Workers for Our Future

The University's recent decision to train selected trade union members in labor relations and the economics of labor organization is a happy move. Chosen annually by the unions on the basis of their previous records in the labor movement and for general intelligence and capacity for leadership, fifteen men will take work in the Business and Public Administration Schools and in the Economics Department. The first group, already in residence, represents the railway clerks', ladies' garment workers', hatters' and electricians' unions. Tuition and expenses are paid in part by friends of the University and partially by the unions.

Similar to the Nieman Fellowships for newspapermen, this program is not Harvard's first venture into the field of industrial education. It is one of the foremost attempts of any kind, however, on the part of an educational institution to create a well informed labor group. Highly praiseworthy for this reason, the program is a great stride along the path that must be followed if the white dove is ever to be seen flying over industry. Realistically aware of conditions that exist, Dean Donald K. David of the Business School said that a primary consideration in the post-war period must be the creation of an educated and enlightened management and labor group, in order that the nation may witness an end of the lack of understanding between the two. Such harmony is especially essential in these times, and it is fortunate that Harvard has sponsored this plan now.