V. I.

Lenin

Speech at a Meeting of The Presidium of the S.E.C.

April 1, 1918

The question under discussion is a draft resolution concerning labour discipline drawn up by the All-Russia Council of Trade
Unions. Comrade Lenin moves a number of amendments and more definite
wordings of different points in the draft, which he suggests should be
concretised. Piece wages should be fixed for all industries without
exception, and in the case of trades where that is not possible, a system
of bonuses should be introduced. To keep account of productivity and
maintain discipline it is necessary to set up industrial courts, to form
groups of controllers of various trades, not at the enterprise, but from
outside, and enlisting the co-operation of engineers, book-keepers and
peasants. The decree should definitely provide for the introduction of the
Taylor system, in other words, every use should be made of the scientific
methods of work suggested by this system. Without it, productivity cannot
be raised, without it we shall not be able to introduce socialism. In the
application of this system American engineers are to be
enlisted. Naturally, in introducing it, due consideration should be given
to the poor nutrition. The rates of output, therefore, should make
allowance for a low diet. Further-more, it is necessary to organise output... [1] in the transition to socialism may enable us to reduce the working day. The
decree should mention accountancy and the printing of reports concerning
the productivity of the various enterprises. As to penal measures for
breaches of labour discipline, these are to be stricter. Punishment should
go to the length of imprisonment. Dismissal, too, may be applied, but this
will be of an entirely different nature. Under the capitalist system
dismissal was a breach of a civic agreement. Now, a breach of discipline,
especially with the introduction of compulsory labour service, will be a
criminal offence subject to a definite punishment.

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Notes:
[1]
An omission in the minutes— Ed .