10 B.C, LUMBER WORKER February 5, 1953 LAWRENCE VANDALE TRADE UNIONS SERVE DEMOCRATIC PROGRESS That trade unions are a force in democracy making for progress, rather than destruction, was the main theme of a significant radio address, delivered recently by Lawrence Vandale, Financial Secretary, Local 1-857, IWA, on the Local Union’s regular program heard over CKNW on Saturdays. “Now that the threat of a rail- © road strike is al- most over, one can visualize a sigh of relief — as a strike of the * railroad unions { could tie up the whole of Canada. Even a strike of the size of the IWA — such as took place last summer—played havoe with the economy of Brit- ish Columia, so you ean visualize what could happen if the rail- roads across Canada went on strike. This leads me to my question for tonight. Are Unions an in- strument of destruction? Or— are Unions an. instrument of GOVERNANCE? Not Destructive Instrument If Trade Unions are an instru- ment of destruction, then I would suggest that there would be no spirit of compromise in the settlement of disputes, Trade Unions would stay out on strike until they achieve their full de- mands, or else ruin the manage- ments or employers. Facts will not bear out the statement—that Trade Unions are an instrument of destruction. Too long has the public been fed with malicious propaganda, in an attempt to dis- Vast Imp In spite of all these factors, the Trade Union movement is now recognized as being a part of the economy of the world. This is borne out in the Charter of the United Nations Organization which is a body composed of most of the governments of the world. To examine the other side of our question, which is, ‘Are Trade Unions an Instrument of Govern- ance?’ If we take this question apart and re-assemble it, we find that the Trade Union movement is composed of individuals who work for.a living—Cwho work for an employer in a community or a province or in a larger section of the country. Each individual, as ‘a member of the community in which he lives, is directly affected by the existing laws that are passed by all the bodies from the Municipal to the Federal level, as they ap- ply in his community. These Jaws are legislated be- cause of necessity. When situa- tions arise that require regula- tion, then some method of con- trol is needed, and these situa- tions generate from changes due to a new influence or set of cir- cumstances. Legislative Progress Take a look at the present Labor Acts in their various as- pects. The Hours of Work Act, the Workmen’s Compensation Act, the Minimum Wage Act and many others, These changes have come about as a result of the Trade Union movement. The hours of work have been reduced; the Compensation Act has come about as a result of the Trade Union movement, Are we so naive as to believe that the em- ployer asked for these changes? The Trade Union movement has been acting as an instrument of governance for quite a number of years now. What about child labor? At one time in history, we find that eredit the Trade Union move- ment. It is interesting to note that in reviewing history, for years and years back, a definite psychologi- cal change has taken place in the economy of the country—the in- dustrialization of the country — and the living standards and the individual thinking of thé em- ployees and the working people, as the mechanization of industry has progressed over a period of years. History will show us that all through the days of Feudalism— the Agricultural revolution, the Industrial revolution and up to the present time of mass produc- tion, that the individual worker has been attempting to maintain his place as a human being with a purpose in the eyes of the world, and the only instrument of expression that would allow the average workingman to do this, has developed into the Trade Union movement. New Cycle This change of cycle is govérn- ed by various factors. The In- dustrial revolution, the Agricul- tural revolution have played their part. One of the biggest contri- butors is the opposition by em- ployer agencies and sometimes even governments have played an active part in the suppression of the Trade Union Movement. rovement That, because the children were allowed to work in factories, it was impossible for adults to ob- tain work. The children were cheaper to hire. This meant that families and families were living —or, perhaps I should say, mere- ly existing—on the pittance that the children were able to bring home. And it is not too long ago that child labor was abolished. I’m sure that the parents did not ask for legislation to permit their children to be worked to death. Who would stand to gain from extremely low labor costs? Yes, the Trade Union movement has been an instrument of govern- ance. Industrial Revolution The average individual is not an isolationist. In the baronial period, when the land was in the hands of the few, each manor and its acres was in effect a com- munity, with the Lord of the manor as its dominating head. Each Maner was, in effect, self- sustaining. There was no neces- sity for going outside the estate. If the Industrial revolution had not taken place, we might pos- sibly have been existing under the same conditions at the pres- ent time, But, of course, when such dras- tie changes’ take place, these changes must of necessity change the structure of the standard of living and the philosophy of those involved. Where the communities were a unit under the Baronial system, this means provided the wants of the Workers at that time. When the Industrial revo- lution took place, this brought about a change in the whole structure of the communal spirit. As factories grew and moré labor was required, the result was emigration to the factories. This, of course, disrupted the community life that then existed under the Baronial system and placed these individuals on their own resources, The natural gra- vitation that resulted was to- wards an instrument or means of a common meeting ground, and again history shows that the spontaneous acceptance of a movement — such as the Trade Union movement—was the only answer, unless they chose to be- come isolationists. Scientific Advance Technological advances require economical and social adjustment, and, although various other ide- ologies and philosophies make their appearances from time to time, they do not seem to survive. The working man’s club seems to be the UNION. The Union is their common meeting ground. Is it surprising that Unions sur- vive? Is it surprising that men and women jealously guard their Union? Is it surprising that men and women allow their Union to mould their philosophy, which in turn affects the community in which they live. Unions are an instrument of governance. Not because they are pre-conceived, but rather as a result of the evolution of pro- gression. The laws of the muni- cipality — province — dominion — and even the world — are a result of the changes that have taken place in the philosophy and the every-day occurrences of the working man and woman. And, of course, the Trade Unions, act- ing as a medium, have been in- strumental for the enactment of these laws. The Trade Union movement, with its members, is a direct con- tributing factor to our way of life, and as such, has a grave responsibility in every walk of life. We are ready at all times to accept our responsibility. WE ARE AN INSTRUMENT OF GOVERNANCE, in spite of at- tempts to discredit the Trade Union movement, When we strike, we only do so in self- defence—we are forced to do so.” HIGH COSTS CHECKED — CHICAGO (CPA) — Chicago trade unionists have found a way to beat the high costs of medical care by operating their own health centre, Illinois State insurance officials have issued a charter to Union Health Service Inc., under the new State health services plan Act, The Act permits hospitals and health centres in the State to ee under consumer con- trol. TO THE PUBLIC the best of material income tax deduction. laws permitted this condition. ‘ Our atfention has been called to the illegal operation of some of the Dental Mechanics using a DENTAL LABORATORY as an office and “making Dental Plates for the public in Vancouver. We are now prepared to meet this unfair competition, using for the same type of work, Have your Dental Plates made by a registered Dentist. It will cost you no more, and will secure a receipt for money paid for DR. R. LLEWELLYN DOUGLAS Phone: TAtlow 5552 9 East Hastings Street, Corner Carrall (Over United Cigar Store) By CLIFFORD other than lawyers to concern th before the House of Commons this Bill 98, a revision of the Crimi- nal Code, achieved its early prominence as Bill H-8 (later Bill O) of the Senate. The Bill is an incorporation of amend- ments which have been made over the last 25 years and at the same time is devoted to simplify- ing and clarifying the present Code. Threat to Labor Labor organizations and others considering the legal aspects of the suggested changes have found that individual changes and sections contain a number of pro- visions which could well. be a threat to civil liberties and could be employed in times of indus- trial strife as a repressive weapon against strikes. One of the main criticisms of ‘the Bill is the lack of any new philosophy in the approach to crime and its punishment and the absence of any guidance in the use of reformative rather than punitive measures. As the Canadian Welfare Council notes, in an excellent brief recently presented to the government, the only ultimate protection for society against lawbreakers lies in the reform of the individual offender.. Most prisoners are eventually released to society and if they are return- ed to it without there being some reform, then “society is not pro- tected but endangered”. Rights Restricted The general tendencies of Bill 93 seem to be those of making penalties more severe, to further restrict the rights of individuals and generally to make prosecu- tions, under the Criminal Code, more easy. While it is obvious that the Bill will mean a tidying up of the Criminal Code, lawyers stress the fact that the revisions are not matters of immediate urgency and therefore the com- mittee considering the Bill should take its time and review all of the sections carefully. The widest possible representa- tions should be allowed against any doubtful sections even though it may involve some con- siderable time before the revi- sion is completed. Anti-Strike Weapon Some sections of the Bill, af- fecting working people particu- larly, would restrict union ac- tivity or could be used as anti- strike weapons, Stanley Knowles, M.P, (CCF Winnipeg North Cen- tre) pointed out, during a debate in the House of Commons that section 52 could possibly be used as an anti-strike weapon. It prohibits, under a maxi- mum penalty of 10 years’ im- prisonment, certain acts if done for “a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of Ca- nada .. .” The prohibited acts SAN FRANCISCO — TAILORS — LOAN MONEY ON Suits, Overcoats, etc. Loggers’ Boots, Sleeping Bags, Suitcases, Radios, Watches and Rings Expert Watch Repairing UNREDEEMED Suits and Caulk Boots For Sale MAIL ORDER 52 West Hastings Street VANCOUVER, B,C. It is seldom that a complicated legislatiy much interest with the public. It is even m of certain sections of legislation. However, A New Threat A. SCOTTON ¢ measure arouses ore rare for those emselyes with the legal aspects when Bill 93 came week, Canadians in many walks of life were keenly interested in this complicated legal document. 5 aid Sa are: “to impair the efficiency or impede the working of any vessel, vehicle, aircraft, ma- chinery, apparatus or other things; to cause property « «+ to be lost, damaged or destroy- ed”. While the sections is pri- marily concerned with the safety and security of the arm- ed forces, the inclusion of the word “interests” could extend into the field of Canada’s eco- nomic interests. CCL Brief The Canadian Congress of La- bor, in a brief on Bill 93, says in this connection that an unscrupu- lous employer “might deliberate- ly goad a union into a strike, or, even worse, refuse. to honor his contractual obligations with a union during the life of an agree- ment. If the union and the employees decide to call a strike because they cannot tolerate the situation any longer, and this takes place in one of the important types of industry covered by section 365 then the union and the employees could be prosecuted”, Picketing Endangered Section 372, entitled “Mis- chief”,*is another section which could very easily be used as an anti-strike provision. The section defines as mischief, the wilful destruction or damage of prop- erty; the-rendering of property “dangerous, useless, inoperative or ineffective”; the obstruction, intérruption or interference” with any person in the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of prop- erty”. It lays down penalties of life imprisonment where there is danger to life, 14 years imprison- ment in respect of public prop- erty and 5 years in respect of private property. Mr. Knowles, commenting on this section, said: “Here .. . is something that could be used as an anti-strike provision, which is contrary to the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Investigation Act and to court decisions which have upheld the rights of peace- ful picketing.” ; i i q si & The B.C. LUMBER WORKER AGO A LIMITED PRINTERS AND. LITHOGRAPHERS An Employee Owned Co, 1530 WEST 4TH AVENUE | | oR 0 0 0 00 0 SOO: