Page Four B.C. LUMBER WORKER Political A\ction DELEGATES attending the recent IWA International convention evidently agreed with the political observer, who after surveying trends in the United States and Canada stated: _ “No people can be free unless they maintain the privilege of paying their own political bills.” This might be paraphrased to read: “Trade unions will never gain economic freedom unless they pay the bills for their own political action.” Employing interests have paid the campaign bills for political parties, which, when in power, they have used to take political action against the interests of the trade unions. _ Awareness of this fact, prompted the IWA Interna- tional officers to warn the convention that the economic gains made by the Union must be protected by planned and systematic political action. “The official statement has special significance for IWA members in British Columbia on the eve of the Canadian Congress of Labor Convention. “Unless we protect our economic gains politically by fiighting unfair anti-labor legislation, by working hard to liberalize our workmen’s compensation acts, our old-age benefits, and our unemployment laws, we have won nothing. We must also fight inflation. Wages and security can be taken away by price bulges much faster than through wage cuts by the boss.” With this view, the convention agreed. Resolutions clearly defined the IWA legislative programs in Canada and the United States. Political action was the dominating theme of IWA policy resolutions. Politicians Take Note LABOR statesmanship was seen at its best in the formula- tion of policy placing the IWA squarely behind the fight for a “fair deal” legislation, such as, price and rent control, national health insurance, revised taxation, public housing, conservation, and a wide range of projects for the national welfare. This program was backed by decision to work unceas- ingly for the election of representatives in Congress and Parliament, who will return to the people the civil rights, and the freedoms which make democracy a reality. As stated at Minneapolis, the function of the trade union movement is not merely the continuous effort to better wages and working conditions. It involves also the function of exerting labor action on the political field to ensure enjoyment of the gains made on the economic front. Politicians take note. If the organized lumber work- ers in British Columbia act in defence of their political rights with the same unity and militancy with which they fought for their contract demands, politics will have a new meaning, in this province. eee AN Day i IWA International Convention acted with ‘vision when the six-hour day was declared to be an objective in future negotiations. Increased productive capacity made possible by mech- anization of industry brings the six-hour-day within the range of achievement. : Mechanization which is rapidly displacing labor, and the increase in the army of workers, together place the six-hour day on labor’s agenda as a necessary step to alle- viate growing unemployment. Faced with the threat of unemployment, the sensible course is to spread available employment among the great- est number, while maintaining wage income levels. Trade unionists should not allow themselves to be dis- mayed by the barrage of criticism which will attend any attempt to introduce the six-hour day in a basic industry. The same arguments will be used which were used years ago against the 10-hour day, and later against the eight-hour day. The same reasons now appear in support of the six~ hour day which long ago justified the eight-hour day. The sixhour day will level off the “boom or bust” fluctu- ations of production, and over the years will not lower the national income derived from production. Labor is entitled to share more fully in the expanding output of productive enterprise by the enjoyment of greater leisure, to plan more satisfying lives. Eventually, the six-hour day will be accepted by indus- try. Now is the time to start selling the idea. “And do you say them in the morning, too?” is “No ma’am, I’m not scared in “Do ou Say your prayers at night, ii johnny ?”” Right Of Way The convention was informed that in this province the Union is enforcing the 40-hour week, and that permission for overtime is granted only when demanded by an emergency. The agreement regarding the 40-hour work week has never been regarded as a method of ex- tracting overtime from the em- ployers, It was instituted solely because of the health benefits and the necessity of stabilizing em- ployment in the industry. Our effort to introduce the six- hour day should be prompted for the same reasons. When it be- comes apparent that the six-hour day and 30-hour work week is the next logical step forward, we should again insist that the re- sulting benefits are assured to the workers, We would only be fooling our- selves if we pressed for the 6- hour day, if not prepared to claim the benefits of greater leisure and the expanded opportunities for better and healthier living. The IWA means what it says about the six-hour day. -ENQUIRIES Enquiries haye been received with regard to the present whereabouts of the following persons: ANDY REDMAN, formerly of Sarita River Camp. Com- municate with Local 1-85 IWA, 108-2nd Ave., Port Alberni, B.C., as valuable property is being held for him. LEAMON CURRIE NEAL, formerly employed on Harble- down Island, and now believed to be employed as a logger. J. T. Protheroe is now in hospital and wishes to inform him re- garding their partnership in- terests. Advise IWA District Office. GEORGE KAZMER, formerly shop steward at Kelly Logging Co., Mathers Lake. Personal effects are being held for him at “The Willows”, Campbell River. No Fooling When the delegates from the B.C. District Local Unions gaye support to the resolution regarding the six-hour day and 30-hour week at the International convention, they made it clear that they desired a genuine reduction in the hours of work. Time marches on. By J. Stewart Alsbury Te ae Tee The six last survivors of Street Gas Lamp Lighters’ Us held their last meeting recently, A_ resolution was passed d claring that if there had been electricity there would be no ternational wars, (F 3, YOULL NEED > Money! So don’t lose your pay-cheque. Soon as you get it mail it to us’ for safekeeping. If you wish to cash all or any of it, we will do this by mail, too. “Banking. Mail” with us protects your money until the time when need it. 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