B.C. LUMBER WORKER 11 . out of the lumber market. Their wailing about gloomy prospects sounds - silly, when the recent settle- ments in Wash- ington and Ore- gon are taken in- to consideration. It is to be hoped that the informa- tion on this point fs brought home clearly to all lumber workers and the general public. American Rates Higher It should be realized that the base rate in the fir belt across the line prior to the recent settle- ments was $1.70—just 40% cents an hour above the base rate in British Columbi: bs The employers in the States raised exactly the same argu- ments which are now being em- ployed against the IWA demands in British Columbia. Neverthe- less, when the chips were down, * the operators in Washington and Oregon have started to settle for an inerease of 7% cents an hour, together with other substantial - EXPOSED By J. STEWART ALSBURY, IWA District President NE feature of the employer-inspired delays in conciliation proceedings dealing with the IWA dispute in Coast contract negotiations is amusing. It is no longer possible for the operators to maintain convincingly the pretence that the bottom has dropped Fifty Cents More This means that the majority of the lumber workers across the boundary are getting approxi- mately fifty cents an hour more on pets base rate than is paid in B.C. This makes it apparent, that the market prospects are not as gloomy as painted. Ba It also makes it clear that the B.C. operators aim to market B.C. lumber in the United States with this distinct advantage in competition with American em- ployers now paying the higher wage scale. Cutting American Rates A fact that we cannot overlook is that they are attempting to force the Canadian workers to accept a lower wage scale which must inevitably undercut the standards won by our brothers in the United States. The tactics employed by the operators are thus disclosed as a far-reaching plot to preserve and even expand their already excep- benefits. tional profits. Cenadian Labour Reports HE WON'T GET TO FIRST BASE! MIAMI (CPA)—I£ team spirit has anything to do with winning, OF LABOUR B.C. FEDERATION Then And Now. Bulletin issued by the B.C. Federation of Labor stating the facts regarding action taken by the various political trade union requests for amend- | ments to the ICA Act is herewith reproduced for the | parties in response to A information of the readers of this publication. PRIOR TO THE MARCH 9, 1 formation of a joint non-partisan labor political labor's legislative demands came ing by a 174-member delegation. senting thi amongst ot! lously broke its pledges in the following manner: the bill was before the House. At this date, through the efforts of the op dence, however, those proposed by the who, according to the ‘representations on Thursday, MARCH 10, 1949—Hon. “As I said before, this ny changes Which could be made to improve it ‘another year of experience us to reach conclusions, a) .. What I propose ay loyees’ ted industry and 4 and discuss, under thi ‘the whole problem of employer by the Act, and then to deal f Parliament.” cA. ACT ENQUIR) THE B.C. officers of the B.C. Fed not officially received a copy of the bill, representati' News-Heral Union to call with 1945 ELECTION 945—“British Columbia’s labor movement won a significant agreement with the Hart government calling for the government labor committee charged with drafting new labor legislation. Considered a striking success for | J action, the government’s recognition of | after two days of intensive lobby- AFTER THE 1945 ELECTION MARCH 13, 1947—In January 0! e 3 labor groups presen her things specific amendment: we were again assured that before any presented to the House, this same group woul to discuss the Government’s proposals. We charge the evidence is now clear that the Government cal. to the representatives of organized labo: That on Wednesday, March 12th, although no draft bill had been placed in the hands of the B. C. Federation | ‘of Labor, or so far as we know representatives of other labor groups, C. Federation of Labor have still to do is to follow the plan suggested by the a conference at which will be unions alike, to sit around the conference e chairmanship of the Labor Minister, and employee relations as affected the legislation at the next Session ELECTION 4 'Y BOARD TABLED. TION OF LABOR f this year a committee repre- ted to the Proyincial Cabinet s_to the I.C.A, Act and bill was made public or id have full opportunity |} but we did receive one position (CCF). It cannot be a coinci- ‘that many of the worst features of the Bill are ives of 16 employers’ organizations id on March ist, had made such February 27. PRIOR TO 1949 ELECTION G. S. Wismer, Minister of Labor: legislation is not perfect, and there are .. 1am convinced of the Board and the Minister would nd to effect reforms if necessary .. the Milwaukee Brewers, cham- pions of the AAA American As- sociation, should have a pennant year. The Brewers, in Florida for a game with the Buffalo Bisons, were confronted with a “whites Sportsmanship only” sign on the club room door. More specifically, it meant that their teammate, Negro shortstop Jim Clarkson, would have to go across the street to dress in the National Guard Armory. The entire Brewer squad trek- ked to the Armory with Clarkson and suited up with him. Mutual Aid The Editor: j We, 2 group of those afflicted with arthritis, have come to- gether and formed an organiza- tion named “Voice of the Handi- expired Arthritic” for the purpose of: 1. An organization to promote an understanding of the needs and abilities of the “Handicapped. Arthritic”. with Government, Industry and the General Public. An organization to gather information of the needs and abilities of the “Handi- capped Arthritic”. 8. Aims: social recreation, re- habilitation. We are not the Canadian Ar- ‘|thritis and Rheumatism Society mown as “CARS” that are bat- j|tling mightily against the scourge of this crippling disease; i)but, those suffering and handi- capped with it; organizing to do all we can for ourselves fully co- operating with the Canadian Ar- thritis and Rheumatism Society as far as we are able. Paging Arthritics We are searching for the “Ar- "| thritie” as prospective members and our reason for writing to you is this: ‘We believe that among your union members there are those that may have relatives, friends neighbors or associates suffering with arthritis that would like to join with us and help to make it ‘a worthwhile organization of our own. We feel that if you will bring this up before your members they would be glad to turn in the names and addresses of those that would be interested, to be forwarded on to us to make con- tacts, or, give the above address to such interested parties that may contact us. ; Your help will be greatly ap- preciated — can you give us a hand? Yours sincerely, Donald E, Thompson, Assistant Secretary. | ; ABBOTSFORD ARMSTRONG BRIGHOUSE CHILLIWACK COURTENAY CRANBROOK DAWSON CREEK DUNCAN HANEY KAMLOOPS PRINCE GEORGE Save Time - - Save Money! SHOP THE Modern, Convenient, Catalogue Way a “B.C. Order Offices LANGLEY PRAIRIE ROSSLAND LADYSMITH REVELSTOKE MISSION SALMON ARM NANAIMO TRAIL NELSON VERNON NEW WESTMINSTER VICTORIA e NORTH VANCOUVER WESTVIEW PENTICTON WHITE ROCK PORT ALBERNI KELOWNA KIMBERLEY QUESNEL PRINCE RUPERT Quality Merchandise at Low Mail Order Prices SIMPSON'S GUARANTEE: SATISFACTION OR MONEY REFUNDED The Robert Simpson Pacific Lid. 367 Water Street, Vancouver, B.C, Phone TAtlow 6111