B.C. LUMBER WORKER : Facts That Count CONVENTION reports are often regarded as dry reading, and for that reason frequently do not get very wide circula- tion among the members of a trade union. However, there are some facts contained in the reports to be placed before our District Convention this week which should be noted by every IWA member. If we realize that together we | were assumed, to provide addi have built an organization with | and in- fluence to act ef- fectively on our behalf, it may be some reward for our joint en- deavors. The bare fact that the 1951 Annual District Convention will A largest on a at ie proof that the expan- jon of the IWA dues-paying membership has been tremen- dous, and even spectacular. ‘We have added to our member- ship rolls more than 8,000 in the last six months. It is significant that this has occurred mainly since our battle over the 1950 contract demands, and shows that the IWA now stands high in the confidence of the lumber workers. It also goes to show that the membership maintenance clause inserted in our contract this year, provides a sensible and orderly method of consolidating our membership strength. The membership records throughout the year have shown a steady and constant increase, for despite the long shut-downs earlier in the year, the monthly average is 5,000 higher than pre- vious records. Finances Better With an expanding member- ship it has followed that our financial position has been en- hanced. Care and prudence was Tequired in the management of the Union’s funds, but the major needs have been met, and sol- vency maintained. "This has been done on the part of the District Council, although additional expenses for staff SRT. tional service to the membership. The District Council financial report will show a surplus, as the deficit in the general account was provided for out of the $10,760 secured from the District portion of the special $1.00 assessment. B.C. Lumber Worker Our official organ, the B.C. Lumber Worker, has had the most prosperous year since its inception and on the past year’s operations earned a surplus of $885.00. Every effort, consistent with our resources, has been made to improve the publication in order to serve the interests of the Union, sie Organization The greatest reason for pride may be found in the development of our organization to the highest pitch in its history. Not only have large numbers of the un- organized been organized, but a much larger number of’ opera- tions are now under IWA certification. In the great majority of IWA- certified operations the job organzation, camp and plant committees, safety committees, and shop steward organization have been vastly improved. As additional experience is gained, we will further perfect this “grass roots” organization, in which the real strength of the IWA lies. The job done in 1950, when under review, looks good enough to predict with confidence a still better job in 1951. Don Price? Will Donald Price, the lad who was injured at Kelly Log- ging Co., in 1949, please write his Dad at the Cobalt Hotel, Vancouver. Champion of All Lightweight @ Caulked Boots @ MD) Tempered Boot Calks CRUISER | Featuring - High Carbon Steel Oil FOR SURE GRIP Another Favorite . . . HEAD’S famous “SAFETY TOE BOOTS” for Mill Workers 21 East Hastings St. W. J. HEAD BOOT FACTORY LIMITED ics (PA. 4844) “HEADS YOU WIN” Vancouver, B. BC Luvsent/Worxer Representing the Organised Loggers end Mill Werkers of B.C. PUBLISHED TWICE MONTHLY BY Stewart Alnbury ‘Tom LINEUP FOR 1-217 BALLOT All offices in Local 1-217, IWA, will be contested as a re- sult of the nominating conven- tion held in the Arcadian Hall on January 14. The elections will be held early in February. Candidates for the top posi- tion of President are Lloyd Whalen, who is running for re- election, and Tom McKenzie, International Board Member for District No. 1. Nominated for 1st Vice-Presi- dent were R. Watters and William Gray, for Second Vice- President, Harry Bardsley and ‘Al Busch; for Recording Secre- tary, Andy Good, Tony Gargrave and Reg Bullock; for Financial Secretary, S. M. Hodgson and Cyril Clarkson. Colin Wood and William Croy are standing for the position of Warden, and Dan Hamilton, Tom Haggart and Gus Skuzanski for the office of Conductor. The choice for Three-Year Trustee lies between Carl Mertz and Vic Mauro. One-Year Trus- tee will be Bert Fulljames, Mel Andrews or Harry Green. Lloyd Whalen and Bill Gray are candidates for the office of B.C. District Board Member. ‘At the same meeting the fol- lowing were named as delegates to the February convention of the B.C. Federation of Labor: Lloyd Whalen, Harry Bardsley, Cyril Clarkson, Andy Good, R. Watters, George Friess, Tom Haggart, Jack Cummins, Andy Evans, Colin Wood and Paddy Neal. ~ Nailing A Fallacy Every time prices go up, there’s always the scream— “High wages are to blame!” But’ taking automobiles as an example, the workers get only 14 percent of the wholesale price, or about 12 percent of the retail price paid by the buyer. A few weeks ago, Walter Reu- ther, president of the Auto Work- ers CIO, charged that the G.M. proposed price increase was to- tally unjustified and unnecessary, and figures in Canada bear out the same fact. Wages can still go up a long way without endangering profits in the auto business. ‘The manufacturers’ idea appar- ently, is to fool the public into believing that wages are so high no pay boost can possibly be ab- sorbed, so every increase is tacked on to the car’s price. Figures taken from the Cana- dian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (1950 edition) tell a different story: 1949 Figures: Selling Value of output ... $424,358,352 Salaries & Wag 76,684,328 1939 Figures: Selling Value .... $99,173,000 Salaries & Wages ..... 20,573,000 On a dollar basis, wages went up about $56 million in the 10 years, while factory price went up $325 million. Remember these figures the next time you hear of boosts in auto prices. 30% Profit Reuther claimed that on the basis of GM’s financial status for the third quarter of 1950, the company could have absorbed all its increased material and labor costs since the start of the year and still have made more than 30 percent on itsinvestment, after paying all taxes. January 18, 1951 Glover, Beamer Contestants for the office of Vice-President, Local 1-71, IWA. (Left), G. Glover. H, Beamer. ‘ @ | SPECIAL WEEKLY RATES 1221 GRANVILLE STREET VANCOUVER, B.C. Under New Management MArine 7235 Money Orders! 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