2 B.C. LUMBER WORKER QUESNEL GETS BONUS RATES Contract signed by Local 1-424, IWA, on April 28 with Western Plywood Ltd., Quesnel, as approved by the IWA District Executive Board and the plant employees, contains features considerably in advance of contract terms hither- to established by the Union in the Interior of the province. This special type of contract, designed to meet special condi- «tions at the Quesnel plant, arose out of discussions following the strike which occurred some time ago, and the relation of this plant to Interior negotiations. 40-hour Week The agreement ensures the en- joyment of the 40-hour week to all employees covered by the agreement, Another notable feature is the recognition of maintenance of membership in the Union for present employees and the com- pulsory check-off for all future employees. Base Rate Bonus A base rate of $1.35 has been established, effective:May 4, with a guaranteed bonus, ranging up- ward from 3 cents the first four months to 13% cents the last year of the contract. Supplementing the wage clause is provision for an efficiency bonus based on the volume of production, to be paid over and above the base rate set forth in the schedule. Effect of this effi- ciency bonus will be to extend to the employees a share of bene- fits in production derived from the installation of new equipment or machinery. Interior Adjustments” It is further provided in the contract that if the base rates negotiated in the Interior should rise above those provided for in the Quesnel schedule the higher rate will immediately apply. Increased pay amounting to 25% for annual vacations have been secured in the agreement by allowing 2% % and 5% for the two qualifying periods of entitle- ment. Rates of time and one-half will be paid for all Sunday work, including that performed by powerhouse employees and watchmen, Three paid statutory holidays were awarded, unlike other In- terior agreements, with the pro- viso that this clause may be re- opened September 1, 1954, and September 1, 1955, for re-nego- tiation, permitting the agreed ad- dition of two statutory holidays upon each reference. Seniority Protected : The seniority clauses in the contract have been vastly im- proved, and protection granted employees with regard to re- hiring in this respect. Seniority lists will be provided the Union every three months. The agreement streamlines the former grievance procedure. Em- - ployees are granted the right to refuse to handle “hot” material during strikes elsewhere and to respect picket lines established by other unions, . _ The call-time clause has been improved, with additional protec- tive features. The contract expires on Aug- ust 81, 1956. The terms of this agreement were the subject of prolonged negotiations with the Company, in which at the preliminary stage District 1st Vice-President Joe Morris and International Re- search Representative Joe Miya- zawa, played a major part, Final negotiations, proceeded after the draft agreement had met with the approval of the em- ployees, and the District Execu- tive Board. A number of changes were incorporated at the sugges- tion of the Executive Board. Included in the final negotiations were the above-mentioned officers as well as Ed Kenney, Interna- tional Research Director; Howard Webb, Financial Secretary, 1- 424; M. Sekora, International Representative; and J. Sales, J. McKelvie, J. D. Muffird, J. Par- minter, H. Ostergard, J. Lehman, plant committee members. 5 This long-term contract, with productivity factor included, is reputed to be the first of its kind in British Columbia. It was ne- gotiated at the urgent request of the employees concerned, and fi- nally approved following exhaus- tive consideration by the District Executive Board, The outcome of this agreement will be followed with close inter- est in trade union circles to ascer- tain whether it will guarantee, as claimed, a constantly increas- ing standard of living for the employees concerned and greater stability in labor - management relations, Seniority Violated Officers of Local 1-363, IWA, are strongly protesting the tac- tics used by the Officials of the Elk River Timber Co. Ltd. in denying IWA members with seniority, the right to return to work. With approximately 125 men eating in the cook-house and lodging in the bunkhouse, the company refuses point blank to employ men with previous sen- jority, unless they can board elsewhere. Union Officials feel that the company’s attitude is nothing less than a new type of discrimination being used against IWA members. Members of Local 1-363, IWA, at their last regular meeting, voted to pay one cent per month per member into the IGFTU to help in the fight to establish Unions in the under-privileged countries of the world. The Safety Committee of the Northern Timber Shingle Mill, Fanny Bay, report that the op- eration has had 210 accident-free days. A Safety Inspection Com- mittee tours the premises to in- vestigate and report any unsafe conditions which may exist LOCAL 1-217 STRIKERS G ET GENEROUS AID The sum of $979.59 was contributed by IWA members in plants canvassed by Local 1-217, IWA, in aid of the grain handlers on strike at the Vancouver elevators, it was reported this week in a statement by the Local Union officers. Collections are still being received, it was indi- cated. In a round-up of reports re- ceived from the various plants the following items of informa- tion were gleaned. The plant committee at UNI- VERSAL BOX reports that they are within a narrow margin of making the plant 100% IWA. A few workmen, approximately five, recent arrivals from the Nether- lands, and members of a’ Chris- tian Labor Association, have so far refused to join the IWA on scruples of conscience. Their ac- ceptance of the IWA will round out the Union’s goal in the plant. At J. R. MURRAY CO. LTD., the employees are standing firmly behind the Union’s stand against any overtime, Elections for the plant commit- tee at the VANCOUVER PLY- WOOD DIVISION, MacMillan & Bloedel, are under way. Two well-known members, Al Busch and Vie Mauro, are the nominees for the post of Plant Chairman. Negotiation Meetings Capacity meetings to hear re- ports on current negotiations have been held in the following plants: Vancouver Plywoods, Ca- nadian White Pine, Alberta Lum- ber, Anderson Lumber, Bay Lum- ber, B.C. Forest Products, Cedar Products, North Shore Shingle, Norwood Lumber, Burke Lumber and Acme Shingle. Contest Winners . Winners in the contest held at the recent Softball Social were: 1st prize, 19538 TV set, won by Mrs. P, Valentine, 866 37th Ave. 2nd prize, Radio, won by Claude Webber, 755 Hast 15th Avenue. + 8rd prize, Toaster, won by G. Streifel (W. Plywood), 320 East 58rd Avenue. 4th prize, Razor, won by T. Williams, Payne Street. Sellers prize, Razor, won by R. Critchley, Seymour Sawmills, Place Significant admission was made by William Sands, Dep- uty, Minister of Labor, in 2 letter tabled at the recent meeting of the Vancouver La- bor Council. He said in refer- ence to the Board of Industrial Relations, “it is not practical in the majority of cases to dis- cuss with the employees or their representatives applica- tions from employers to work overtime.” The Executive of the Council was instructed by the delegates to request-a meeting with the Board to discuss - overtime per- mits, and to renew pressure on the Government for representa- tion from CCL unions on the Board. S| * Taking part in the debate was IWA District President J. Stew- art Alsbury, who recited the grievances of the IWA against the Board in the matter of over- time. “*ESQUIRE”’ Complete Stoci HANEY eee AN SINESS GUIDE MEN’S WEAR Graham Mowatt) of Work and Dress Clothing “THE STORE WITH THE POPULAR BRANDS” * BRITISH COLUMBIA butions totalled $1700. The death of the deceased bro- ther, who was highly regarded by his fellow-workers, bereaved a widow and four children, now resident at Terrace, B.C. The gift of money was forwarded to Mrs. Sergeant as a token of the heartfelt sympathy of the entire crew. The Local Union, 1-71, was re- quested to look after her inter- $1700 FOR WIDOW Spontaneous and generous act of sympathy was re- cently performed by the 117 crew members at Aero Camp, Q.C.L, when they unanimously agreed to donate one day's pay each to a fund in aid of the widow of Doug Sergeant, faller, accidentally killed by a falling limb. Their contri- ests in respect of compensation benefits. All bunkhouses in Aero Camp are scheduled for a steaming out whieh has been delayed by recent cold weather. “he Press Com- mittee also reports that the new truck road is nearing completion, and is expected to liven the early morning activities in camp. Howard; where. Although the contributions have not yet been totalled, as they are still being received, the donations in two camps are typi- cal. Justkatla Camp collected $121 and BCFP, Fraser Creek, forwarded $61. Balloting for the Local Union officers has now been tabulated and the following officers have been elected for the ensuing two- year period: Frank Howard, President. J. MacFarlan, Vice-President. Fred Fieber, Sec.-Treasurer. O. R. Olson, Conductor. William King, Warden. Doug Jamieson, 6-year Trustee. Tony Krastel, 4-year Trustee. Bob Walker, 2-year Trustee. Board Members (5): J. E. Ray, R. MacDiarmid, 0. Mattila, Harry Greene, Doug Rankin. Suspicion is held by the Local Union that Bill Patton, well- known for his activities during the strike of 1952, was fired at Northern Cedar, Nemo Bay, for union activities. The employer has gained the reputation of vin- dictiveness toward trade unions. Before his dismissal, however, Bill managed to get a number of the crew signed up, and direct attention to appalling neglect of safety in the camp’s operations, Loggers Return Fieber Generous response to the appeal made by Local 1-71, IWA, on behalf of the striking grain handlers at the Van- couver elevators was made. throughout the Coast logging camps, it was reported this week. Despite the prolonged winter's unemployment and present heavy deductions this time of year, the -utmost cooperation was shown every- The Loggers’ Navy returns to the home port this week, en- abling the crew members to at- tend the District Quarterly Coun- cil meeting. President Frank Howard has completed a tour of the Kitimat and Khutzeymateen districts, and will also be on hand for the Quarterly Council meeting. OFFICERS INSTALLED The Nanaimo Sub-Local of Lo- cal 1-80, IWA, at a meeting, April 26th, elected the following officers who were installed by Financial Secretary Ed Linder of Local 1-80. President: Laurence Jones. 1st Vice: Alex McArthur, 2nd Vice: Joe Downey. 8rd Vice: Alec Poje. Financial - Secretary: “Chuck” F. Pierce. Recording Secretary: Lee Nel- son. Warden: F. Dawson. Conductor: Knute Holmstrom. Trustees: Manny Hanson, Jens Erickson, George Command. VOGUE CLEANERS Truck Calls at Mesachie Lake, Cowichan Lake, Crofton & south to Shawnigan, Hats Cleaned and Blocked Press While U Wait Phone 360 DUNCAN, c J. LINDSAY LOUTET (C. Bradshaw & Co.) INSURANCE and REAL ESTATE DUNCAN, 131 Jubilee Street LAKE COWICHAN BRANCH: Old Post Office Building MacGREGOR’S MEN’S WEAR For Everything a Man Wears WORK, SPORT or DRESS We Can Afford to Sell the BEST for LESS! WOODWARD STORES (PORT ALBERNI) LTD. “Your Pamily Shopping Contre” Prescriptions, Drug Sundries, First Aid Supplies ‘ Registered Optometrist Argyle Street Port Alberni