January 17, 1952 B.C. LUMBER WORKER On the eve of the District Convention, and in tribute to the excellent progress achieved by the Local Unions during the past year, this summary is presented of the most notable accomplishments in the various IWA centres. A YEAR OF AC Local 1-357, New Westminster Royal City Local Union of IWA consistently maintained a steady growth of membership which now closely approximates the saturation point in the area. The membership figures hovered close to the 6,000 mark all year. A number of new certifications were won during the year, some of which were ab- sorbed from the B.C. Woodwork- ers, Most_ import- SS ant battle fought by the Local Un- L. Vendale ion was at Tide- water Forest Products Ltd. where the outcome may demand prose- cutions for unfair labor practices m the part of the employer. ee astonishing volume of laims Workmen’s Compensation and Unemployment Insurance were handled through the Local Union office, with almost sensa- tional results in terms of mone- tary rewards for the claimants. Education Unique featuré of the Local’s educational program was the regular circuit of film showings in the New Westminster plants. The cooperation of the employ- ers was secured to make pro- grams on the job possible, and with resulting interest on the art of the workers that was ighly appreciative of the Un- ion’s service. In addition classes were held in the Union’s quarters to assist the membership in gaining knowl- edge of such subjects as shop steward’s duties, chairmanship, ete. A large class is now under way with the subject of public speaking. Building The ownership of an excellent building has proved an important asset for this Local Union. It » eomfortably houses numerous functional activities of the orga- nization, and is in demand by community organizations. An expansion of the building is now under construction, which will immediately provide addi- tional office space for the Union and the Credit Union, and ulti- mately will place at the disposal of the IWA a fully modern audi- torium. The Local Union can : roudly boast of clear title to the 10,000 property, which reflects sound financial administration. The Credit Union attached to the IWA Local Union is rated as one of the most flourishing in the vince. z The Women’s Auxiliary during or _. Ges eran an papers ant in organizing regular Ered Pontos and in the pro- motion of the Annual Christmas Party and Annual Picnic, Local 1-217, Vancouver gest Local Union in the eved growth during hich placed the member- Cay close to the ae with an average of ap- proximately 6,000, This nted an increase of almost 1,000 over the correspond- ing figures for 1950. Basis of this gund nat only in ° steadily ex- 2hty in nage nts A unique accomplishment for a mill Local was the inclusion of a logging operation, that of Goodwin & Johnston, North Van- couver. Strikes Won Most serious conflict’ of the year was the strike at Lama Wood Products, where by dint of militant action on the picket line, the Union won for the employees all the terms of the Coast master agreement with the added fea- ture of equal pay for equal work. “A successful strike was also won at Chrom-O-Craft, Vancou- ver, and satisfactory agreements were secured in both sections of Sweeney Cooperage, where the AFL formerly held bargaining rights, A notable agreement was that finally wrung from Ocean City Sawmills, formerly known as Riv- ers Sawmills Ltd. The determined effort of the owner to prevent a collective agreement was over- come after a prolonged struggle: Plywoods The Local Union takes pride in the fact that it instituted a revi- sion of plywood plant categories at Western Plywoods Ltd., which not only improved the situation in Vancouver plants but influenced an industry-wide adjustment of terminology and other points, The Local Union Safety Coun- cil gave faithful attention to re- ports received at the regular monthly meetings from the Van- couver plants. Plans are to ar- range effective cooperation with the newly - appointed District Safety Director, Inguests into fatal accidents haye been attended always. Education In addition to the training com- menced the previots year for shop stewards, the Local Union successfully conducted classes in public speaking under the direc- tion of a leading city instructor, Mr, P. Ferguson, Notable service of the Union was found in the expansion of the number of claims submitted for Workmen’s Compensation and Unemployment Insurance. Good results secured brought increas- ing numbers to the Union’s of- ice. Reereational activities were spearheaded by the support of the IWA softball team which made a sensational bid for top honors in its first year in the Ma- jor Senior Softball League. The Annual Christmas Party and Pic- nic brought sensational attend- ance, General participation in trade union work was found through the activities of the Greater Van- couver and Lower Mainland La- bor Council. As part of this or- ganization, IWA officers and members took a prominent part in welcoming arrangemerits for the Annual Convention of the Ca- nadian Congress of Labor in Van- couver last year, The Local Union supports a thriving Credit Union, and is most enthusiastic over the faith- ful work of the members of the Women’s Auxiliary, in regularly mating woodworkers in the hos- pitals, Norman M. Lillos OPTOMETRIST 320 COLUMBIA STREET New Westminster, B.C. 2 Eyery Local Union in the province has shown progress, and increased administrative strength. While the record cannot be detailed, the main out- lines of an inspiring picture of trade union pro- gress are shown here. COMPLISHMENT Local 1-80, TWA, Duncan Local 1-80, IWA, is unique, in that its membership is - almost equally divided between logging camps and mills, extending over a vast area on Vancouver Island. This requires the maintenance of a series of Sub-Locals at stra- tegic points, with a full member- ship meeting at regular intervals at Duncan, The peak of membership at- tained during the year was approx- imately 5700. A large num- ber of new certi- fications were se- cured during the year by the two * Busiriess Agents maintained in the Ed Linder field, Recreational and _ educational activtiies are centred around the Sub-Locals at Chemainus, Lady- smith, Nanaimo, Lake Cowichan, and Parksville, and their pro- grams reveal an important con- tribution to community life. Perhaps more than any other Local Union, this Vancouver Is- land organization shares with other community organizations, such as credit unions, the devel- opment of community life in which the lumber workers benefit. Death Benefit Evidence of the progressive outlook and sound financial posi- tion of the Local Union was the promotion of a Death Benefit Fund during the year. This is ex- pected to prove a great boon to the dependents of deceased work- ers, Ambitious building plans are under consideration, and are ex- pected to mature in the near fu- ture, Lake Cowichan Sub-Local sponsored one of the outstanding Loggers’ Sports events of the year on Labor Day. Major presentation on’ behalf of the IWA was undertaken by the President, Joe Morris, before the Commission of Enquiry into the ICA Act. * = # This review of Local Union Ac- tivities and accomplishments, which up to this point deals only with the largest B.C. Local Un- ions, will be continued in a future issue. ATTEND YOUR UNION MEETINGS “TOP-DOG’ ON THE COAST Top Dog Say: “Heard those talented kids the “Two Jimmies’? Bill Rea has them on his aoe D Up every day ‘ai ” HON. JOHN CATES Guest Speaker at IWA District Convention. FROM PAGE 1 NORTH - WEST CONFERENCE A deadline for negotiations will be set at the discretion of the Ne- gotiating Committee. Preliminary estimate prepared by the Union’s Research Director Virgil Burtz, indicated that the rise in the cost-of-living would require at least 8 cents increase | by way of compensation. One half cents is accruing from the past year’s adjustment under the rul- ing of the Wage Stabilization Board, An additional increase will be required to keep pace with estimated rise in prices. In the Weyerhaeuser opera- tions, the Negotiating Committee will opem the contract to secure union shop conditions. Logger delegates expressed special interest in a resolution of the conference proposing improv- ‘ed methods for the use of power saws on contract rates. District Secretary George Mit- chell and District-3rd Vice-Presi- dent Fred Fieber attended as fra- ternal delegates from B. C. Dist- rict No, 1. Strategy plans for the Northwest States will thus be made available for the informa- tion of the B.C. District Council. FROM PAGE 1 EPIC YEAR AHEAD presented to the Legislature last year will no doubt inspire discus- sion of further pressure to be exercised with regard to Hospital Insurance. Consideration of administration | of the Union’s affairs will again | bring to the forefront the aims | of the IWA with regard to trade union education. Better admini- stration of the weaker Local Un- ions in the Interior of the prov- ince is another subject slated for discussion, Mayor Hume, of the City of Vancouver, will extend a civic welcome during the opening cere- monies. Other speakers on the program include International Secretary-Treasurer Carl Winn, Hon. John Cates, Minister of La- bor; Chris Pritchard, Commis- sioner, Workmen’s Compensation Board; and the newly-appointed Secretary of the Canadian Con- gress of Labor, Donald Mac- Donald. The | 5] oe 751 SUPER P IONEER A LIGHT ONE-MAN SAW with a HEAVYWEIGHT’S POWER! \ Its endurance and dependability are “field- Proven”. 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