Meaning: The quote you provided is attributed to John L. Lewis, an influential labor leader and the founding president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), a federation of industrial unions that played a significant role in shaping labor relations in the United States during the 20th century. The quote reflects Lewis's belief in the legitimacy and moral justification of the CIO's mission and activities.

John L. Lewis was a prominent figure in the American labor movement, known for his strong advocacy of workers' rights and his efforts to organize industrial workers. The Committee for Industrial Organization (CIO) was established in 1935 as a division of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) but later broke away to form its own independent federation. The CIO sought to organize workers in industries such as steel, automobile manufacturing, and mining, which had been historically difficult to unionize under the craft-based approach of the AFL.

In the quote, Lewis emphasizes that the legitimacy of the CIO's purposes and objectives lies in the widespread support it receives from its members and supporters. He suggests that the economic, social, political, and moral justifications for the CIO's actions are deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of millions of individuals who are directly involved in the organization or who stand in solidarity with its mission.

From an economic perspective, the CIO aimed to improve the working conditions and wages of industrial workers, who often faced harsh and exploitative conditions in the rapidly growing industrial sectors of the United States. By organizing workers into powerful industrial unions, the CIO sought to negotiate with employers for better pay, benefits, and workplace protections. This economic justification for the CIO's activities resonated with millions of workers who sought to improve their livelihoods and secure a fair share of the economic prosperity generated by industrial growth.

On a social level, the CIO's efforts were driven by a desire to address the social inequalities and injustices faced by industrial workers, many of whom were immigrants or members of marginalized communities. By empowering workers to collectively bargain with employers, the CIO aimed to address issues of discrimination, unequal treatment, and lack of representation in the workplace. The organization's social objectives aligned with the broader movement for social justice and equality, garnering support from individuals who recognized the importance of empowering workers to achieve social and economic equality.

Politically, the CIO's activities had significant implications for the broader political landscape of the United States. As industrial unions grew in strength and influence, they became key players in shaping labor laws, government policies, and political agendas. The CIO's political objectives included advocating for legislation that protected workers' rights, promoted fair labor practices, and addressed broader social and economic issues. This political dimension of the CIO's mission resonated with supporters who believed in the importance of labor rights and the role of organized labor in shaping democratic governance.

Finally, Lewis's reference to moral justification speaks to the ethical and moral underpinnings of the CIO's mission. The organization's advocacy for fair treatment, dignity, and respect for workers reflected a moral imperative to uphold human rights and social justice. By framing the CIO's objectives as morally justified, Lewis sought to convey the deeper ethical significance of the organization's work, appealing to the conscience of its members and supporters.

In conclusion, John L. Lewis's quote captures the multifaceted nature of the CIO's mission and the broad-based support it enjoyed across economic, social, political, and moral dimensions. The organization's efforts to improve the lives of industrial workers, address social inequalities, shape political discourse, and uphold moral principles resonated with millions of individuals, underscoring the significance of organized labor in advancing economic and social progress.