a, ET Me ai ‘WINS AWARD ey Y MORKER Vol. XXI, No. 3 <> * FE BRUARY 5, 1953 - VANCOUVER, B.C. “> 5c PER COPY CO-DIRECTORS Howard Conquergood (left) and Ed Kenney confer on plans which resulted in’a successful [WA-CCL Staff Seminar at; Parksville, January 18-24. STAFF SEMINAR SETS HIGH MARK Forty students recruited the CCL Unions submitted with enthusiasm to-the rigorous and intensive training of the IWA-CCL Staff Seminar, held in the Island Hall, Parksville, for the entire week commencing January 18, and set out to mark up new standards of efficiency. As reported by the students at the close of the Seminar, their enthusiasm followed the discov- ery that all the courses were de- signed to equip them with knowl- edge of modern techniques in trade union administration, orga- nization and influence. Proof of the success of the Seminar was the unanimous demand that fur- ther such seminars be repeated at suitable intervals. Strenuous Program An outstanding feature of the Seminar was the effort made to use the time to the best advan- tage and crowd into the week the utmost in training. Sessions commenced each day at 9:30 a.m. and continued through until 9:30 pm. Even the meal periods were profitably employed, as in rota~ tion the students were required to prepare and deliver speeches, which were evaluated by the lis- teners as part of scheduled train- ing in public speaking. Lecture periods were punctu- ated by questions and discussions. Interspersed throughout the See “SEMINAR” Page 3 WHAT’S INSIDE from among the officials of CITY HOLDS WAGE, LINE Action of the Vancouver City Council in its premature denial of any wage increases for civic employees before negotiations had been undertaken, was cen- sured in a resolutioa of the last meeting of the Gieater Van- couver and Lower Mainland Labor Council, The resolution, which singled out two Aldermen of prominence in the trade union movement; stated: WHEREAS On the City Council there sit two Aldermen who are on the payroll of organized labor, and WHEREAS Both of these men hold influential positions in the labor movement, and can and do in the public eye speak for} labor, and WHEREAS The Vancouver City | Council unanimously recorded itself against any wage in- ereases this year, and WHEREAS This decision can have far-reaching effects on all wage negotiations this year, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That we go on record as questioning the wisdom of the City Council and the two Jabor men in par- ticular for their action on this occasion. CONVENTION LOCATION CHANGED Announcement was made last week by the IWA Dis- trict Officers that arrange- ments have been made pos- sible to hold the Annual District. Convention in the Mayfair Room, Hotel Van- couver, on the dates sched- uled, February 17-18-19-20. The same announcement stated that the Convention Banquet will be held in the Cave Cabaret, on the date originally planned, Feb- ruary 19, Confirmation has been received to the effect that the fraternal delegate list will include Presi- dent A. R. Mosher, Canadian Congress of Labor, and IWA In- ternational President Al Har- tung, both of whom will be fea- tured speakers during the con- vention proceedings. Interest High As indicated by returns made to the District Office, all indica- tions point to one of the largest and most successful conventions yet staged by the IWA in British Columbia. The volume of resolu- tions pouring in for attention in- dicate that membership interest is at a high pitch. More than on any previous oc- jee “LOCATION” Page 3 wwe & Kw w wk we & ARBITRATION BOARD GRANTS IWA VACATION PAY CLAIM kw wow & Soy Unanimous. and favorable award of an Arbitration Board, which dealt with a disputed interpretation of the annual vacations with pay clause in the Southern Interior master agreement, will validate claims for arrears of vacation pay for many woodworkers throughout Interior operations, it was announced this week by the IWA Dis- trict Officers. Loggers Protest Penalty Discrimination against log- gers under the terms of the Unemployment Insurance Act in the matter of vacation pay promises to be a burning issue at the approaching IWA Dis- trict Convention. Reports continue to be receiyed by the various Local Unions, more notably Local 1-71, IWA, that disqualifications have been enforced upon application for benefits, by the number of days represented in their vacation pay, at the time of separation. IWA officials have protested in vain to the local UIC administra- tion whose officials have been bound by a ruling of the Ottawa office. On behalf of the loggers, it was pointed out- that the ruling of the Commission negates the value of the vacation clause in the master agreement. It is also stated that under the conditions of employment in the logging in- dustry the penalties applied con- stitute unfair discrimination, It is anticipated that the Con- vention will demand either an amended ruling or action by Par- liament during the present ses- sion. District Secretary - Treasurer George Mitchell acted for the IWA on the Board, on which Mr. F. J. Lynn was Chairman and Mr. F. B. Coles was the employ- er’s nominee. The arbitration proceedings dealt specifically with the agree- ment as interpreted by S. M. Simpson Co, Ltd., Kelowna, but a number of Southern Interior operators had given a prior com- mittment to be bound by the deci- sion of the Board. Clause Ambiguous x It was found by the Board that the clause in the agreement deal ing with vacations, especially in respect of employees with five or more years’ continuous service, was ambiguous. In actual prac- tice many workers had not bene- fited by the intent of the agree- ment because of the prolonged dispute on the matter. The case for the Union was presented by International Board Member William Gray, and for the Company by Mr. D. C. Fill- more, barrister at Kelowna. ~~ The Award The unanimous findings of the Board are, in part, as follows: “J, Each employee who has completed five or more years’ continuous service, i.e, 1250 working days, at September 1, 1951 (or at a later date) shall _ be entitled to one week’s vaca- tion with pay or pay in lieu thereof, computed on the basis of 2% of his total earnings in the service ‘of the Company during the 12 months’ period next preceding September 1, See “AWARD” Page 3 _ICFT U AT FRASER MILLS | NEED TO PROMOTE TRADE UNIONISM in un der-developed countries, to raise the living stand- ards of native workers was presented to [WA me mbers at Fraser Mills, New Westminster, during the lunch period, one of many such meetings add ressed by former TWA member Marty Levinson, of the CCL International Affairs Division, durin g a recent speaking tour through B.C. Left to right—Roy Moore, IWA Plant Committee Chairm an; N, Kelly, Job Steward; Francis Lacasse; D. Green Gold-CJOR Stevenson; Marty Levinson; and J. Stewart Alsbury, IWA District President. Thursday § LISTEN TO = 9.15 p.m. ¢ KNW Saturday § 7.05 p.m. ¢ 6.15 p.m. Thursday :CJAY fo.