If there is to be peace in our industrial life let the employer

"If there is to be peace in our industrial life let the employer recognize his obligation to his employees - at least to the degree set forth in existing statutes." These words, spoken by John L. Lewis, carry with them a profound truth about the relationship between labor and management, and the deep responsibility that those in positions of power have toward the well-being of those who toil for their success. Lewis speaks of peace in the industrial world—not as an absence of conflict, but as the harmony that comes when those in charge acknowledge their moral and legal obligations to the workers who fuel the industries upon which society depends. True peace, Lewis reminds us, is not only about the absence of strife, but the presence of justice, respect, and the fulfillment of obligations owed to those who serve.

In the ancient world, the concept of obligation was at the heart of all relationships—whether between ruler and subject, master and servant, or between citizens of the same city-state. The Romans understood that a just society rested upon the mutual recognition of these obligations. Cicero, the great Roman orator and philosopher, spoke of the duties of rulers and those in power, asserting that true leadership was founded on a commitment to the common good. For Cicero, the welfare of the people was paramount, and this responsibility extended not just to political leaders, but to every individual who held power. Just as the rulers of Rome were expected to care for their people, so too must employers recognize their obligations to their employees. This idea of mutual responsibility is central to Lewis' plea for industrial peace, echoing the age-old call for fairness and respect in all relationships of power.

In the Middle Ages, guilds were formed to protect the interests of workers, ensuring that those who labored were treated with dignity and fairness. The guild system was based on the notion of shared responsibility—where masters and apprentices alike were bound by an unspoken contract of trust and respect. The masters of the guilds understood that their success depended not only on their own skills, but on the well-being of those who worked alongside them. If masters were to honor their obligations, the workers would be empowered to create, to contribute, and to share in the wealth they helped produce. Like Lewis’s vision of industrial peace, the guild system was based on the belief that peace and prosperity could only flourish when all parties—whether employer or employee—recognized and respected their mutual obligations.

Consider the labor movement in 19th-century America, when workers toiled under grueling conditions, often working long hours for meager pay. It was in this context that John L. Lewis became a champion of labor rights, calling for better conditions, fair wages, and recognition of the workers’ human dignity. His leadership in the United Mine Workers of America and his role in the broader labor movement were born out of a belief that industrial peace could only be achieved if employers fulfilled their moral and legal obligations. The struggle for fair wages, for safe working conditions, and for a better life for workers was not just a matter of economics, but of justice. Lewis understood that if employers ignored their responsibilities, resentment and strife would inevitably follow, just as unchecked tyranny leads to rebellion in any age.

Lewis’ words are also a call to the modern world, where the tension between labor and management still simmers in many industries. The rise of corporations and the disparity between the wealthy few and the working many have made industrial peace a distant dream in many places. Yet, the truth of Lewis' statement remains as relevant today as it was in his time. As the global economy continues to evolve, we must recognize that the obligations of employers to employees are not mere legalities to be grudgingly accepted, but moral imperatives that define the very fabric of a fair and just society. If employers continue to neglect their responsibility to ensure the well-being of their workers—whether through fair pay, proper working conditions, or opportunities for advancement—the consequences will not just be economic, but societal.

The lesson of Lewis’ quote is clear: peace in any system, particularly in the industrial world, can only be achieved when all parties honor their obligations. This means that employers must not view workers as mere tools to be used and discarded, but as partners whose labor sustains the very structure of society. In turn, workers must also recognize their responsibility to work diligently and honorably in return for the fair treatment they deserve. It is only through mutual respect, understanding, and shared responsibility that true harmony can exist, whether in the workplace or in the broader world.

In our own lives, we must ask ourselves how we can contribute to this industrial peace. Are we fulfilling our obligations in our roles, whether as employers, employees, or citizens? Are we honoring the agreements we make, whether they are written or understood, and treating others with the dignity they deserve? Let us strive for a world where peace is not a fleeting moment of quiet, but the active presence of justice, fairness, and respect in all areas of life. Just as the ancient Greeks, Romans, and modern figures like Lewis have shown, true peace requires effort from all sides. Let us all do our part in creating a world where mutual obligations are recognized, and peace can flourish.