‘Dear Mr. Bevin:
“ ‘I shall be glad if you will give to the Conference of Trade Union Executives the assurance of my deep and active interest in the purpose of their assembly and let them know how much I should have welcomed, under conditions of less urgency and pressure of manifold dangers, an opportunity to speak to them personally.
“ ‘The Conference, I am sure, will appreciate the nature of the responsibility which falls upon you, as Minister of State in this severe crisis of our fortunes, in explaining to the unions the necessity which has caused Parliament to enact the new emergency lesiglation, and how the Government plans to use this exceptional power for the prompt and complete organization of the country’s industrial resources to help us to meet the imminent perils that face us. The country’s needs are imperative, inescapable and imperious, and we shall pay dearly if we fail to meet them. We can meet them now as a Government founded upon a new unity of national purpose, and with the creative energies of a people awakened to the magnitude of the task. We have the fullest confidence in the readiness of the organized workers to accept the obligations arising out of the demands which the State is compelled to make upon their endurance and their capacity for sacrifice. We look with equal confidence to the Trade Union Executives called into conference by their General Council to assist the State by using their widespread organization to serve the purpose you will unfold at the Conference. The gravity of the situation deepens hour by hour, and we are all called upon to make a supreme effort to defend the country, to preserve our liberties, and to win the war. Trade Unionists, with their tradition of sacrifice in the service of freedom, will not hesitate to throw their full strength into the struggle.
“ ‘Yours sincerely,
“ ‘Winston Churchill.’
“I little dreamed that I would be called upon to undertake what I suppose is one of the most onerous duties in the Government. While other departments may handle raw materials and organize production, every one of you who holds a responsible position in our unions knows how difficult it is to handle the human being. He is the most awkward part of production unless you handle him right.