< Page 4 B.C. LUMBER WORKER Democratic Decision jN the referendum vote for acceptance or rejection of an early contract settlement, IWA members undertook a difficult decision, but made this decision in characteristic democratic fashion. Opinion was divided, as might be expected; but the issue has been resolved by majority decision. The District Policy Committee wisely took the position that only the membership could make the choice involved between terms immediately available or those that might or might not be|f secured later. The opinion prevailed that the Union could not safely gamble with the welfare of the workers represented. The threat of an early wage freeze has been only too apparent, and had to be taken into consideration. When more bread and butter is at stake, an “all or nothing” policy has little appeal. It was a distinct achievement for the IWA to gain the contract terms now negotiated, by relying solely, on per- suasion, rather than the outright bargaining pressure |} which may be exercised upon contract expiration. When the limitations imposed upon IWA negotiators are recog- nized, the advantages of the present bargain stand out more clearly. The natural desire to gain demands, previously stated, |} should not cause any IWA member to minimize the very important gairis now secured. Wage standards have been substantially raised for an 18-month period, and are protected against any cuts due to price increases. Wage rates have been clinched in anticipation of pending wage controls and cannot now be revoked. A_nine-cent an hour increase on the basic wage rate starting January 1, is equivalent to a 1814 cent increase on June 15. The great majority of the workers in the indus- try will get an increase in excess of nine cents. The “fringe” benefits added to the “package deal” are in themselves of great importance to the workers affected. The problem of rates for Sunday work by engineers, fire- men and maintenance men have been settled, as well as allowances for vacations with pay. : Sooner or later the IWA had to face the question of revised category rates for semi-skilled and skilled workers. The pending settlement clears the way for uniform wage increases in the future. A more satisfactory reward is now assured those workers who have qualified by experi- ence and skill for extra pay. This settlement is similar to that found necessary in other industrial unions in this respect. The IWA has again demonstrated its growing strength and influence. By shrewd bargaining it has cleared the path for an intensive effort to achieve other important objectives outlined at the last District Convention. The Union has taken an important step forward, with the knowledge and determination that this establishes a better base for future progress. Protection For Unions ‘ANADIAN trade unionists will deplore the defeat of the Bill introduced in the House of Commons by Stanley Knowles, M.P. (CCF, Winnipeg North Centre), to amend the federal labor code and include provisions for the check-off. ‘ One hopeful feature of the division, was that 17 Liberals, including seven from B.C. defied the Govern- ment whips and voted with the CCF on the side of organized labor. It may be claimed that the aggressive policies of trade unions in B. C. have established a better political climate for consideration of questions such as trade union security. Support of labor’s interests will win commendation from labor. The debate disclosed that the attitude of the Federal Government on the question of union security is rooted in the past. The position was taken by the Labor Minister’s parlia- mentary secretary that the Government should remain neutral in such matters. There is no such neutrality. By declaration, governments have acknowledged the rights of trade unions. Any such declaration of rights is meaning- less unless legal provision is made to penalize those who seek to infringe upon such rights. All aspects of union security, which may now be legiti- mately claimed by unions should enjoy full protection in the law of the land. PAT WILL PROTECT LABOR’S RIGHTS CCL national secretary, is one of the 27 members jonal Advisory, Council on Manpower named by the Minis- of the tn "TLC President Perey Bengough is also a member, = : ‘ur MacNamara, deputy minister, is chairman, Pat Conroy, THE ICEBREAKER THE MASK By Tony Gargrave Rarely does the smiling mask of Federal and Provincial Goyv- ernments slip to the extent where the average working man can see the dominance that big business has over his daily affairs. When it does, the average trade unionist is a little shocked and bewildered by the expose. The Toronto Globe and Mail, an off the cuff Official Organ of Premier Drew’s Ontario Govern- ment, has this to say about the joint presentation on price con- trol by Canada’s four labor bodies: “From Premier Frost, the depu- tation demanded amendment of the Labor Relations Act, saying: “We have repeatedly warned the government of the growing re- Sentment of the workers over labor legislation of this kind. If this development continues, labor leaders will no longer be respon- sible for the action of their people, "NO LONGER responsible! Who do these people think they are? Are they suggesting that the rank and file trade unionists are not loyal and reasonable citizens? What actions do they expect? Are those leaders trying to incite the rank and file to extreme measures? ‘In the context, the whole busi- ness adds up to threat to the gov- ernment to make life easier for the union bosses or they will turn loose ‘the mob’. “This sort of talk is not accept- able when approaching a govern- ment. Canadian inion leaders seem to be getting too big for their britches. Unions are not yet the bosses of government, Their whole existence is a privilege ob- tained from the state, which may be restricted as easily as extended, ‘It is entirely unséemly to Speak to the bead of a government as if he were a door-mat. It does not impress the public, and we ate quite certain st is not approved by the union membership. “Labor bas a right to Speak to the government, to propose and to recommend, but as merely an ele- ment in society, not the seat of all power. Sooner or later, bullies get squashed.” MONEY BIG BUSINESS IN ONTARIO DROPS So the whole extent of the’ No wonder the unions in On- trade labor movement is a privi- tario are ardent supporters of | lege obtained from the state effective political action. which may be restricted as easily arogance on the part of the To. as extended. The members be pleased to note this. Such 'ronto Globe and Mail is a chal. of the IWA will lenge that can only be met by | positive and direct action, m4, YOULL NEED LOANED HORSE SHOE TAILORS & PAWNBROKERS 325 CoLumBIA ST. WE SELL NEW AND UNREDEEMED SUITS anp OVERCOATS © GLIP THIS COUPON... Send me all information about prot ing my pay against loss, and “Banking by Mail”. seno o>" BANKo*TORONIC C\: MONEY! — So don’t lose your pay-chequi Soon as you get it mail it to us for safekeeping. 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