Industrial Democracy

London: Printed by the Autors for the Trade Unionists of the United Kingdom, 1901. Near Fine. Industrial Democracy is a book written by British socialist reformers Sidney Webb and Beatrice Webb, concerning the organization of trade unions and collective bargaining. The book introduced the term industrial democracy to the social sciences, which has since gained a different meaning in modern industrial relations.

It was first published in 1897, three years after the Webbs published History of Trade Unionism, an account of the roots and development of the British trade union movement.

It is divided into three parts. The first part concerns the structure of trade unions and concludes that "Trade Unions are democracies; that is to say their internal constitutions are all based on the principle 'government of the people by the people for the people.'"Part II focuses on the function of trade unions and specifically the method of collective bargaining. The third part delves into the theory of trade unions.

The imbalance of behavior between employers and employees was described by the Webbs as follows.

The capitalist is very fond of declaring that labor is a commodity, and the wage contract a bargain of purchase and sale like any other. But he instinctively expects his wage-earners to render him, not only obedience, but also personal deference. If the wage contract is a bargain of purchase and sale like any other, why is the workman expected to tip his hat to his employer, and to say 'sir' to him without reciprocity?

The book had a profound impact on the British labor movement, and socialism worldwide. It was translated into multiple languages, including a translation into Russian by Vladimir Lenin.
This copy is near fine in dark blue cloth with gilt titles on the spine.  Very slight bumping of the corners and spine ends, but bonding is quite sound.  Ex-library, but the only indications are small ink stamps on each endpaper and a handwritten number at the top of the half title page.  Pages show slight age toning, particularly on page edges, but no other marks or damage at all.

.