Mass Meeting On May Day A resolution, sponsored by Local 1-217, IWA, at the March 22 meeting of the Vancouver Labor Council won a decision that ‘May Day observance this year in Vancouver would take the form ef a public mass meeting under ‘the auspices of the Council. Discussion on the resolution disclosed 2 prevailing sentiment that commemoration of the work- ers’ struggles and victories should under the circumstances permit an appraisal of objectives for the future. Determination was ex- pressed to free the ceremonies of the day from exploitation by in- terests outside the trade union movement. Because of his persistent de- fence of Bills 39 and 87, contrary to the expressed will’ of CCL unions, Harry Strange, member of the Labor Relations Board was once more repudiated by the dele- gates to the VLC. In reporting on PAC activities, George Home, PAC Director for the province, informed the Coun- cil that unions requesting same could have a speaker to explain PAC plans. Plans for PAC activi- ties were going forward rapidly, he stated. One small local union hhad already donated $800 for Federal and provincial cam- paigns. f B.C. LUMBER WORKER Camps, Mills Open Up Four thousand men are now back, at work in the British Co- lumbia logging camps, it was estimated this week. A summary of available records indicates that over 2600 returned to work as the camps re-opened during the month of March. Vancouver and New Westmin- ster, IWA, Locals report the em- ployment situation is steadily im- proving. A round-up of sawmills and shingle mills discloses that many are operating one and two shifts, after a long shut-down, in some instances extending three months. A number of smaller companies are facing difficulties and date of resumption of. work is still un- certain, In spite of intermittent opera- tions, IWA officers have ex- pressed gratification at the stab- ility of membership returns. Vancouver Island reports indi- cate a similar trend in employ- ment and membership. Mine, Mill Suspended Again; C. §. Jackson Thrown Out, Too! For the second time in a year, the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers (CIO) has been suspended from the Canadian Congress of Labor. At the same time, C. S. Jackson “Red” leader of the United Electric Workers’ Union, was suspended from the CCL executive council. The Mine Mill was thrown out for refusing to withdraw its orga- nization from the Timmins gold fields and the nickel refineries at Port Colborne. It has been hinted that the Mine Mill will be permanently expelled from the CCL, when the next con- vention comes around. It has been a turbulent two years for Mine Mill. Harvey Mur- phy, B.C. regional director, was © Tailored to Measure @ Ready-to- Wear © Suits Coats © Sport Jackets © Slacks UNION-MADE GARMENTS suspended for making an obscene verbal attack on GCL leadership. The union was suspended in June, 1948 for a lying attack on CCL President Mosher during. wage negotiations and for “vicious slan- der” of CCL officers. The CCL is claiming consider- able headway with the organiza- tion of the CCL-chartered locals of: the Mine, Mill and has, it is understood, already, applied for several certifications in Ontario. ei ton) ee 2 Stores to Serve You: Granville & Nelson 16 East Hastings St., Vancouver, B."C. Representing the Organized Loggers and Mill Workers of B.C, Published Twice Monthly by the INTERNATIONAL WOODWORKERS OF AMERICA (CIO-CCL) B.C. DISTRICT COUNCIL, No. 1 DISTRICT OFFICERS: George H. Mitchell Board Member____'Tom G. MacKenzie ‘TRUSTEES: J. 8. Squire James McEwan Neil E. Shaw IWA Supports Island Truckers’ Strike Vi ver Island Locals of the IWA acted last week to conachaats, support for the Island Freight Service truck "drivers on strike since March 21. This has enormously strengthened the struggle of fifty-five drivers now picket- ing all Island depots of the C.P.R. subsidiary. Not one has taken the highway’ since the strike company truck was called. A bulletin issued by Local 1-85 IWA, Port Alberni, and given general circulation, flatly contra- dicted company propaganda, cal- culated to undermine public sym- Island Locals likewise took ap- propriate action. Exposing the falsity of the charge, that the strike had been called abruptly, the IWA officials pointed out that the union on strike, a Local of the Canadian Brotherhood of Railway Employ- ees had negotiated patiently since early last December. 45 -1 Vote The Union now on strike had scrupulously observed all the le- gal requirements of Bills 39 and 87. When negotiations had dead- locked, they had applied for con- ciliation. Following unsatisfac- tory conciliation they had secured sanction for a supervised vote in which the members voted 45 to 1 for strike action. The wage demands of the union, now in dispute, are for an increase of twelve cents an hour across the board. ‘Their present basic rate for truck drivers is $1.00. a As an answer to the company assertion that the men had been treated well, the IWA bulletin presented a’ contrast of Island Freight Service rates with those prevailing under IWA agree- ments. A driver for a six-ton Island Freight truck now receives $1.05 an hour for a 47-hour week. The IWA rate for a similar classification is $1.50%5 an hour for a 44-hour week. The IWA member thus gets “$116.55 a month more, calculating ‘over- time above forty hours. An Island Freight swamper receives 90 cents an hour, while the corresponding work under the IWA agreement nets $1.20% an hour. The IWA rate yields $85.79 a month more. The cooperation of the Brew- ery Workers has prevented the loading of beer shipments ordi- narily handled by Island Freight. Indignation in labor circles is running high, as the Island Freight is a subsidiary of the GP.R. SUPPORT YOUR PAPER'S ADVERTISERS The slogan “Support Our Ad- yertisers” is particularly appro- priate for this week’s issue of the B, C. Lumber Worker. Delegates to the quarterly meeting of the District Council, IWA, proposed that a greater ef- fort should be made-to secure ad- vertising revenue. This can be done when the B,C. Lumber Worker secures recognition as a satisfactory advertising medium for commercial advertisers. Advertising is paid for, not merely as a good-will gesture, but to get results in sales appeal. Members of the IWA can co-op- erate to convince advertisers that their own aver is the best ad- vertising medium in the trade union publishing field, with a bona fide cireulation of’ 26,400. The value of the IWA official organ as an advertising medium is recognized this week by the Canadian Bank of Commercé, It is also recognition of the fact that lumber workers spend or saye a greater portion of the wage income of this province tham any other group of work- ers. Our contract with the Bank of Commerce runs for , six months. It represents a joint ef- fort to bring an efficient bank- ing-by-mail service within reach of scattered of workers. pathy. The members of other Effective | Strike Action C. B. of R. E, pickets for striking truck drivers of Island Freight, V.1., stall trucks of C.P.R. subsidiary. Inquest Reveals Negligevce Circumstances surrounding ‘the death of Bro. Thomas BE. Powers, employee of Western Forest Industries Ltd., caused the IWA Safety Council to commend the action of Local 1-80, LWA, in pressing for a full investigation of company negligence, and sesponsibilities of the Workmen’s Compensation Board. Evidence heard before the Coroner’s jury revealed: The mechanical stacker was operated beyond its capac- ity, and at too high a speed, despite warnings. ‘The Iumber was coated with frost and ice. The deceased had not been instructed regarding safety precautions necessary. Warning notices were disregarded and subsequently removed. Only two hard hats had been issued for six men. For futher particulars see Safety Page. © Make full use of é this service of The Canadian Bank of Commerce to oper- ate savings and chequing accounts, send a money erder or foreign remit- tance, deposit your valuables for safe- keeping. Any branch ef this Bank will welcome your enquiry — we have 68 of them in B.C. — write today! “| THE CANADIAN BANK