B.C. LUMBER WORKER

2nd Issue, Novemb

From Page 1

“MORRIS”

Although in the past, the
trade unions have accomplished
&@ great good sometimes with a
distinctly belligerent attitude,
it should now be our common
Purpose to remove reasons for
undue antagonism. We cannot
live satisfactorily, if constantly
at sword’s point with the rest
of the community. We suggest
that if those factors, which in
the past were highly provoca-
tive of industrial trouble, are
mow removed, we may easily
work together for our common
Prosperity.

One essential of the situation
is that we should recognize the
proper functions of the trade
unions and allow those functions
free play subject to rules upon
which we may all agree. I refer
especially to the collective bar-
gaining functions of a trade
union. If we were to dispense
with the collective bargaining of
the trade unions we would have
not only chaos in industry, but
the most terrible sort of economic
guerilla warfare,

Individual Handicapped

The individual worker cannot
hope to bargain successfully with
- the modern corporation or even
with the small employer. Modern
industry requires consideration of
wage levels for comparable oc-
cupations, over a wide industrial
range. The only known method
whereby the worker may gain
proper consideration of his needs
is through the method of collec-
tive bargaining as conducted by
the trade unions. Collectively, the
workers may meet with the em-
Ployers on terms which at least

suggest some equality of bar-
gaining rights.

Anarchy Avoided

When a settlement is reach-
ed, the terms of settlement are
then incorporated in an agree-
ment for a stipulated period
and thereupon both parties
must observe the prescribed
conditions, It would be difficult
to imagine what might easily
happen in modern industry,
should we abandon this method
of collective bargaining, and
the signing of collective agree-
ments. In all the criticism that
may be directed against trade
unions and their bargaining,
remember that the only al-
ternatives are either outright
dictatorship or anarchy. This
major function of the trade
unions is therefore an import-
ant stabilizing factor in the
community life as well as the
economic life of the nation.

As men of good will learn to
negotiate and observe proper
agreements, the checks and bal-
ances provided operate to protect
the public interest. If either party
to a dispute arising from such
negotiations should act in an un-
reasonable manner, public opin-
ion in the final analysis will bring
the offending party to task.
Again we find a further reason,
why the work of a trade union
should be closely integrated with
the life of the community.

We are sometimes mystified
when we hear criticism of trade
unions engaged in the presenta-
tion of the needs of the workers.
Essentially, that is what trade
unions are for. They present such

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needs in an organized and orderly ;

way for the entire group of work-
ers. When engaged in the pres-
entation of the needs of the
workers, the Union is not charged
with the responsibility of speak-
ing for management at the same

the living. standards of

Foremost role of the Union is to safeguard

time. We can always depend on
management to take care of its
own interests. In the ensuing
bargaining, the best possible ap-
proximation is reached as to what
is mutually advantageous for
both parties.

the workers.

If this agreement is reached
amicably, the result is usually
beneficial for the whole commun-

ity. As the organized’ workers
improve their standards they aid
the unorganized workers to bet-
ter their circumstances. In the
general boost to community stan-
dards, the cash registers are set
ringing more persistently. Let us
not forget that the organized
workers form the bulk of the
population in this province, and
that‘ their wage spending is one
of the principal factors in its
prosperity.
General Betterment

1 wish to remind the work-
ers, who are present, that in
meeting this responsibility, the
Unions are doing something
for them, that they cannot do
for themselves. It is not simply
a question of wages, but of job

| T
ity for participation in

rade unionists should accept responsibil-

security, and full recognition
of each worker's rights as a
citizen of industry as well as of
the community. When we con-
sider how trade unions have
spearheaded the drive for
shorter hours, more liberal
vacations, seniority rights, ob-
servance of statutory holidays,
etc., the benefits derived by the
workers over the years is well-
nigh incalculable.

The vast improvement in work-
ing conditions, as mentioned, is
an important contribution to the
betterment of community life, As
the workers gain more leisure,
they are better able to devote
their attention to recreational

give attention to the needs of the
family, and a better family life
always spells better community
life.

and cultural pursuits. They can/

community affairs.

In the trade union movement,
we are not content to have our
members erect barriers between
the unions and the rest of the
community. We expect each
Local Union to carry its full
share of community responsibil-
ity for the promotion of proper
standards of welfare and educa-
tion within the community. Not

only should the Local Union do |

everything within its power to
work with other organized sec-
tions of the community for the
general good, but the individual
members of the trade unions
should join with their neighbours
when possible, to activize neces-
sary community activities,

Unionists Are Citizens

Trade unionists are parents.
They should be interested in all
that is designed to improve
conditions for the children in
the community. Trade unionists
are rate-payers. They should
play their part with the other
| rate-payers in plans for the de-
| velopment of the community.
As a matter of fact, the man
| who is well-trained in the work of
ja trade union can be of great
|help in other community organ-
| izations. He is usually versed in
| the rules of democratic pro-
cedure, and he well understands
problems which arise in persuad-
ing people to work well together.

Organized workers should uphold a high
standard of politicalconduct in the community.

Hitherto, trade unions, as such,
have largely remained aloof from
political affairs. The axiom has
been that we could reward our
friends or punish our enemies, if
we so chose. There has been a
healthy development in the ranks
of the trade unions, inasmuch as
they are becoming more aware
of the relationship between poli-
tical decisions and their economic
interests.

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This is not the time for me to
discuss any policy of political ac-
tion. I believe, however, that I
should stress the importance of
every trade unionist exercising
his full rights as a citizen at the
polls. I believe I should stress
the necessity of his becoming
conversant with the issues of the
day, especially those which have
a bearing on his living conditions,
and making his own decisions.

Independence Vital

This is a day when many in-
terests are only too ready to pro-
vide ready-made opinions through
the press, radio, and T.V. I sug-
gest that trade unionists have
maintained a notable independ-
ence of thought through the

Local 1-423
Elects Officers

elected officers of Local 1-423,
IWA, Kelowna:

years, and do their own thinki
I have such great confidence
trade unionists, and their inh
ent sense of justice, that if
are informed they will act int
ligently in the public interest.
When we consider the vai
phases of trade union activity
ready mentioned, and
others that might be given
tion, it will be realized that
union education such as we.
conducted here this week-t
designed to qualify each stude
for better community service.

We hope that each student will,
have gained a better understand-
ing of the functions of the union
on the job, and the contractual
relations with the employer: He
will now be better able to assist
his fellow-workers to enjoy fully
their rights under the contract.
He will be better able to iron out
the many difficulties that arise on
the job. In this way he will serve
the community, for stability in
industrial relations is a commun-
ity gain.

Understanding of Economy

We hope that our members will
have gained a better understand-’
ing of the economy in which they
live and work. In this way they
will become more efficient work-
ers, more competent trade union-
ists, and at the same time, and by
the same token, better members
of the community.

The role of the trade union
movement in the community is to
serve the community, first
through the lives of its members,
and secondly in the broader sense
of collective and individual par-
ticipation in all worthwhile com-
munity endeavour.

Local 1-80
Meets Dec. 12

Membership meeting of
Local 1-80, IWA, to be held
in the IWA Hall, ‘Duncan,
Sunday, December 12th, at
10:30 a.m, will elect the dele-
gates to attend the 18th
Annual District Convention,
IWA, and also the convention
of the B.C. Federation of
Labor.

The following are the newly

President ..
Ist Vice-Pres,
2nd Vice-Pres,
3rd Vice-Pres,
Fin, Secretary
Ree. Secretary
Conductor .

J. W. Strong
‘A. Schleppe
. Leo Stappler
. H, Sommerfeld
. D. Lawson
F. Jenaway
J. Welder

Warden .......... A. Wirachowsky
Dist. Board
Member .. H. Sommerfeld

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