Hi Page Two B.C WORKERS’ NEWS R.P.W.A. DELEGATES REPORT PROGRESS (Continued from page 1) reports from every corner of the “province where ex-camp workers were being employed. The delegates in,every case reported a measure -of success in organization that sur- passed expectations. They reported enthusiastic reception of organiza- dion by the workers and the vic- tories that had been registered in fighting grievances had resulted in @ steady growth of the union with ‘prospects of “all union jobs,” in the near future. The conference outlined a pre- gram to unionize the projects 100 per cent; set up grievance commit- tees on every job, and for adhering to trade union principles in fight- ine for improvements in conditions. Confidence was expressed in the leadership of the union and instruc- tions given them to pursue the policy of unity in bringing about juter-provincial and fraternal’ co- operation with other trade unions and centres. Conditions faced by these work- ers as outlined by the delegates showed the existence of a 10-hour day at the low wage of 2c per hour. Board, which is paid for at the rate of $5.50 per week, is bad and action has been taken in many eases to improve it. Other griey- ances are the dockage of pay for blankets, and medical fees, etc. The providing of bed linen and proper bathing facilities are others amongst the demands. The conference went on record for an eight-hour day and the minimum wage, and protests against the present hours and wares are being sent to Ottawa. The conference closed with a high note of confidence. The build- ing of the Relief Project Workers’ (Union is counteracting the tactics of the government, and is setting a precedent in organizing workers on extra-gangs. The delegates went Hack to their respective projects, ¢o carry through the decisions of the conference, with confidence {hat gains would be made. Another point that received con- siderable discussion was the pros- pects of cessation of this work in the fall, and the unemployment question that will face the project workers then. The conference was unanimously resolved that the best approach to that question was the pbuilding of a strong union in the meantime. (— >) CORRECTION In last week’s issue we gave the address of the local agency of “Advance,” the national organ of the Progressive Youth as e Room 18, 612 West Hastings Street. It should have read: Room 18, 615 West Hastings See — DR. H. C. ANDERSON Naturopathy — Osteopthay Blectro-Therapy Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Office Phone - - - - Sey- 5336 Res. Phone - - - - = High. 3519-Y 768 GRANVILLE STREET Vancouver, B.C. PUBLIC CAFE 286 Columbia Street * ntD oe ART and FRED (With Clearance Cards) “Tt’s the cones. Boys!” A UNION House... fedora. UNION Man x WORK & WAGES for VANCOUVER ... REGENT TAILORS SMART CLOTHES Hand-Tailored in Our Own Vancouver Shops — POPULAR PRICES — $24 W. HASPINGS - SEY. 5614 ee ee Sea" | MeL Sey. 1053 RED STAR DRUG STORE THE MATL ORDER DRUGGISTS Gor. Gordova & Carrall Streets Vancouver, B.C. JOHN E. LINDER Passenger Agent for Scandinavian Steamship Lines. . . . Passports Ar- Fanged. Representing— “che Swedish American Line The Norwegian Lines The €.P.R., Cunard and ether lines. 44 W. Cordova St. Doug. 4853 Tom Ewen Answers Distorted Press Statements in Reference to ACC of L By TOM EWEN. The “BIC Commonwealth” of June 26 published a statement from the National Labor Council of Van- couver (A.G.C.L.) signed by its president, vice-president and a delesate member of the Council from the Canadian Brotherhood of Railyway Employees (C.B.of R.E.). This statement takes issue with the present writer on two main points, to statements made by him at che Calgary miners’ conference on May 11-12, as published in the “Labor Statesman,’ and to an article in the “Daily Clarion” issue of May 30 regarding the policies followed by some A.C.C.L. affiliate unions. “RED BOGEY” EMPHASIS NOT ACCIDENTAL! Following quotations from these speeches and the article, the VYan- eouver National Council state- ment reveals an anti-Communist and anti-working class content that is neither new or true, and which is universally rejected by all honest workers irrespective of their affiliations. “Who is this Hwen? Reputedly a prominent executive member of the Communist Party, secretary of the Communist Work- ers’ Unity League, which, following the orders of the C.P., acting on instructions from Moscow, is liqui- dating into the A.F.of lL. The CP. policy also was not out (typograph- ical error in the “Statesman”’—T.E.) that they were to use their influ- ence to force the members of other bodies, including the A.C.C.L. into the A.f.of lL. and as a part of this policy such statements . . - are made for the purpose of discrediting the A.C.G.L. in the minds of Canadian workers.” Unfortunately for the Vancouver National Labor Council, they permit disgruntled ex-Communists who neither understood nor tried to un- derstand C.P. policies, but who re- sorted to the vilest distortion of policy, to now spread that distor- tion in the official statements of the National Council: - Tt was the boast of some of these self-same ex-Gommunists in oppos- ing the Communist program for trade union unity that certain “private” individuals were prepared to put up finances for a series of radio broadeasts “popularizing” Canadian unions. In the splendid drive for unity manifested among the seamen, longshoremen, loggers, fishermen, etec., it did not, and does not require a genius to conclude that the Shipping Federation, the B.C. Loggers’ Association, the or ganized packers, the C.P-R., etc., were the ‘private’ individuals who should be so amxious for “Ca- nadian” unions to block the drive towards real unity. But Hwen—‘is drawing on his im- agination. He has as much kKnowl- edge in this as the Gommunist Party membership have in the- source and disposal of their party funds. Exactly nothing.”’ This base innuendo has no place in the statements of any body of workers claiming the dignity of a ‘Jabor council.” It is more in keep- ing with the mental ravings of the McGeers and Mcinneses with which B.C. is cursed, to the detriment of the labor movemenl. It destroys the two concluding paragraphs of the Vancouver National Labor Council's statement on gfeneral policy, with which the writer is in full agree- ment, exercises his right as a trade unionist and as a Communist to criticize flagrant departures from this policy that lead to disorganiza- tion. and disruption. WHAT WAS SAID AND WRITTEN? The Vancouver National Labor Council statement, quoting from™ the Labor Statesman report of the Galgary miners’ convention, quotes me as saying “that the so-called Canadian unions are composed of the worst elements in the labor movement.” There is a slight error V.S.C.. JAMBOREE MEMORIAL PARK The Vancouver Sports Club, 143 East Cordova, are holding an open air jamboree at Memorial Park on Sunday, August 9th. There will be wrestling, boxing, races, sports, vaudeville, orchestra music, enter- tainment and games. The commit- tee in charge is lining up a pro- eram which will be one of the best ever presented to the people of Vancouver. -Don’t miss it! When the Vancouver Sports Club puts on an affair you have a guarantee that it is going to be a real success. We never fail to please! Directions For Reaching Park. Take a No. 7 car and get off at Forty-second Ave. Walk east two blocks and you will be in the park. DANCE The Unemployed and Part Time Vrorkers will hold a dance Wednes- day, July 22, commencing at 9 pm., at 339 West Pender street (over Pender Bowling Alley). Everybody welcome. POCO STOTT TTT CCT Oe ee eee MEIKLE ELECTRIC 1010 DAVIE STREET New and Used Radios from $19.50 up. $5.00 Down Buys a Radio, Washer or Vacuum Cleaner & RADIO SERVICE PHONE SEY. 9025 GREATLY REDUCED PRICES! : $ eo «ADIOS and TUBES TESTED -FREE IN YOUR HOM®P SOSCSCOOSO OE OS SYS for 34.90 APOLLO CAFE Ovster and Chop House $4.50 Meal -Ticket 304 Main Street THEO. ANGELL Prop. here, easily pardonable as far as the Statesman is concerned, and if true sufficient to raise the ire of all honest workers within the A.C.C.L. The transcript of my speech reads “that the so-called Canadian unions CGNTAIN the werst ele- ments,” ete The relative difference between the verbs “contain’’ and “compose” in respect to union mem-— bership is fundamental and basic. It is the difference between open seab-herding and union disorgani- zation by an unprincipled minority, which was justly condemned by many individual members .and unions of the A.C.C.L: and the obyi- ously false allegation that all unions of the A.C.C.l. subseribe to these contemptible tactics. In relation to my article in the Daily Clarion of May 30 no retrac- tion is necessary. The statement is based on fact. The scab-herding in Score Sporting Goods strike, in the Standard Cloak strike, in the Toronto painters, in which A.C.C_L. union organizers became out and out scab-herders was heartily con- demned by numerous Divisions of- the G.B.of R.E. and other A.C-C.L. affiliates on numerous Occasions. And what honest trade unionist in the A.F.of L., A.C.C.L. or elsewhere has not heard of the scab-herding and strikebreaking proclivities of the ignorant fascist Salverson and his infamous “bushmen’s union’ (an affiliate of the A.-C.C.L.) which was utilized by the timber lords of Western and Northern Ontario to break the strikes of the Lumber Workers’ Industrial Union prior to its affiliation to the A.F.of L. This man is now editor of the official journal of the Canadian ASs- sociation of Railway Employees (C_B.R.E.) and pours his anti-Com- munist, anti-working-class senti- ment over the columns of that pub- lication. WHAT IS OUR POLICY IN RESPECT TO THE AC.C.L.? Sinee the question of policy is raised in the statement of the Na- tional Labor Council it may clarify matters some if we state our policy for the benefit of the Council and other similar bodies and A.C.C.L. unions. We have never at any time ealled for the liquidation of the unions of the A.G.C.L. nor attempt- ed to “influence’’ or “force” the A.G.G.1L. into the A.F.of L. We have welcomed every gesture towards unity in action or ideal between af- filiate unions of the A:C.ClL. and the A-F.of L. in the daily struggle. We have cherished the splendid demonstration of unity and support given to affiilates of the W.U-L. by the G.B.of R.E. Divisions in Toronto when the former were engaged in strike activity, such as the Walker House strike. We welcomed the splendid unity demonstrated on Labor Day, 1935, and trust that by 1936 Labor Day the spirit of unity will have so broadened that instead of two parades with several blocks between there will be one parade of united organizations, each with their own identity but with a singleness of purpose. More than anything else we have welcomed recent statements of the Toronto National Labor Council urging the establishment of joint committees between the various unions of the two Canadian centres to work out some plan of greater unification. What that plan will WOMEN SUPPORT STRIKING FISHERS The Ruling Clawss oe By ALMA KAARIO. SOINTULA, July 15.—Fishermen on strike for 50 cents -per fish are bei solidly supported by their Wily and ether women sympa- ithizers. A mass meeting was hele here by them at which Brother Geo 5 z ; | Miller, president of the Fishermen be Js Pol magovtant at the moment. (ha! Caanery Workers) Janus eee eee ton iE a Seu Union reported on the prosress of nity is expressed, | the strike and when the will is equal to the Arnoce (eryersl questions = hat desire the factors that have kept | were under discussion was finan the unions apart from joint effort will seem small indeed. Commun- ists have built and are teday build- ing unions ef the A.C-CiL. where no other unions exist and we are equally as sharp in our eriticism of A-FiofL. unions encroaching upon the jurisdictional territory of the C.B.of R.E. as we are of the latter attempting to horn in where the A.F.of L. unions are already es- tablished, such as the @-B.of R.E. is attempting to do at the moment upon the G.P.R. boats on the Pa- cific. GPPOSED TO UNION PQACHING. We are unalterably opposed to the disorganization of the organ- ized by vicious union poaching. Our A.C.G.1L. contemporaries may inquire, but does not the A.F.of L. indulge in union-poaching also? Without appearing sanctimonious we can recall the old adage that “two wrongs do not make a right’ but this does not answer the ques- tion. We are just as adamant against union poaching by the busi- ness agent of the A-C-C.L. building trades in Vancouver as we are of disruptive activities of a similar kind by A.F.of L. organizers. Nei- ¢her road leads to trade union unity. Both lead to union disorganization and disruption. We will continue, just as the writer did in Calgary, and in the columns of the labor press to vigorously condemn union disruption and scab-herding, and we know that in this we have the support of the overwhelming ma- jority of the A.C-C.L. and A-F.of L. membership. We will work patient- jy within the ranks of the A-F.of L. and A.C.C.L. unions to bring these two great forces together for the common good of the whole working- class. We put forward the perspec- tive of a Single federation of Can- adian unions where both the Trades and Labor Congress and the A.C.C. Li. could be united on a fraternal basis, each retaining their individ- ual identity and their autonomy, and each determined and mutually agreed that the trade union move- ment in Ganada would count its membership in millions instead ofa paltry three hundred thousand. And in this we have no apologies to make to the red-baiters no matter where they have taken up domicile or what “Canadian” fetishes they may have adopted. As a Communist I might have dif ficulty in convincing Gerry McGeer or Tom Meclnnes as to the integrity of the Party of which I am priy- ileged to be a member, but I have mever experienced this difficulty before any body of workers any- ~vhere in Canada and I do not think the National Labor Council of Van- couver is an exception. In conclusion let me say with frank sincerity and without preju- dice that I think the National Lab- or Council of Vancouver should have accorded me the common de- cencies of trade union ethics rela- tive to these questions before they gave their statement to the Com- monwealth. ———————— Cafe Owners Girls Work 30-40 Hours! For $5 and Charged ‘For Meals Recent court cases have brought to light some or the conditions te which the unorganized men and women employees of restaurants, beauty parlors, etc., are compelled to submit. It can’ be stated almost as a general rule that where there is no organization, unscrupulous em- ployers chisel and rob to the mth degree. A‘case in point is that of the Glen Cafe, Pender street, near the corner of Richards. Last week the ownr of this joint was hauled into court for evasion of the mini- mum wage act, on the complaint of two girl employees, and fined $25 on one case and given sus- fended sentence on ‘he other. In addition he was oidered ~o pay $16 ind $10.50 nuck wages respectively. In one case the girl was charged $8 for meals and in the second 395 was deducted for a period of three weeks, This, the girls claim, was a pure steal, as the meals were never eaten. One of the 2inls involved worked at the Glen Caf= for three weeks, the first two weeks six and seven hours daily and a shorter day for the last week, receiving the miser- able sum of from three to five dol- Dodging Mintmum Wage Fined For : damn and blaspheme any employee who raises objection to the tactics of the boss, it was not because of Tom Mecinnes, but despite him, that this case was brought up. Below is a list of further cases which haye been brought to court recently: For evyasions of the Minimum Wage Act (mele and female). The wages noted is the amount ordered paid to the employees affected: Second Avenue Wood Yard, wages $122, costs $2.50. Rob Roy Sandwich Shop, $121.46, fine $25, costs $2.50. La France Cafe, $25.09, fine $25. COMMODUNIST PICNIC cial support which is the most im- portant item at present, to furnish relief to the strikers besides paying expenses of delesates and organiza- tional work. The fishermen are equipped to prepare the food supplies, which is distributed to the workers in need. An invitation was sent to the picketing strikers at Alert Bar, a few miles from here, to attend a moving picture and dance at the Finnish organization hall last Sat- urday. Free tickets for the show were distributed amone the strikers. The hall was packed to the doors, and after -all expenses were paid over $36 was donated to the strike fund. AT MEMORIAL PARK Another good day's enjoyment is promised for Wancouver workers on Sunday. August 2, at the Mem- orial Park, on Forty-first Ave., a few blocks east of Eraser Ave. This picnic had been organized by the ©.P., South Vancouver section, and will be just as successful as all such events of that organization. Sports, boxing and wrestling; games, races and contests for the kiddies and grown-ups; softball and horse-shoe pitching will provide spare time.” “T suppose that’s all you people have to do in your | ]j exercise and amusement for all. The day's fun will start at 11 o'clock and an invitation is extend- ed to all. Goffee will be provided free. Keep this date open! : The South Vancouver Communists hereby challenge the ¥.C.L. to a softball game to take place at the picnic. C.C.F.. APPRECIATION Vernon, B.G., July 13, 1936. B.C. Workers’ News: As a member of the ©.C.F. I wish to congratulate your paper for the excellent coverage given the recent provincial convention. I feel that the trend towards the United Front is growing quickly and I.am sure the policy of your paper is securing a much wider sympathy in the ranks of the C-C.F. than our own semi-official(?) organ. CC NEVER SHALL BE SLAVES (7?) Reactionary England, by H. R. C. Greaves. (Acorn Press, 5s:) Wo worker should be without this book, no Labor speaker should fail to use the valuable ammunition it provides. It shows clearly and with docu- mented evidence, how we have slipped back in the past 15 years, how freedom has been diminished and the police given greater pow- ers, how the bankers dictate policy, how social influences are constant- ly at work in Parliament and the diplomatic service, how Labor has made little effort to stop the re- action. Trade Union chiefs “have no notion what they want to do.” Their General Strike was ‘an expression of sheer, blind force without leader- ship, without any clear objective, without any strategy or political sense.” Ofifcial Parliamentary Labor also lacks. “a firm political philosophy. and the confidence it engenders.” it is no “firebrand,” no. disgrunt- ed Trade Unionist, who writes, but a lecturer in the University of Lon- don, a close observer, with 2 keenly intelligent mind. What he says millions are thinking today. Nazi People’s Court To Try U.S. Seaman BERLIN, Germany, July 2b (ALP)—Lawrence Simpson, Amer- ican citizen arrested more than 2 year ago by the Wazi secret police, will be tried July 28 before the fascist “People’s Court,” it was an-— nounced here. Originally held for possessing Granville Liuneh, $162.46, sus- pended sentence. Grand Ganyon Lunch, $12.30, costs $3.50. Star Hotel, $75.50, fined $20, costs $2.50. Pacific Wood. Products, $20,05, fined $25, costs $2.50 and fined an- other $10. for fuiling to keep record of hours worked: Blue Ow) Hamburgers, $22.40, fined $25 on wages and another 310 for failing to keep record. Driard Hotel, wages $183.09, fined $25. E. H. Neville, wages $28.50. VWaneouver Cab Company, wages (approximately) $500, covering five employees, fined $50. Granville Cabs, $83.60, fined $50 lars weekly. Altogether this girl put ip 86 hours in the three weeks. The case of this cafe is typical of many others. Some have been prought to court, but it is safe to say many other eucn cases have not been checked. Unless the employees themselves lodge the complaint, there is not much chance of the matter comin: to the attention of the court, and obviously, girJs who, through force of circumstances, are compelled to work thirty and forty hours weekly for five or six dollars, must be too desperately in need of the few dol- Jars to risk losing it by lodging a complaint. In the case of the Glen Cafe, the case was brought to the aitention of the authorities by a third girl, who after stirring up the investigation, did not wait to be fired, but quit ahead of time. Tt may be mentioned here that Tom Melnnis, the red-baiting radio ranter, dines at this cafe regularly, usually twice daily. Though ex- tremely alive to any opportunity to and costs. GERRY’S JUBILEE PROSPERITY-LIE! Stranded without funds in British Columbia, the mother of six small children today risked her last dollar on the Kindliness of readers of The Vancouver Sun. “This is my first Ad in your paper and the last cent I have,”’ she wrote, enclosi one dollar. te my luck with your help. the wording of the ad- left She vertisement to departmental experts but these are the facts she gave: ‘Mother of six small children stranded in B.C. Would like to know if some kind fatherly or motherly person would let her have train fares to Brandon, Manitoba. Hus- band is very ill and not expected to live Jong. Mother is penniless, but will go back, work and return the money.” “However, I anti-Nazi literature in his locker on the ship on which b= worked, eharges against Simpson were later changed to attempting to- smuggle money out of Germany. Soldiers Arrested For Political Unreliability BERLIN, Germany, July 13.— (ALP)—Political discussion among new recruits, on the construction of the immense Schenwalde airdrome, between Berlin-Honnigsdort and Spanda, has been followed by the arrest of i4 soldiers on the ground of “political unreliability.” DYNAMO CLUB TO HOLD PICNIC AT SEYMOUR, AUG. 30 The Dynamo Club is holding an open sports and field meet at Sey- mour Park, August 30, under the auspices of the Canadian Amateur Sports Federation. Field events will include high jump, pole vault, shot put, javelin throw and races stretching from 100 metres to 95 miles cross country. Feature events for women will include. broad jump, high jump and shot put. For those who like to take things easier there will be bingo, shooting and darts. A full slate of eyents is earded for boys and girls. The day will wind up with a moonlight carnival dance. The Dynamo Club has arranged tion of the school holidays—trips to the beach and to the mountains, or to camp for a,.day or so. These events will be advertised as they approach. CANADIAN LABOR 9009 LOGGERS e Hastings Steam Baths Always Open Expert Masseurs in Attendance Touch. 240 764 BE. Hastings Boys! .. » GIRLS! Order “Treasure Prove”’ Big Annual brimming over with fine stories today -- - = .25¢ | | ALWAYS READY || PUBLISHING COMPANY 18 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ont. i Where Old-timers Meet — and Strangers Feel at Home: Why Not Come Down and Talk it Over? s a series of outings for the dura-— Grand District Picnic Memorial Park 45th & Fraser (No. 6 or 7 car) Sunday, July 2Gth . . . starting at 10 a.m. MUSIC, DANCING, SPORTS AND REFRESHMENTS “MEET YOUR FRIENDS THERE” PREPS ae eae ; = STEP OUT THIS SPRING ... _ TIP TOP TAILORED SUIT or OVERCOAT “Jueaders in Style and Quality” MADE-TO-MEASURE at $25.75 ... Union Tailored 199 WEST HASTINGS STREET, AT CAMBIE CSS a ee ee a en OOOSOOOFSSSSSSOO OS OF OOSSOOPO POOL OO SE POO OOP PO OOH: SS A ULSIP CYB ENY g Rendezvous Ballroom 404 Homer Street Newly Remodelled . Dancing Every Night Modern Dancing — Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Nights Cariboo Cowboys — Old-time Dancing Every Monday and Wednesday Nights Qld-time Dancing Every Tuesday Night with Vagabond Orchestra Go with the crowd to the AINIER HOTEL — Headquarters for MINERS 2 Carrall at Cordova Street ANNOUNCEMENTS | Ald. Halford Wilson will speak at South Hill G.C-F. hall at Foriy- seventh and Fraser, Sunday, July i) 19, at 8 pm. Subject, “Civic Af jf fairs.”’ SO Fr The Women’s Labor League of | Vancouver will hold a get-together | pasket pienic on July 19th at Kit Silano pienic grounds. Tea, coffee, |) sugar and milk will be provided |/ and a good program of races is ar |} ranged for both old and young: of | poth sexes. WL... members’ fam= ilies and their friends are cordially, © invited. | | \ DANCE : bel 2 Saturday, July 18, and Wednes= ; day, July 22, at Ukrainian Labor |: Hall, 805 Hast Pender street, from 1) 9 to 12 pom. ‘ ‘ Meldeonians orchestra. Admission 15 cents: Wednesday bargain day, advance tickets 10 cents. Everybody welcome. Auspices @L.D.L. Ukrainian Branch. DEFENCE LEAGUE wn lis in 2a a a —_ . . Better than Ever? Da ee FISHERMEN A Warm Welcome Always Awaits You! Phone, Sey- 236)