Bien. WiO RK EE RES Y NEWS Page Taree muacy 18, 1935 mee Sf EAST OF ROCKIES / PORT ARTHUR, Jan. 5—{ Ber 400 single unemployed demo. vated through the main streets * 5 city this afternoon, demandi ‘at the city authorities take \ their needs. ” a by,” dderation of Labor Clubs of ebec, s Brown Shirt Fascist movment * French Canada. Omer 1oi5, “crétary of the federation, has been #po0inted to represent the o aniza- gn on a committees of leome lich will meet Mr. Bennett/on his vival next Tuesday. We are getting behind Mr, Ben- a)-t because he is now pursuing the W ial policies we have advocated for girs,” said J. ©. J. Rancroft, pres- fat of the federation. “There is 70 i enticn of smashing the constitu- ga or doing anything other than @a lawful and orderly manner. Mr. Sanett is asking for a mandate =m the country in what he pro- and naturally he will use Gce if necessary, to stamp out any aempt to block his efforts to carry, q: that mandate. In that we will @ port him. We are simply Cana- ms and Christians.” | |VASHINGTON, D.C.|— (By Fed- ted Press and ATP)—}while Cana- 0 workers are prepa‘tine to stage monster battle to obt hin non-con- dutory unemploymen insurance, Srkine class forces inj the United tes are consolidating? their forces owing the successfcil conclusion : the National Congress for Unem- yment and Soci Insurance, ich concluded sessizons here on mary 7th. The demands of the agress, which wass on a wide ted front basis, wi yere presented Songress, to the White House and Sovernment departments. fut of Some 2,250 > delegates from states, $67 were —trade union rep- sentatives, 3857 being ~ delegates m Americs m Wederation of Labor ons. Sn 1,110 of the delegates € the eyes Mionists, though many “made a me 4s representatives the ee other than can leajers were 466 delesates Rhodus,leyed organizations, fra- Rhodes,pizations, workers’ clubs rere 453 representatives 202 professional groups, jorkers and farmers, and ment aioe he prominent speakers of Party ess were Mary Van rector of Industrial Studies ussell Sage PWoundation; m Dundeen, who intro- t Broadus Mitchell, of John University, and Socialist srnil i and Earl Browder; national ing on instructions of Bengough. This individual stated that we would not be allowed in the Labor Temple as he had taken up the Union charter. The workers immediately proceeded to another hall and after the wages had been discussed a com- mittee was elected to interview Ben- fough, who flatly refused to meet them. Shortly after this incident some of the members of the Union received letters, of which is as follows: a copy Dec. 31, 19384. Dear Sir and Brother: I wish to acquaint you with the situation regarding the above local. I received a letter from President William Green dated Dec. i8th, au- thorizinge me as the official repre- sentative of the American FWedera- tion of Labor, to investigate carefully the activities of the Shingle Weavers Local Union 17813, and to require from that local the expulsion of all members who are recognized as ad- herents of the Communist Party or its affiliations, and if necessary to take up the Charter and to re- organize the local on strict Trade Union lines, in order that it may function as a loyal Trade Union in strict conformity with the constitu- tion and laws of the American Fed- eration of Labor. In view of what has taken place at the last meeting of the local on Friday, Dec. 21st, when the financial Secretary, Brother Thomas, and Brother Tockart and other loyal members declined to accept nomina- tion for office, I had no alternative but to suspend the charter and re- organize the local. ‘I wish to assure every loyal member that his stand- ing in the organization will be pro- tected. In the meantime I have ap- pointed the following officers to con- duct the affairs of the local during the reorganized period: President, FE. Stevenson. Vice-President, C. Ferguson. Financial Sec:, D. W. Thomas. Recording Sec., E. Lockart. Guardian, R. Jones. The next meeting of the local will be held on Friday, Jan. 4th. We urge you to do your utmost to attend so that we can get the local back on even keel and functioning as a Trade Union to do the work it was formed to do, that is: To represent the in- terests of the members instead of wasting its finances and strength in trying to fix conditions for all and sundry whether members of the local or not. Trusting that you will assist the officers that have been appointed. Fraternally yours, (Signed) Percy R. Bengough, Organizer and Representative of the American Federation of Labor- (RB. MacD.) Wote:— Im order to protect your standing in the local, please sign the above and return to D. A. Thomas financial secretary. >= With this letter, a ballot of the yellow dog type, which stated that you could sign and return it to the financial secretary, stating that you were not a member of the Commun- = * were loyal to the American Medera- tion of Labor and would always re- main so, was enclosed. If-you re- fused to sign this statement, then you would be put “on the spot” in the eyes of the bosses by these so- ealled labor leaders. The workers at- tended the meeting, however, in large numbers. The hallj of the Trades and Labor Council was packed. Ben- gouech took the platform and called upon Colin MacDonald, president of the Trades and Labor Council, to take the chair. He then read the correspondence from William Green. Wext he went into a tirade against the ‘“‘Reds’’ in the Wnion—how they had worked to build another union Within ,and how they had sent $19 to “The Worker’ and $5 to the Workers iInternational Relief for strike relief purposes. This didn’t go over so sood as he expected, because many of the members subscribes to “The Worker” and it is well known to the membership that the W.1-R. helped the Sterling Mill and the Har- rison Mill strikers. Bengough then spilled a lot of crocodile tears be- cause he was compelled to suspend six union members, but gaye the as- surance that he was not expelling them, because he didn’t like the word ‘‘expulsion.” His prize piece of deception was when he stated, “If these men prove themselves to be Sood trade unionists, they can come up and see me sometime, and tT will consider reinstating them.”” Pritchett questioned Benzgoush on the rights of Trade Union democracy and local autonomy. As the workers were ready to leave the meeting Pritchett addressed them and called on them to “remain in the Union, pay their dues, and fight for the re- of the six suspended instatement members, fight for the right of local autonomy, to stand solid and fight against the mill owners and those who support the wage-cutting policy, and against discrimination of mili- tant workers in the industry.” As the six suspended members withdrew they were met with loud applause for their stand against reaction. Bengough then installed the AP- POINTED officers into their posi- tions. The president has not paid dues since he was forced to resign as president of the Union 18 months ago. This man was working at a mill when the wages were under in- vestigation by a committee and found to be lower than the union wage scale. The president installed, he then called for a motion to make the Union open only to sawyers and packers, which is only a small frae- tion of the industrial workers, there- by making the Union a craft union in the full sense of the term. The workers refused to accede to this re- actionary policy, however, and de- feated it. Secretary Thomas then advocated cutting the packers’ wages from 15 to 121% cents, which would be much lower than the minimum Wage proposed by the government of forty cents per hour. This went over worse than the other, and it was noticable that Bengough had to call Thomas to one side and tell him to “pipe down’ because he was work- ing the machine so crudely, especi- ally when his own boss had agreed to pay the 15 cents for packers. (This is 15 cents per square and not per hour.—Ed.) Resentment runs high among the shingle weavers since the latest re- actionary tactics of Bengough are being brought more clearly to the minds of them. Many who were of the opinion that he was ©.K. before, now see that we were correct in naming him a2 misleader of labor. Not only that, but great indignation ex- ists among the trade unionists in Vancouver, and members of other locals of the A. FE. of L. can see very clearly that if they resist wage-cuts and lengthening of hours of labor, and attempt'to forge unity of the workers to resist them, then Ben- fough and his gang of reactionaries in the A. FEF. of L. will take away their charters, and suspend active and militant members. This can only be overcome by united militant ac- tion of all A. EB. of L. local union members. —Shingle Weaver. ‘LET GEORGE DO IT’ IS ALL HAYWIRE For many years the workers in the food industry have been to a large degree the most exploited workers in the country. They have worked long and irregular hours, for small pay, and speed-up conditions prevail. There is no wonder that many of them spend a great part of their time in the hospitals due to being unable to stand up against the breakneck speed with which they haye to work. These condi- tions are forced upon them because they are mostly unorganized. Old time Union members in the industry remark, “Unions are alright, but I used to belong to the International. and I never got much benefit from it. We paid the business agent $40 a week and all he did was to look wise.’ We agree with these workers to a large degree, but we must remem- ber that if we leave everything to the business agent or secretary, then we are neglecting our own interests, but at the same time we should move out organizers or secretaries who do not function, especially if they are receiving wages for doing the job. You will ask, “Is there such a Union that will give its members the opportunity to take part in all its affairs and guarantee rank and file control?’ Yes, fellow workers, the Food Workers Industrial Union does just that. The Union is af- filiated to the Workers Unity Leasue and guarantees the widest trade union democracy, It is on this basis that we ask you to join it. VANCOUVER, Jan. 3.— (ALP) — The Grandview unit of the Young Communist League has yoted a donation to the League of Youth, Against War and Fascism to aid in the campaign in support of the youth of Germany, who are strug- fling against the slave laws of Hitler. Announcement The Unemployed Association of Port Moody wish te thank the donor of the beautiful centre-piece which was raffled to raised funds for the unemployed organization. Ticket No. 233 was the lucky number, and was held by a woiker’s wife of Ioco. ) AN APPEAL TO ALLB.C. YOUTH Our Future Depends on What We Do for the Youth Now “In times of depression money does not circulate with the same velocity as it does when conditions are nor- mal.” “Tt is the turning over of com- modities and goods that make for prosperity.” “The evidence afforded by in- creased buying during the Christmas season suggests that times are sure- ly improving.” These and hundreds of other such misleading statements are to be seen daily in the capitalist papers. These soothing words may satisfy the wealthy bankers and bosses, but what of the Youth who are out of work? Figures issued by the relief de- partments give the lie to those who try to delude the workers by stating that prosperity is’ returning and un- employment decreasing. In Montreal there are 150,000 pes- ple on relief, and in Toronto 100,000 direct relief recipients. In Vancou- ver there are 7,600 familes, and in Winnipes 8,500 families dependent on the Government. In other towns and cities, 60 per ‘cent of the population are on direct relief. Wor is this all. Relief cuts are being imposed all over the coun- try,heads of families are being forced to work for their meagre allowance. Evictions are in evidence on all sides. 7 What Has 1935 to Offer the Youth? Boys and girls of unemployed par- ents are forced to attend school poorly clad, underfed, and with in- sufficient books and supplies to com- plete their education. When they finally emerge from school they have no prospects for employment, but are forced to enter concentration camps, or in the case of girls, to enter the homes of the rich as domestics for barely more than their maintenance. The recent Camp Workers’ strike in B.C. has revealed to the public the unbelievable circumstances the youth have to tolerate under the IRON HEEL OF THE N.D.C. Hundreds of young men who were bold enough to demand improved conditions, are pow roaming the country cut off from all means of existence. IS THIS THE ONLY FUTURE FOR THE YOUTH UNDER CAPITALISM? The Answer to Our Problems Many proposals haye been made in the past whereby the workers would contribute towards an unem- ployment insurance scheme. How would this affect the unemployed youth?- It would leave them entirely out of the plan. Even those who have jobs are so poorly paid that they are scarcely making a living. To impose still further cuts on these workers would drive their standard of living even lower. Any such pro- posals are opposed to the interests of the working class youth. The only effective scheme, that would amply provide for unemployed and part-time workers is NON-CON- TRIBUTORY UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE. The National Coun- cil of Unemployed has called a Na- tional Congress for February 3, 1935 at Ottawa, Ont. This is a basis for organizing the youth in all sections of the province. The unemployed youth must begin now to prepare for the struggle for FULL AND FREE UNEMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL INSURANCE. Proposals on How to Organize | WORLD EVENTS MOSCOW, U.S.S.R.—{ALP)—f is estimated that at least 2,500,000 fac- tory workers, office employees, ele- mentary and high school pupils, et al, take their daily meals in com- munal restaurants at their places of work or study, reports the “Moscow Wews.’’ During the last threes years there has been an enormous growth in the number of such restaurants and factory kitchens, the total in- ereasinge from 586 in 1931 to 2,241 today. Four million main dishes, 1,000,000 buns and meat, jam and rice pies are served daily. Every Moscow factory and shop has its own restaurant, comprising a total of 1,137. Three years ago there were only 311 in all the city’s indus— trial establishments. School dining- rooms haye increased from 62 in 1931 to 360 today. : WASHINGTON, Jan. 8—{ALP)— President Rooseyelt, in his budget — message, has asked Congress to pre—- vide a total of 3$870,922,292 for ma- tional defence in all its phases, in- cluding non-military and construc- tion work proposed for the War and Navy Departments. SAARBRUCKEN, Jan. 9.—({(ALP) —At noon today Nazi gangsters at- tacked a group of anti-Nazis in Wrellingston Street. This is just the latest of a long series of vicious at- tacks which haye been made by the armed thugs of/Hitler, who are at- tempting to terrorize the Saarland- ers into voting their way on Sunday. Documents and plebiscite materials have been stolen daily by these thugs from anti-Hitler offices and the Nazis are brazenly opening a “mus- eum’’ of these stolen papers, ten miles over the border in Germany. SAARBRUCEKEN, Jan. 6.—{ALP) —The tension that is felt through- out Europe broke out here today in sharp battles between Nazi terror- ists and anti-Nazi forces. More than 150,000 anti-fascists marched here in one of the great- est demonstrations Hitler seen since the latter came to power All had come in answer to the call of the “Liberty E'ront,’’ the united move- ment launched by Communists and Socialists in support of the status quo. It was after the huge mass meset- ing addressed by Max Braun, Social- ist leader; Fritz Pfordt, secretary of the Saar Communist Party, and Imbusch Sandte, head of the Chris- tian People’s Party, that the great mass of anti-Nazis Swung out in a tremendous parade. Nazi terrorists who tried to crash through the line of march were re- pulsed after brief and bitter battles, Shots were fired by the Hitlerites. ROSSVILLE, Georgia, U.S:A., Jan- 7.—4SLP)—Twenty-five men out of a group of 60 workers placed under military arrest here this morning were sent tonight in Army trucks to Atlanta, where they will be held in a detention camp for investigation in connection with the strike at the Richmond Hosiery Mill. : Wational Guardsmen, who, armed with machine guns, are in control of the area about the mill here, re- leased all the others arrested, in- eluding 10 women workers. The arrests were made when the striking workers failed to move quickly enough from in front of the mill when ordered to do so by Wational Guard officers. The soldiers were escorting scab workers into the mill when the crowd began to jeer. the Youth In localities where youth organiz- ations are functioning, mass meet- ings should be called to popularize the WORKERS’ UNEMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL INSURANCE BILL. Copies of the Bill should be endorsed and forwarded to Room 51, 163 West Hastings Street. All Youth organizations, Church EBroups, Y.NU-C.A:, YoW.C.A., YS, C.C.Y.M. ete. should be drawn into a UNITED FRONT CONFERENCE to discuss ways and means of support- ing the NATIONAL CONGRESS at Ottawa These conference should de- velop action in each particular area. The local authorities must be pre- sented with the demands drawn up by the rank and file youth them- selves. The youth in localities where no organization has been established should epply for the use of the adult workers’ hall in which to hold meet- ings. In there are no such hall available, then the minister or priest should be approaehed for the use of the chureh hajl. Pailine that, and if other halls can be procured, meetings can then be called in the Lomes of the youns comrades. Every youns man and youn woman must no feel the sibility that rests on them to assist in these matters. If they realize the urgent need for such , they must take the initiative and approach their friends for support. Im this way they will give the lead to the more backward youth in that area. UNITE! Toiling youth of the farm, in the shops and factories. Unemployed youth in the cities and towns, unite your forces for the struggle to pre- serve your future welfare. Forward to a mighty congress for UNEMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL INSURANCE! Ed. Note: This column will be de- voted to the problems and strug- gles of the youth. In order to as- sure 2 lively and useful column all youth are requested to send us any articles or news pertaining to the struggles in your vicinity that may prove interesting. By the increase of sales of the paper we will be able to increase the size of our paper and thus afford more space to the youth section. To this end the youth of every locality should endeavor to sell as many copies of the “B.C. Workers’ News” as pos— sible. or advice will receive sams by writ- ing 1s. Send all communications for this column to Youth Editor, B.C. Workers’ News, Room 10, 163 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, B:C. Bais £ —— = fo et y Anyone desiring information ~