December 17, 1937 THE PEHEOPLE’S ADVOC ATE Page Seven Council Has Long History Buildings Trades Unions Have Won Many Righis For Workers In Past 34 Years. By WILLIAM PAGE Secretary, Vancouver, New West- minster and District Building Trades Council. The record of the Vancou- ver Internationa] Building Trades is an enviable one of which the labor movement is proud. Organized in 1903 when the first real building activity was evident in Vancouver, it grew until, within the space of one year, union building trades mechanics were able to establish the 44-hour week in Vancouver, thus leading the whole of Canada and most of the United States in gaining at that time this desirable shorter work week. : The council continued its activi- ties as a Local Council until 1909, when it applied for and was grant- ed a charter from the building trades department of the Amerj- can Federation of Labor, one of the first charters issued by the de- partment was set up by the AF of L at the 1908 convention to take care of the needs of the grogvinge and active building crafts’ trade unions. The Vancouver council at this time had three walking delegates who took care of the interests of all affiliated locals which were then working under practically closed shop conditions. Many wage in- ereaseS and improvements in working conditions were gained through the cooperative work of the council and its affiliated locals. War Suspended Operations The council was especially active during the boom years of 1910-12, and continued operations until 1917 when, on account of the World War, building construction had to Sive way to ship construction. This drafted all available mechanics who had not enlisted ins the army and navy, many of whom were building craftsmen. Im addition to this change of occupation by the council members and the fact that large numbers enlisted for war service, the coun- cil felt it advisable to give way to the Metal Trades Council which was at that time taking care of Qperations were suspended until such time as building construction should again be started. Following the armistice and the return of many of the active mem- bers of building crafts unions, a desire for cooperation among the building trades locals was again expressed and, in 1922, a Building Trades Committee of the Trades and Labor Council was formed. This committee operated until May, 1924, when it decided to ap- ply to the Building Trades Depart- ment for a charter which was granted almost immediately at the request of 8 largest locals in the building trades. Effective York During 1935, Local $9, Operative Plasterers, Locai 602, Plasterers’ Helpers, and Local 170, Plumbers and Steamfitters, established the five day, 44-hour week for their members: In May, 1926, the council put on a full-time representative and an intensive organizing cam- paign was started, with the objec- tive of the five day week for all building construction worlcers. Effective work has been done by the council from 1924 to the pres- ent time and the fact that the five day, 44-hour week is now be- ing enjoyed by all of its 18 afiliat- ed locals is a record to be proud of. Another record of which the council is proud is in the matter ef attendance of delegates, which has an average of 80 per cent Since the charter has been in Operation and on no occasion has @ meeting been postponed or can- celled. The council holds its regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in Labor headquarters, 9529 Beatty street. Present officers are: President, &. BH. Morrison, Local 213, trical Workers; Secretary and Business representative, W. Page, Local 452, Garpenters and Joiners; Vice-president, Alex Fordyce, Local 1, Bricklayers and Masons; Ser- geant at Arms, HE. Smith, Local 138, Painters and Decorators; Trustees, J. Rankins, Local O77, Tronworkers; D. MacPherson, Lo- cal 280, Sheet Metal Workers; J. Flynn, Local 115, Engineers. Eilec- ; Membership Growing Rapidly Bakers’ Union Has — Done Splendid Work By J. BRYDSON Business Agent, Local 468, Bakery, Confectionery Workers The bakers of this city can be proud of the fact that they were among the first of local unions to revive in the last two yea into organized movement. trade unionism which, hundreds of workers ship has grown steadily from 250 to date. We found out in the process of organizing that where the govern- ment had set a minimum of 40 cents an hour for bakery workers, in a number of shops, this wage eventually became the maximum. if the bakers had been well or- ganized and had sent a strong delegation to Victoria, there is no doubt that 4@-eents per hour would never have been the minimum. When it is considered that men have been apprenticed and spent years at this trade, and the goy- ernment declares that employers ean pay them less than the city pays unskilled laborers, it can be seen that there is a great need for a bakers’ union. During the organizing campaign there was very little opposition. The bakery salesmen at Robert- son’s put up a wonderful fight for recognition, and after six weeks’ Struggle their strike was success- ful. The efforts of Local 189 and the support of the entire trade union movement made this victory possible. The Women’s Bakery and Brown Brothers capitulated after a few hours’ shut-down. To date, there are very few non-union shops in Vancouver. They are Canadian Window Bakeries, Venice, Georgia, Independent and Braemar bakeries. Once these are organized we can turn our attention to the cookie, candy and cracker manufacturers. We intend to appeal to the sup- porting public in the near future on the question of a proper work day for bakers. These workers get very little social life and are sep- arated from their families six nights in the week. With the modern methods of production existing in this indus- try, and knowing there is no ne- cessity for night work, we have asked the provincial government te bring in legislation to abolish night work in the baking industry. We are sure the public will support us in their campaign. the spirit of rs, has brought Our member- 20 members to approximately Phil Gibbens L | y—o— Ci business manager of the PA, was born at Indian Head, Sasix, 30 years ago. His first job was in a logging camp, his second as a mucker in a Northern BC mine. luater he became a bond and in- Surance salesman. Has been close- ly associated with the labor move- ment since he joined the southwest branch of the Independent Labor party, afterwards the Socialist par- t} of Canada, in Burnaby some years ago. Was campaign manag- er for EB, E. Winch, CCE MLA for Burnaby, in the first successful campaign in 1933. Is a past secre- tary of the Provincial Workers’ Council and has long been promi- ment in struggles of the unem- ployed. Around fhe City A Wlondyke Wight, under aus- pices of YCGL and CP will be held in Orange Hall, Saturday, Decem- ber 18, 7:30 pm. There will be @ames, prizes, novelties and enter- tainment. Admission free. An old- fashioned auction sale will be held, and articles for auction should be left at YCL offices. WNew Year Dance in Chinatown, 37 East Pender, Friday, December 31, under YCL auspices. Snappy orchestra in attendance from 9:30 to 1:30 a.m. Everyone will be there and a good time is promised. Tickets are 35 cents each from any League member, the New Age book store, 28 Hast Hastings, YCL office, Room 52, 163 West Hastings. Vancouver Mothers’ Council is giving a supper for single unem- ployed boys Wednesday, December 29, 6:30 pm, O’Brien Hail, +404 Homer street. Sympathisers willing to assist with donations or food are asked to deposit same at 404 Homer street. Windermere Parent Teachers’ Association last week condemned the padlock law in Quebec, sent protest letters to Premier M. Du- plessis and Premier Mackenzie King to this effect. Toeal 91, Printing Pressmen, went on record condemning Que- bee padlock law, informed Pre- miers Duplessis and Mackenzie King of this. International Officer F. Maxstead, visitor at the last meeting of the local, spoke strong- ly against present practices in French Canada. Representation from the Work- ers’ Alliance in all meetings of doctors, druggists and city officials arranged for the proposed new medicai agreement for Burnaby unemployed, was requested recent- ly by North Burnaby Workers’ Al- liance. 529 Beatty St. Season’ s Greetings to the Readers of the People’s Advocate! BAKERY & CONFECTIONERY WORKERS’ INTERNATIONAL UNION OF AMERICA LOGAL NO. 468 Seymour 3349 Union Shops in the Baking Industry in Vancouver CANADIAN BAKERIES LTD. ROBERTSON’S BAKERY HASTINGS BAKERY ROLLIW’ PIN BAKERY | MOTHER HUBBARD * MONTREAL BAKERY BUY YOUR BAKERY PRODUCTS FROM THESE UNION SHOPS McGAVEIN’S BAKERIES COWAN-DODSON BAKERIES WOMAN'S BAKERY LTD. BROWN BROS. BAKERY INTERNATIGNAL BAKERY x The Women’s Auxiliary of the Pacific Coast Fishermen’s Union plans to entertain children of union members with a Ghristmas tree celebration and distribution of toys, Saturday, December 18, at union headquarters, 164 West Hast- ings street. This auxiliary has held a whist drive in North Vancouver, sale of home cooking and a rum- mage sale, to raise funds for the toys. At the Royal Theatre, Sunday, December 19, 8 p.m., a public meet- ing will be held in aid of the labor press. Speakers: Malcolm Bruce, Dr, W. J. Curry, A. F. Black. West End branch of the YCL is Staging a Christmas Jamboree Tuesday, December 21, 8 p.m. 1273 Granville Street. All lease mem- bers and friends are invited. Ad- mission free. Following is a iist of winners in draw conducted by Victery Square branch, CP of GC, in aid of the re- cent joint press drive: B. Mc- Loskey, 228; Mr: Gillespie, 65; S. Small, 98; J. Mattock, 210; Mr. Gillespie, 62; Mr. Gillespie, 68; J. KK, 188; J. Bell, 225; A. Mitchell, 121; W. Moffatt, 128; J. Brown, 29: SR SSeS eee sees eenueecuues g & Greetings to the ¢ PEGPLE’S ADVOCATE from the Pacific Coast Fiskermen’s Union “The Union that has made the 4 s s g p 6 g s Z greatest gains in Membership of g any Fishermen’s Union in B.C.’ s s f g g 6 6 READ OUR PAPER “THE FISHERMAN” i164 BAST HASTINGS STREET MSE SSE TEST SHEE SBE eEcr rec uE= ce oa nee AS SS WISHING MY MANY CUSTOMERS AND FRIENDS... A Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year BD. KH. C. ANDERSON NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN 768 Granville St. Seymour 5336 ee, QUALITY — UNiTY — * BALTIMORE CAFE € Specializing in High Quality Foods at Most Popular Prices 338 Carrall St. Record Year Of Progress Cafe Employees’ Union Proud Of Achievements In Struggles Of Past Year. By BILL GATEMAN Business Agent, Local 28, Hotel and kiestaurant Employees’ Union. VANCOUVER UNION RESTAURANTS Invite Your PATRONAGE As the year 1937 draws to a close the ofticers and members of the Hotel and Restaurant Employees’ Union, Local 28, ean look back with a feeling of pride to a year of progress, The local embarked on an or- Ganizing campaign in the Spring, which brought us into sharp con- flict with the White Lunch, Georgia hotel, Scoti’s cafe and a company union. The campaign was directed pri- marily against the cafeterias, but, before great gains were made, the White Lunch discriminated against one of our most active members for her organizational work there. This was a denial of the right to join a trade union and could not be ignored by Local 28. A strike Was called against this injustice and after two weeks’ struggle the union obtained an agreement guar- anteeing ‘the right to organize and for the reinstatement of the dis- missed girl. Fearing a genuine trade union movement, the Restaurant Owners’ Association formed a company union for their employees. A num- ! ber of cafes which had signed agreements with this company union found their employees tak- ing a determined stand against such an organization, and, with’ the help of Local 28 succeeded in getting their employers to sign with the bona fide union. The case of Scott's Cafe was an exception. Successful Struggle On the insistence of the Res- taurant Owners’ Association and Manager Grimsdall of the Eden Cafe, the proprietor of Scott’s Cafe attempted to fight the desires of his employees and their chosen union. 4A strike was called for union wages and recognition of Local 28 as their union. After three days picketing Judge Manson granted injunctions against the union and the strikers, on the basis that Scott’s Cafe had already signed an agreement with the company union. An aroused Trades and Labor Couneil accepted the challenge and began a campaign, when Scott’s Cafe capitulated, signed a genuine union agreement and took back all employees. Hotels under the jurisdiction of Local 28 have not been neglected. Refusal by the management of the Georgia Hotel to meet with the officers of Local 28, led the em- ployees to declare a strike. The first hotel strike in 15 years in Vancouver, its picket line was maintained 18 hours a day, Ameri- can tourists refusing to go through the picket line. A settlement was arrived at on the second day and, on the sixth, a full union agreement with im- proved working conditions and wages granted. The Wancouver hotel management negotiated with Loeal 28 shortly after this, and al- though no agreement was signed, the shop steward and business agent are recognized by the man- agement. Organized 37 Years Local 28 was 37 years old last July. Unanimity prevails. We aim to Sesame the restaurant industry, consolidate, and combat the at- tacks of the Industrial Association of BC. Working through other restaurants to undermine Local 2S and genuine trades unionism is Manager Grimsdall of the Eden Cate. He is reputed to be active in the Industrial Association of BG, chief activity of which is to attack the American Federation of Labor. We do not patronize the White Lunch, Eden Gaffe, Peter Pan Cafe, Waldorf Cafe. | We give you —— QUALITY EATS at Lowest Prices f Juicy Steaks | Oysters | Chops, etc. | ONE FRIEND TELLS ANOTHER! gE SATISFIED UNION H serve Better Food at Competitive Prices GOOD GOOD RATS RATS No. No. 2 619 W. Pender St. 938 Granville Street Seymour 55 Seymour 147 * Your Old Friend MELTON EK. MIP aE iG9 West Hastings Street Seymour 302 @ “Where the food tastes better and costs no more’ PATRONIZE A UNION HOUSE IOLYMPIC | CAFE Caterers to discriminating people. 100% UNION 720 West Pender Trinity 4333 Youll Enjoy The INTIMACY The COMFORT _ The Genuine HOSPITALITY OUR RESTAURANT Scott’s Cafe 222 Granville St. Seymours 2621 ALL KINDS OF FRESH SEA FOOD UNION HOUSE . 100% UNION HOUSE ° CARLETON CAFE “always a thought for your comfort’ PRIVATE DINING ROOM FOR BANQUETS, PARTIES, EPC. Be YE OLDE ENGLISH FISH & CHIPS 44 W. HASTINGS STREET CATERING A SPECIALTY O5 E. See OO?2Oo~x< ZUNE VE NVI FOES 212 CARRALL ST. Seyi 410 Good, Clean, Wholesome Food at the City’s Lowest Prices PIPES : 2a nee iD: DAIRY LUNCH 72 WEST HASTINGS ST. “It’s the Coffee” = "Fl 2 ia Oo Telephone - - Seymour595 . KING’S CAFE Melrose Cafe||= * A UNION HOUSE « Vancouver’s Latest & Best Cafe Gpen All Night BV: DINE AND DANCE IN THE — NEW GOLDEN ROOM | Oreanieod eae A s iG Welcome NO COVER CHARGE || The PALACE CAFE © “The Only Union House on Cordova” Seyiour 8510 71G West Hastings St. || 47 W. Cordova : : GOLDEN GATE CAFE 136 EH. HASTINGS ST. @ Seymiour 4954 non SERVICE Phone: Sey. 31 ae ue Ti T an a eS 2 2 oe arm wy eicdiae Z ee eee ED ee 2) NDNA, = DDE ENED ENED LED LED ZEEE Sao Se 2 “HOTEL & RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES’ UNION . -- LOCAL 28 = ort 2} 700 Dunsmuir St. Phone Trinity 1706 rs => ae. cs) | HOTEL ano RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES & a BEEEE DISPENSERS II INTERNATIONAL ALWWANCE | A = Look For ieee Patronize us the Union ie : zl Union Card Houses = “United V We Progress ! ~ tx sx. -- Ets -- = =~ SS ae ease miei SSS eee ee eee : Ae 7%, eS tt aN i