Functional socialism

62 FUNCTIONAL SOCIALISM

“representative” National Council; it is only representative of the commercial elements. At a moment when we are suffering from a bloated finance which dominates and bids fair to destroy us, he proposes to enlarge its powers and functions. The vast working class, itself a depository of function, is excluded from these Councils. Mr. Macmillan separates the sheep from the goats. He proposes a parallel alignment. “At every point from the workshop or factory to the National Council there would be a body representing the management and a body representing the workers.” The connection between the two bodies, short of some polite discussions on policy, would be wage negotiations. Mr. Macmillan lines up the forces for an accentuated class struggle.

CAUGHT UP IN THE WAGE SYSTEM

His proposal is a striking instance of calculated simplicity. It is done so considerately, so sympathetically. He must be a friendly sort of man. But...

In the event of labour and management in any industry failing to reach agreement, the dispute would be submitted to the Economic Council (upon which Labour is excluded) for inquiry and recommendations. Until this inquiry has been held and the Economic Council’s recommendations published, no interruption of employment would be permitted either by the declaration of strike or lock-out.

Try how he may, Mr. Macmillan cannot escape from the wage system: