Le Nord : revue internationale des Pays de Nord - 01.06.1942, Side 278

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LE NORD
small occasions for work: the repair of private roads, the clearing
of groves or unnecessary hedges, the filling of old marl-pits, etc.
One or two days here, 5 or 6 days there, added up, may amount
to a considerable contribution to the general fight against un-
employment. A joint action such as this is important, not only
from a practical point of view, but also because it contributes
to the strengthening of the national solidarity which in the pre-
sent circumstances, although generally felt, is sometimes rather
vague.
In the towns the activities of the L. A. B. have been less
thoroughgoing, but practical tasks have been taken up in many
fields.
In close collaboration with workers and employers, an en-
tirely new school, “Arbejdsteknisk Skole”, has been created, which
now in about 20 towns gives unskilled workers an opportunity
of refreshing their general knowledge and at the same time pro-
vides them with systematical knowledge of simple technological
notions, particularly as to the methods of judging and handling
various kinds of raw materials.
The L. A. B. is continually on the watch for new activities,
which, although modest in their scope, may render positive results.
It is not sufficient to consider the direct results alone i. e. the
number of men who actually get work within the framework
of this particular organisation. The L. A. B. is not particularly
interested in becoming an employer on a large scale. Its indirect
influence is perhaps more important still: the constant appeal to
the responsibility of each member of the community to do some-
thing, however small, in his own little field. Another aspect of
its work is the bringing together of workers and employers in
collaboration for practical aims.
Although some of the immediate tasks af the L. A. B. are
closely connected with various aspects of wartime economy, it is
likely that its existence will leave more permanent traces.
The L. A. B. is not a charitable organization and does not
preach charity. The words “change in mentality” are, however,
very often used in connection with the L. A. B., and its leaders
rejoice in quoting practical examples of people whose line of
action has really been influenced by its appeals. Many business
firms whose activities have slowed down or are practically at a
standstill have shown great comprehension of the fate of their
employees and have been very reluctant to dismiss them. They
have preferred to encourage the sharing of work coupled with