B.C. WELCOMES ANNUAL MEET Every section of the workers in the lumber industry on the North American continent was represented when the 17th Annual Constitutional Convention of the Interna- tional Woodworkers of America opened in the Hotel Vancouver, October 12, in an atmosphere that gave prom- ise of the largest and most successful International con- vention in the Union’s history. As the national anthems of the United States and Canada, stirringly led by Harry Mossfield, yang across the convention hall, the flags of the two countries un- furled to the breeze against an attractive background depicting symbolically the pillars of IWA accomplishment and international brotherhood. Invocation was pronounced by Rev, R. S. Christie, of the United | Church of Canada, supplemented | | by remarks appropriate to the occasion. Civic welcome was tendered by Alderman Halford Wilson, who laid emphasis upon the cordial relations existing between Can- ada and the United States, and extended Vancouver hospitality to delegates and visitors. President Ewart Orr, of the Greater Vancouver and Lower Mainland Labor Council, in hum- orous vein, conveyed fraternal greetings to convention delegates * from CCL unionists in the area. Fraternal welcome on behalf of the B.C. District Council was suitably expressed by District President Joe Morris, who then presented International President ‘Al Hartung, whose presidential address keynoted the proceedings. Until the President took the rostrum, President Lloyd Whalen, Local 1-217, IWA, the host Local Union, wielded the gavel and warmly welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Vancouver lum- ber workers. Significant remarks made by District President Joe Morris during the opening ceremonies were in part: Welcome to B.C. “We are exceedingly proud that this District has again been se- lected as the site of the Interna- tional Convention. We are happy about it, because we know that the proceedings of this conven- tion will stimulate a still greater interest throughout the District in the great objectives of our brotherhood. As we meet the delegates from the other side of the International boundary in this spirit of fra- ternity, we are conscious of something greater than any nar- row nationalism. In both our countries, we loyally serve the aims of democracy, and these ideals, joined with our own ideals of brotherhood, enable us to serve |” our fellows in a manner worthy of the best traditions upheld in|’ WHAT'S INSIDE Page _ 215 WALTER P. REUTHER, Presi- dent of the CIO, featured speaker at the IWA International Con- vention, Vancouver, 1953. both countries. I know that you will never for- give me if I brag about the B.C. District. If what I say sounds like bragging, I want it under- stood. that we are not bragging about ourselves, but about the Union, We gratefully acknowl- edge our indebtedness to the In- ternational, and our loyalty in this province is largely com- pounded of gratitude. When the International Convention last as- sembled in Vancouver, our affairs in this province had been placed ina perilous plight by enemies from within the organization, In our efforts to right matters we were given help in the most generous measure, and faith in the International was reinforced by the staunch support received from south of the border. We were thus enabled to rebuild a genuine trade union democracy 'A STRIKES N. INTERIOR 38 OPERATIONS AT STANDSTILL All production and movement of lumber in the Northern Interior operations, rep- resented by the Northern Interior Lumber men’s Association, came to a standstill on September 28 when 4000 lumber. workers who had voted for strike action acted prompt- ly to establish IWA picket lines. = 3 The picket lines appeared spon- taneously under the provocation offered by the employers, many of whom had threatened lockouts if the vote favored strike action. Officers of Local 1-424, IWA, and representatives of the Dis- trict Negotiating Committee, who were on the ground, reported that the strike vote revealed an overwhelming majority protest against the attitude of the em- ployers who had rejected an award of the Conciliation Board proposing a 6-cent wage hike. The strikers have now under- gone almost a two-week test of icket-line duty, and are display- ing a remarkable determination to win their struggle for decent wages and working conditions. More Threats At the Prince George Planing Mills, cheques owing employees were held for debts incurred in the purchase of lumber for their homes. The Local Union acted to secure a return to normal deduc- tions, and the release of wage payments. This action was fought as an attempt to demoralize the picket line. District Officers immediately "planed to Prince George and completed arrangements under which the strikers will be aided from the District strike funds. The strike in the Northern In- terior opened the battle which the Union intends to fight to the finish in order to defeat the openly-declared intentions of the employers to maintain a low- Wage area as an economic advan- tage in the marketing of Interior lumber. | “Support Vote” On val in Vancouver Strike - - HARTUNG to attend the International Convention, International President Al Hartung imme- diately issued a message via radio to lumber workers in the Southern Interior urging authorization of strike action in the government-supervisei October 15. He assured them that in-their fight for decent wages and work- ing conditions, the Union’s re- sources would be fully mobilized in their support. Said the President in part: “The Union is aware that lum- ber workers in the Interior are at this time facing a serious crisis. It is not a crisis of their own seeking but one that has been forced on them by the employers. I am confident that the workers will act with courage and unity to gain the standards of living to which they are justly entitled. Since the employers openly displayed a flagrant evasion of the requirements of bargaining and conciliation, our Interna- tional and District officers have been continuously in touch with the workers in all Interior op- erations. Their reports reveal very clearly that the workers on the job are determined that they will not accept an agreement based on the 1951 contract terms as demanded by the op- erators. Interior lumber work- ers realize, as does the Union, that the employers’ attempt to See “WELCOME” Page 5 establish a permanent low- d strike vote scheduled for wage area for lumber workers in the Interior must be stopped this year, if it is ever to be stopped. The question “What next?” must now be answered by the workers on the job. The Union acts as their agent. This makes it important that every lumber worker concerned should first of all have the facts. and then use his own intelligence in voting to gain a better deal for himself and his family. “Authorize Strike Action” I feel certain, in face of the employers’ tacties, that the great majority of Southern Interior lumber workers will vote to auth- orize strike action, and when it becomes necessary. A solid vote for strike action will serve notice on the employers that the lumber workers are prepared to fight for their rights, and that this year they will not take it on the chin again. This is the third successive year in which Interior lumber workers have been denied a fair deal. Last year a Conciliation See “VOTE” Page 5 IWA Wins 3 Plants Three operators in the Prince George area have weakened under the strike pressure exerted by the IWA, Local 1-424, and have signed agreements in order to con- tinue operations. The interim agreement grants a wage increase of 18 cents an hour and full union shop conditions. Revision has been agreed upon in light of any general settlement reached .with the central bargaining agency of fthe employers. Vote Aid! Critical strike situation de- veloping in the Interior caus- ed the IWA District Execu- tive Board at its recent meeting to recommend ap- proyal by membership refer- endum of a $1.00 monthly assessment to supplement the strike fund. The recommendation will be submitted to ballot at an early date. The grave, pos- sibility that the fight with the Interior employers may be a long and bitter one was given as the reason for urging all members to vote approval of the assessment. ee NORTHERN INTERIOR oe Green Gold—-CJOR LISTE 7.00 p.m. 4 Thursday § STRIKE COMMITTEE N TO CANW Saturday 7.05 p.m. ¢ 6.30 p.m. Thursday (JAY