B. Cc. LUMBER WORKER E New Year’s greeting extended on behalf of the IWA, and exchanged between members of the Union means more than casual observance of a pleasing custom. It is the sincere hope of IWA members that all workers may find greater happiness, well-being and security in 1951. The good wishes carry with them the resolve to so act that the wishes may come true. The greeting is more than a wish on the part of the IWA. It is a pledge. A radio commentator has said that the beginning of 1951 and not 1950,-actually marks the opening of the last half of the present century because of the turn of events -in 1950. The next few weeks may be fateful for mankind. In the same sense, the beginning of 1951 opens a new era for labor. The first half of the century was a period of struggle, growth and achievement for organized labor. In 1900, the numerical strength of all trade unions in Canada was less than 100,000. In 1950, the ranks of organized labor in Canada had increased to over one million. 1950 was the high water mark for organized labor’s strength, and gives confidence that the last half of the century will witness a momentous improvement in labor’s status. This growth was accomplished only by dint of struggle, marked by persistent organization on the job, frequent strikes, militant bargaining, and almost constant opposi- tion on the part of employers and governments. The development of large-scale industry led to the ad- vent of the CIO industrial unions, forming the core of the Canadian Congress of Labor. Thousands of workers were organized in the mass production industries who formerly had not been considered eligible for membership in the craft unions. gies IWA members may state with pride that their Union has shared in this growth. The IWA is today one of the largest unions in the Canadian Congress of Labor, with a membership rapidly approaching the 30,000 mark. This was recognized by the election of the District President, J. S. Alsbury, to the National Executive of the Congress. IS increased strength; and the ability to play a major role in the nation through central labor bodies, are the factors mainly responsible for the changed attitude of management toward the needs of workers. The early history of the century should not be forgot- ten as events rharch forward. Canadian workers today owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who pioneered trade unionism in this country. The organized workers today have a great heritage, which they must appreciate and safeguard with the utmost vigilance. Living standards for the workers today are much higher than would otherwise have been allowed, be- cause of the past struggle of the trade unions. Pride in past achievements does not mean that this is a time for smug complacency. Much has been done, but much remains to be done. For the very reason that organized labor has gained this greater strength, it has all the greater responsibilities. E immediate problem confronting the majority of the trade unions, and including the IWA, is the urgent necessity for wage increases to keep pace with rapidly rising costs of living. It would be a stupendous folly for the organized workers to submit meekly to the wage cuts which they suffer every time prices take a jump upward, without using the strength of their organizations. Either one of two courses must be followed. Prices must be rolled back and placed under sensible ceilings, or wages increased to permit adequate living standards. The failure of the Federal Government to-deal with runaway prices, now makes a demand for interim wage increases in order, despite the existence of signed agree- mnts, It would be the part of wisdom for the employers to recognize this need, and make the necessary adjust- ments, if they wish to maintain industrial peace and stability. .' In the United States, and in some Canadian industries, the wage question has been faced and upward revisions carried out. The time has come when the problem must be faced in the B. C. lumber industry. a As an integral part of the Canadian labor movement, the IWA is awake to the need for. action, beyond the scope of collective bargaining, to establish a greater measure of social security. A national health insurance scheme is essential to preserve the health of the labor force, Canada’s most important asset. The workers need improved unemployment insurance benefits, adequate workmen’s compensation and rehabilita- tion, decent old age security, better housing, and other measures necessary for a well-rounded program of social security. The IWA does not subscribe to the theory, that these needs must be sacrificed to considerations of national security. Social security for the workers is an essential requirement of national security. It is of vital importance at this time that as a people we should demonstrate to the rest of the world that democracy means what it says about economic as well as political freedom. © ae x SWAMPED Ey Ak Ot Lea | | The Editor: As the year 1951 opens the great number of our mem- bers can take some comfort in the fact that their unions have been able to gain some wage in- ereases and improvement in their working conditions to offset the continual spiraling cost of living. These gains were made, in most cases, after tough negotia- tions, and in some instances only having to resort to strike action. The workers at Amalgamated Electric Corporation on Granville Island, Vancouver, B.C., have been on the picket line since May 10, 1950, in order to improve their wages, which are far short of the average wages in our other unions. This picket line has been steady—24 hours a day, seven hours a week, since its inception, despite all the ruses attempted by management to break the morale of the pickets, . This strike has had very little financial support from our affiliated unions, and has, in the main, been maintained by the local Steelworkers’ membership. The B.C. Federation of Labor B.C. STRONGEST FOR CONTROLS Three-quarters of the Canadian people want controls restored. In a recent survey, a repre- sentative section of the public were asked whether or not they were in fayor of a renewal of price controls. Here are the ans- ‘wers: In favor of controls. ‘Against controls Qualified answers No opinion ... TOTAL ..... ‘The strongest pressure for con- trols exists in B.C., but even in the Maritimes the poll indicates a vote of 71 percent in favor of controls. In the meantime, the cost of living index for Sept. 1, issued on Oct. 4, indicates a new all-time high of 169.8, compared with 168.5 at Aug. 1. Prices were up all across the board and still ris- Geo. Home Appeals For Steel Strikers Send all donations to “Steel- workers’ Strike Assistance Fund”, c/o 905 Dominion Build- ing, Vancouver, B. C. Urging your fullest co-opera- tion to this appeal, I am, Yours fraternally, George Home, Sec,-T'reas. therefore requests that you give kind consideration to this appeal, and asks that you support these members on strike by a donation from your union, to help them and their families to obtain some of the extras looked forward to at this season of the year, c) Waen you GO To TOWN... yg YOULL NEED . Money! iY, a z s a / So don’t lose your pay-cheque. Soon as you get it mail it to us for safekeeping. If you wish cash all or any of it, we will this by mail, too. “Banking- Mail” with us protects y money uatil the time when need it. _ CLIP THIS COUPON... Send me all information about pro ing my pay against loss, and “Banking by Mail”, . THE crue ro 2™ BANKe Incorporated 1855 Vancouver Branch, Dept. B. 3, 17 branches to serve you in British Ce ONE LOANED ON SUITS AND OV HORSE SHOE TAILORS & PAWN Ma 3823 325 CoLumBIA ST.