B.C. LUMBER WORKER Page Seven PA Lesson Learned $ ‘THE wisdom of experience and far-sighted leadership was packed into graphic and pithy sentences by Director of Organization Adolph Germer at the recent District IWA Convention. Some of these are well worth pondering. “When we stop learning, we stop living.” When a trade union stops learning, it rapidly stagnates. Through bitter experience, the IWA has tearned the Diessons of trade union democracy. ; The Convention gave proof that the privileges of free ; democratic action are prized, and will be guarded vigilantly. This vigilance must not be relaxed. It is the unique strength of democratic methods, that , they provide a way of stimulating and releasing the in- ¥, dividual genius of human beings, whatever their station or function. The welfare of individuals is the purpose of the trade ; union movement, but individuals are also the means by which the purpose is accomplished. & It is not only “for the people” but “by the people’. When an individual trade unionist stops learning, he ; loses all but the animal satisfactions of life. s He loses the right to become an important‘and useful ‘ part of something bigger than he is. j If he hopes to enjoy fully the satisfaction of democratic fellowship and co-operation, he must learn about and share the responsibilities, which are the price of democracy. Everyone learns by doing. The individual trade union- ist learns by doing his share of the trade union job in company with his fellow-workers. He soon learns that his own welfare is found in the welfare of the whole group. He steps out of the rut of selfish and aimless living. The main difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. Team-W ork “JTS miraculous what we can do when we work to- gether.” The greatest results in every field of human effort are usually achieved by simple methods and the exercise of ordinary qualities. The ability to work together often seems so simple and ordinary that its miraculous possibilities are often over- looked. A trade union is a team. It is the teamwork that scores goals. The solo performance of the individual player, how- ever briliant, is not the winning factor. In fact, the vani- ties of the ambitious individualists are too often a serious handicap to the team. Personal vanity and ambition must be subordinated to the success of the team. It is essential to remember that the matters upon which trade unionists agree, are usually of vastly greater im- portance than the matters upon which they disagree. Where all men think alike, no one thinks at all. Knowledge of these facts, enables men to rise above petty bickering, to be outspoken and frank on issues, and yet preserve the tolerance which lubricates democratic ac- tion. Working together means development of the power of firm and united action to meet the common enemy. The spirit of solidarity and teamwork is the spirit which can move mountains, “More In-:The Bag” “THERE'S more in the bag, if we organize effectively for economic action, supplemented by intelligent political action.” Defeatism has no place in trade union policy. Defeatism is the alibi of lazy and incompetent men. IWA members have declared that they must have the Union shop and higher wages in 1950. They have chosen the right objectives. They must now choose the right means to secure the objectives. IWA members can have the Union shop and higher wages in 1950,.if they do what must be done. ‘The employers are smart enough to avoid brow-beating an organization that is ready for an all-out test of economic strength. Preparedness is the first and best card to play in tough bargaining. ! If the test must come, only effective organization can win on the picket line. _ The odds against the Union will be less, if at the same the organized lumber workers wield their full politi- influence against restrictive legislation. Again, men do not live by wage rates alone. As they gain wage increases, they must at the same use their political strength to prevent profiteering » iation of the wage dollar. Germer's words must be dinned into the ears of lumber workers, over and over again, s more in the bag, if we organize effectively action, supplemented by intelligent poli- pasha ; "THE CHAMP’ Y Editor: Having for some time been one of the first to criticize the Dis- trict, both old and new, on the organization and handling of our Conventions and Conferences, I «ish to be one of the first to con- gratulate them on the success of our recent one held in Nanaimo. It has no equal in the history of our District. The Convention business wa: arranged and handled in a m: terly fashion and the banquet for sociability had no equal. Again IT say, congratulations! Advertise That old adage that it pays to advertise has been proven right aga Some months ago I wrote criticizing the results of our last contract and recommended that we go out for two main demands: Union Shop and wages, arid ad- opt a slogan, NO CONTRACT, NO WORK! There were at least 10 resolu- tions in covering these items be- sides large banners in the Con- vention hall. And every delegate stood up and backed these de- mands. I thank you brothers and sisters, Now let’s get off our fannies Green Grass Grows All Around and tell the boys on the job the score. Don’t let us be like the Bee and the Bull. Every time the Bull started to eat, the Bee would sting him. But one day the Bull caught the Bee asleep and ate him. The Bee woke up in the Bull's stomach and said, “I'll sure make this Bull suffer. But first, ll finish my sleep.” But when the Bee woke up, the Bull was gone. And the #reen grass grew all around. ‘The time is NOW! Jimmy Abrams, 1-357. Pres. Fadling’s Message “Greetings to Delegates assembled 13th Annual Convention District No. LIWA. Regret your Convention con- venes same week-end as Northwest Regional Wage Conference. “As Chairman of the Northwest Re- gional Negotiating Committee it is imperative I be at wage conference. | had planned to visit your convention Friday but weather conditions made such schedule impossible. “13th Annual Convention represents one yearly milestone under rank and file control of District Council mem- bership. I wish to compliment Dis- trict and Local officers and member- ship for fine progress made last year. Your conscientious processing of griev- ances and other matters concerning the membership has accomplished results in line with aims and purposes of our organization. “Establishment of board rates for loggers in last negotiations a clear vic- tory for our union particularly in face of delinquent action of former officers of District Council. Criticism of Pritchett and his group relative to results of negotiations clearly a smoke screen to cover their lack of ability while in District Office. “It is indicated a small group still within the IWA desires to use our organization for their particular ide- ologies, Be assured international union will resist the infringement of any type of communism or any other party. “Delegates should consider ade- quately financing work of District Council so that entire administrative work be accomplished by District Council staff. "Safety work in District No. 1 in past vear has been outstanding and should be extended in coming year. T again express my regret at not being able to attend your convention. 1 pledge wholehearted support and co- operation from International office in carrying out program I feel sure dele- gates will adopt in line with IWA- CCL policy. Best regards.” J. E. FADLING, - President, LOGGERS’ NAVY CREW at IWA District Convention. (Left) Frank Howard, President-elect, Local 1-71, and International Organizer, with Phil Coote, Local 1-71, Skipper of the IWA craft. LOGGERS! IF YOU ARE IN A JAM , we LOAN MONEY ON SUITS AND OVERCOATS Redeemable Any Time Within 12 Months HORSE SHOE Tailors & Pawnbrokers 325 COLUMBIA ST. VANCOUVER, B. C. {Across from the Broadway Hotel) Telephone MArine 5823 FLY! 9¢ Way Cost Less Than You Think CHARTER FLIGHT SERVICE LTD. VANCOUVER AIRPORT @ PHONE RICHMOND 1449 e@ ONE, THREE, AND SIX-PASSENGER PLANES Phone or Write For Information.