4 B.C. LUMBER WORKER 3 East-West Meet JWA’ members have a two-fold interest in the proceed- ings of the Annual Convention of the Canadian Con- gress of Labor which opens in Montreal, September 14. In the first place, matters of policy relating to the general welfare of Canadian workers will be determined on the convention floor. These matters have a direct bearing on possibilities for gaining higher living stand- ards for workers in the lumber industry. In the second place, the convention provides the occa- sion on which IWA delegates attending the convention may hold their 2nd Annual East-West Conference. This East-West Conference is now recognized as an important opportunity for Canadian woodworkers from all sections of Canada to exchange views and co-ordinate their efforts with regard to purely Canadian problems. The Conference is not a policy-making body, and can- not supplant the properly constituted IWA conventions in rendering decisions on major questions. Its chief value lies in the stimulus provided the Union’s effort to broaden the scope of the organizational program in Canada. z Outside the province of British Columbia, IWA orga- nization is not now as compact in lumbering operations as it could be in the future. The closer the working rela- tions developed between organized sections, the quicker will be the development in the unorganized sections, until all provinces are linked to the International. Clearly, it is the responsibility of the more strongly organized sections to lend aid and comfort to weaker groups of lumber workers in Canada now struggling against almost: overwhelming odds. _At East-West Conferences a better perspective is gained of the whole Canadian Picture, and the potential in membership strength which can be added to the International. On the floor of the Congress convention, the IWA should speak with one voice on problems in which experi- ence has been gained in B.C. District 1. Lumber workers have a vital interest in the develop- ment of export trade, and the relations with other sae tries which make for freer trade. The restoration of more satisfactory trading relations with the United Kingdom 4s a case in point, The aid required for backward nations must be so extended as to stabilize world conditions. Lumber workers have Special reasons for exerti pressure upon the Federal Government through the Cae gress for a more vigorous public housing program. Like other workers in Canada, they, too, need better housing. Tn addition, the products of their labor require the wider market made possible in full-scale home building. These and other questions which will be discussed both at the East-West Conference .and the Gonvention demand thoughtful conside: ti TWAeioe ene ration now on the floor of r these important gather- election of delegates. The is that opinions to be mth be informed by demo- urgent requirement expressed in Montreal next moi eratie discussion in advance, ° Education RECENT announcements made by the IWA Education Department, as well as the Canadian Congress of Labor, outlining an extended workers’ educational pro- gram for the autumn, will unquestionabl ° wi = proval of the entire IWA membership. a aes As plans mature for the program in the various centres across the province, Local Unions may be ex- pected to cooperate in arrangements to gain the widest possible participation by IWA members. _ The results made evident by such educational work in the past two years have given convincing proof of an effective stimulus to trade union growth, and democratic strength. This educational program represents an effort to face the facts of life in trade union activity. _ Every Local Union is clamor can do competent work as job members in organization, and contract negotiations. This need will never be properly filled until men are trained by their Union to do the job required by the Union. me The educational program developed by the IWA i; cooperation with the CCL is a down-to-earth progres designed for practical results, by men who have had prac- tical experience, ~ ‘The most practical, as well as the most desirable re- sult obtained by the Institutes last year was to hear trade unionists say: “I’m ready and willing to do a job for my Union, because I now feel that I know how to do the job.” uring for members who b stewards, and committee grievance procedure, safety, their unions. THOUGHTS STIMULATED BY FORUM The Editor: In attending the political rally, conducted by Local 1-217, PAC, committee in co-operation with its local officers, I came away with a few thoughts, which I hope can be a benefit to all of us in our Union, which I will state further on in this article. This meeting was held at the Exhibition Forum, July 30, 1953, in which all political candidates invited were present with ap- proximately 4000 people in at- tendance, The meeting was also capably chaired by .our Local President. All Candidates It was very gratifying to hear all candidates present their re- spective party’s platform so that each and everyone in attendance became well aware of the issues involved in the Federal election. All members in our union should be very proud of the fact that meetings of this kind are made possible so that all points at is- sue can be debated democratically without reprisals or intimidation to anyone in attendance, regard- less of political beliefs. Stand Guard My first thought was that we as free Canadian unionists should never forget to guard and main- tain our democratic way of free speech, so that it can be entrusted to all those in the future who will endeayor to hold it. We should all be well aware of all the countries in the past few years +| that have been denied the rights of free speech and, last but not least, look what has happened to Furthermore as members in our union or, as a matter of fact, any union should be alert at all times against any- one trying to surpress our free- dom of speech we cherish so much in our demoeratie way of life. Union Affairs My second thought, I would like to bring to your attention was even though all of the vari- ous speakers did not agree with ANS THREATENING — SHADOWS Pee ey tags each other’s platform. however, unanimously agreed on this one point that is get out and vote. To me this should also ap- ply to- everyone of us in our union It was, affairs in election of officers, delegates, committees, ete. Even though one may be for and one may be against various union business that has to be voted upon. We should always exer- cise our vote. In doing so we will bé maintaining our demo- cratic rights in our union. In closing, a word of praise should be given to members of the PAC committee for all the time and services they rendered in helping make the. political rally a very successful event. Bro, Gordon Patterson, Local 1-217. IMMIGRATION POLICIES CENSURED The Editor: As a Canadian trade unionist, may I have the privilege of voicing a ringing protest against the vicious policy of the Cana- dian Government on the immigra- tion influx of workers from other countries to take away jobs that are badly needed by our native population and creating a large labor market to lower the stand- ards of Canadian workers. Only last winter in one of the well-known Company Hiring Halls and Offices, I was well aware of their undermining tac- ties, when fully experienced log- gers of all types were looking-for work, which was pretty scarce, These same people were turned down with ‘the parroted expres- sion, “Nothing for you today.” Yet, at the same time, people from a foreign country who had a representative to interpret for them and had never seen a log- ging camp, were given jobs. An Aggravation There has always been an un- employment and its pretty safe to state there always will be, but to add to it, and at the same time, throw a burden on our society by social assistance, is just add- ing insult to injury. It’s darn well high time all trade unions, workers, and repre- sentatives of parliament rose up in one challenging upsurge to stop all immigration at once. The repeated phrase that there is a shortage of labor is an out- right lie, because all the major industries, such as logging, fish- ing, mining and construction do not average a six-month period in our province, Action Needed It was only during the few war years that work was plenti- , ful all year around, but the pic- ture has rapidly deteriorated in the last few years. I hope to hear more protest and strong action taken from all possible angles to keep our living standard up. I hope there is no repetition of the hungry thirties or any reces- sion and I will never forget the bitter pill of being refused social assistance while immigration took from me my only means of live- lihood. As Canadians, we must be spineless weaklings if we let this vicious policy go unchallenged any longer. It plainly shows the present Government has no re- gard whatsoever for the Cana- dian worker or any intention to improve their lot unless forced to by strong decisive action. Jerome Hajek Did you ever stop to think that the only difference between’ one who has sight, and one who is blind is just a tiny film? Alex B. Macdonald Barrister & Solicitor Notary Public 751 Granville Street VANCOUVER, B.C. Telephone TAtlow 6641 On DIAMONDS, JEWELRY, SILVERWARE, FURS AND ALL VALUABLES Immediate Cash? No Red Tape! Unredcemed Diamonds for Sale B. C. COLLATERAL LOAN BROKERS LTD. 77 EAST HASTINGS, Cor. COLUMBIA