nae 7 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN GET READY! By J. STEWART ALSBURY : IWA District President (CHIEF event on the IWA calendar at the beginning of the year is the Annual District Convention, which assembles in Vancouver on February 17. If we now focus our attention on the importance of decisions required from the convention, we will bring to bear on our problems the best thinking of the IVA membership in B.C. > tie organization, . such as the IWA, the preparation for the Conven- tion is quite as important as the actual proceed- ings. The Con- vention must function as the final and decisive expression of the will of the membership. All our preparation should be direct- ed to encourage and develop a participation by the general membership that may result in unmistakably democratic deci- sions. Delayed Action This preparation for a conven- tion by the Local Unions and by individual members is the most effective way to combat an ail- ment that afflicts many organiza- tions. How often have we heard individual members complain about decisions made for them after the event? How often upon examination of their complaints we have found that they had made no prior effort to influence those decisions in accordance with their desires? The curse of democracy is the disposition on the part of many to stand aloof — “‘let George do it” — and when “George” does it to use the hammer of criticism to destroy “what “George” has done. Individual Rights At this time of preparation for our Convention, every IWA mem- ber in B.C.,has the right to go to his Local Union and state his views on the problems which af- fect him and his fellow-workers in his particular operation. He will be heard, if he states his ease logically, and he can assist in the instruction of delegates to ensure that the collective view- point determined by his Local is pressed on the floor of the con- vention. ~ If any member fai duty, that member has’ little ground for criticism, if the majority ignore his particular viewpoint in arriving at deci- sions. There is only one yardstick, which can be applied to our methods of arriving at decisions —the rule of the majority. Local’s Responsibility ‘A responsibility also falls on in this In a democra-, Local Unions at this time. Every- tHing possible should be done to stimulate discussion among the membership on matters of broad policy. The result will be an awakened interest among the members in the policies which they help to shape. I cannot predict what the con- vention action will be with regard to this year’s contract demands. I do know that they will receive extended discussion, because of the importance of the issue. I also know that as a result of our experience last summer, the members have formed opinions as to the correct strategy to be em- ployed by the Union this year. The Contract These opinions, whether they conflict or not, can be threshed out on the floor of the Local Union with a spirit of tolerance If the result of such discussion is a genuine pooling of construc- tive ideas for the Union’s pro- gress, great good will result. When the chips are down, the members will as a result, experi- ence greater confidence in the integrity of our Union. Get The Facts Discussions on the floor of the Convention should be well-in- formed. It is always frustrating to spend a great deal of time to correct false impressions based |— on faulty information. The Local Unions are in a position to pro- vide the facts to the membership, on which their final judgment must rest. Through observance of these commonsense precautions, and the practice of tolerance and mu- tual goodwill, the next District Convention can be made an‘occa- sions to so strengthen the unity and militancy of the IWA, that further and more substantial gains‘may be assured. Now is the time to build the real bargaining strength of the Union in preparation for the contract battle. Eminent foreign psychiatrists were being shown around an in- sane asylum. In the corridor they met one of the patients. “Why,” one of the specialists isked him, “do you remain hud- dicd up in this corner, all alone, scratching yourself?” “Because,” replied the patient, “J am the only person in all the world who knows where I itch.” y "734 Granville St. "Formerly at W. Hastings St Dep oArETY... » - - requires GOOD EYESIGHT A Regular Visit to an Optometrist is as Important to Your Health and Well-being as a Regular Visit to your Physician and Dentist. iiman Oplica a J.J. Abramson I. F. Hollenberg OPTOMETRISTS (Ground Floor of Vancouver Block) Vancouver, B.C. MArine 0928 The workers of Canada share country and with the people gener progress may be made during th happiness for all mankind. In com End Wars The prevention of war is obvi- ously one of the chief tasks to which statesmen and people must devote themselves. War is one of the greatest enemies of the human race, and must itself be conquered. An agency of death and destruction, it leaves lasting disturbances in its wake. Among | the effects of the last war was | the resurgence of nationalism in | some areas, while other nations, | some of them established for centuries, have been subjected to | a dictatorship far more ruthless than any modern imperialism. Human Sympathy As a result of their deep desire to promote peace and well-being throughout the world, the work- ers of Canada stand firmly be- hind the efforts of the United Nations to lay the foundations of peace, and through its various agencies, to promote the welfare of the underprivileged countries. | The age-old poverty and priva- | tion of some highly-populated | countries have stirred human sympathy on a wider scale than ever, and, not only indirectly through the Colombo Plan and similar schemes, but also direct- ly through the International Con- federation of Free Trade Unions, the workers of Canada are help- By A. R. MOSHER, President, Canadian Congress of Labor perils which humanity is facing, they are bearing a great burden of anxiety and apprehension, not only because of the war in Korea, -but because this is only a symptom of deep-seated animosity and distrust between two sections of a divided world. Jally protected by legislation. It with the workers of every other rally an earnest hope that greater e coming year toward peace and mon with all who are aware of the make, life almost intolerabl Improved Standards Through their labor organiza- tions, the workers are also en- deavoring to improve their own standards of living, and to obtain a fair share of the benefits of increased productive capacity due to improved skill and techno- logical advances, The growth and development of the Labor move- ment has continued during the past year, and is now an integral part of the economy of every in- dustrialized nation. Labor Obligations The principles of organized la- bor are becoming more widely | understood and the right to or- ganize and bargain collectively | with employers respecting wages | and working conditions is gener- | 2010 0 ———020——0 ho 1010) should be fully realized, however, that the Labor movement takes very seriously its obligations as well as its rights. Great progress | is being made in Labor research, | { i in education, and similar activi- | ties, with a view to promoting the finest type of citizenship and | advancing the general welfare. Brighter Day Labor is co-operating with other | its | | organizations which share ideals and is playing an incre: ing part in the establishment of |ing to alleviate conditions. which national policies. It looks for- ward, therefore, to the N z with a full realization © 4 many difficulties involve! achieving peace and progress, eager to do what it ean to bring about a brighter to help day for a troubled world. ASS o_— oro r10) Printers of The B.C. LUMBER WORKER NUON Gl LIMITED PRINTERS AND LITHOGRAPHERS An Employee Owned Co. ono————=020—ono———0n0e————=10 E10) 1530 WEST 4TH AVENUE VANCOUVER, B.C. est ¥ p DOUBLE ONE SEAM VAMP BRASS EYELETS AND LACING STUDS GUARANTEED TO HOLD CAULKS APPEAL IN DESIGN PLUS SUPREM- ACY IN COLOR AND FINISK MAKE TIiIs BOOT A POPULAR STYLE. 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