Whilst issue 1 was slightly agitational in content and tone, issue 2 is more educational and reflective.  This is because the NLTU has recognised that – in the minds of many people – trade unionism is always equated with communism and/or socialism.

We know that some trade union leaders & members have been (and are still) either communists or socialists.  However, it’s vital to acknowledge the liberal tradition within trade unionism.  We cannot afford for this tendency to be lost to history.

Therefore, the NLTU has decided that – from a strategic point of view – a long-term educational programme is needed.  This educational programme will be initially conducted via Liberal Worker.

The saying ‘context is everything’ is very well-known.  It notes the importance of understanding the circumstances and/or background in which something occurs.  These circumstances can completely change the meaning or interpretation of an action, statement, or idea.  In short, without proper context, information can easily be misunderstood or taken out of proportion.

Thus, to promote our vision of a non-socialist trade unionism, we need to provide much needed vital context.

As issue 2 of Liberal Worker notes, the economic ideas that we’re interested in ‘all stand in opposition to capitalism – where property & assets are in the hands of a few – and socialism and communism – where property & assets are in the hands of the state (and party bosses).’

Our long-term educational programme will therefore look at various alternative and sometimes non-conformist economic ideas.  These will include the co-operative movement, distributism, guild socialism (sometimes called Christian socialism), social credit, sovereign money and syndicalism.

Another phase of the NLTU programme will look at some of those people who advocated the above ideas (such as Hilaire Belloc, G. K. Chesterton, G. D. H. Cole, Major C.H. Douglas, John Hargrave and Robert Owen).

Hopefully, this strategy will help to attract individual trade unionists who’ll support both the principles of liberty (the protection of all individual employees) and patriotism (the defence of workers from globalization).  In advancing these principles they’ll help promote a national liberal trade union agenda.

•  For a FREE pdf of Liberal Worker issue 2 – Voice Of The National Liberal Trade Unionists – simply e-mail natliberal@aol.com