B.C. LUMBER WORKER 3 ——_—_ Switzerland, from left, Andrew Cooper, workers’ delegate of the Carpenters & Joiners; Sir Alfred Roberts, member of the Trade Union Congress, General Council, and member of the governing body resident, District No. 1, IWA; John Brady, United Auto Work- ers; Albert Mayer, Saskatchewan Civil Service; J. G. McLean, Brotherhood of Locomotive, Firemen, . and Enginemen. of the I.L.0.; S. M. Hodgson, Vice- Present At Geneva I.L.O. CHAIRMAN REQUESTE MEDIATION CONFERENC Conferences under his direction, between IWA nego- tiators and the employers’ representatives in an effort to conciliate the dispute recently aired before a Conciliation Board were requested: by Chairman Fred Smelts, following the completion of the hearing of evidence and argument “OLD DOC” Dr. R. Llewellyn Douglas has moyed his Dental Office from 9 East Hastings St. to 712 ; Robson St., Vancouver, B. C. NEW ADDRESS in open session. His statement, made on behalf, of the District Negotiating Com- Bank of Montreal. ‘ This unusual development was reported upon by Dis- trict Secretary-Treasurer George Mitchell in a radio ad- dress on the Green Gold radio program. ES ee mittee, was as follows “Last week, the Conciliation Board, appointed to deal with the IWA contract dispute, adjourned its open hearings. More than six days had been required for the submission of evidence and argu- ment relating to the Union’s de- mands, and the employers’ coun- ter-proposals. In this connection it is inter- esting to note that the prepared briefs, from both parties, giving the initial presentations, then re- buttal and summation, together with the transcript of evidence heard from witnesses, made an impressive total of over 20,000 words. It will thus be realized that because of the situation, both the Union’s Spokesmen and the Em- ployers’ Representatives made a painstaking effort to provide the members of the Board with the evidence supporting their respec- tive views of the issues involved. It was freely acknowledged by all observers present, that the Union’s presentation, followed by a complete rebuttal of the Em- ployers’ case, and later a full summation, was the most effec- tive in its history. Unusual Procedure Following the adjournment of the Board, the Chairman, Mr. Fred Smelts, expressed the opinion that the disputing par- ties should endeavor to reach a settlement by means of further confererices under the auspices of the Board. If this could be done, he explained, the Board would make arrangements for this purpose. It was preferable, he implied, that the Board should report agreement between the parties now, rather than to risk further conflict, as in any event a settle- ment must be reached, sooner or later. The IWA Negotiating Commit- tee, agreed to the Chairman’s suggestion as this would enable further consideration of the pos- sibilities of settlement in the light of evidence submitted by the Union to the Board, Furthermore, it was obviously in the best interests of the Union’s membership that the pro- posed course should be attempted. A refusal to enter into such con- ferences would most certainly have prejudiced the Union’s case, before the Board and in the eyes ‘of the general public. No Ground Lost On the other hand, the oppor- tunity at this stage to develop possibilities of formulating terms of settlement worthy of consideration by the member- ship will give an added advan- tage to the Union in its bar- gaining. Should a satisfactory settlement fail to materialize, the Board will still make its INSTRUCTION IN IND! available through Correspondence First Aid Certifi USFRIAL FIRST AID Courses leading to Industrial icates approved by the Workmen’s Compensation Board of B.C. Also Correspondence Course in Timekeeping and Basic Accident Prevention. THE INDUSTRIAL FIRST AID ATTENDANTS ASSN. OF B.C. 120 West Hastings Street Vancouver 3, B.C. _ From generation to generation Canadians have put their trust in the. ~ ~ ~ ‘Today, more than two million people from coast to coast call the B of M “My Bank”, 1K OF MontTREAL A Real Union Shop And No Mistake! No less than TEN unions work in harmonious association with the management of The Van- couver Sun to produce the daily issues of Western Canada’s leading newspaper that go into two out of three British Columbia homes. The Sun is happy to be a real Union Shop throughout, with agreeable relations with all its organized cra PHONE TAtlow 7140 FOR DAILY HOME CARRIER . DELIVERY V ifts and personnel, THE recommendations to the Minis- ter of Labor, in the usual, man- ner, and the Union will still be free to accept or reject the re- port, and if necessary, call for a strike vote. ‘ These conferences are now in progress, under the direction of the Chairman, Mr. Smelts. Stren- uous efforts are being made to bridge the differences between the disputing parties. The IWA Negotiating Commit- tee following the policy of the Union has decided to continue to participate in these daily sessions while the discussions offer any prospect of gaining contract im- provements likely to be found ac-_ ceptable by the membership of the Union. Await Finalization The discussions, although con- ducted under the pressure of the urgency of the situation, have not yet reached the stage where any announcement can be made. There has been no finalization of recom- mendations for the consideration of the Employers and the IWA membership. Any conclusions that may be yeached, either regarding a ten- tative settlement, or to abandon the discussions as futile, will be reported upon promptly and fully to the Local Unions. In passing, I remind our listeners that the seven-man Negotiating Commit- tee, attending these conferences on behalf of the Union, is repre- sentative of the Local Unions concerned, Until an official announcement can be made, IWA members are warned not to believe press re- ports based on guess-work. They will be. advised without a mo- ment’s delay, when any official announcement_is pd&sible, They will be advised to prepare for a membership referendum on any decision of major importance. In the meantime, they should rely on the official union sources for their information. Advantages Seen The fact that a few more days ave required to safeguard the in- terests of the membership in re- spect of the contract settlement, should not be interpreted as con- sent, to needless delay. If these conferences succeed, as it is hoped they will, time will actual- ly be saved in arriving at a set- tlement. It is fully expected that the membership will be able to’ vote soon on terms of settlement, which, with their approval, can be placed into effect immediately. This would settle the issues much earlier, than under the usual pro- cedure, outlined in- the Act, as required after a Conciliation Board reports, and which bristles with restrictions upon industry- wide action by the Union. If an agreement is reached now, the report of the Board to the Minister will simply state that the parties have reached an agreement in the terms outlined by the parties themselves. An agreement reached under these conditions with due deliberation should prove more beneficial to the Union’s membership than one reached under the more severe handicaps dictated by the law to restrict the Union’s action in an economic struggle.” SAN FRANCISCO — TAILORS — LOAN MONEY ON Suits, Overcoats, etc. Loggers’ Boots, Sleeping Bags, Suitscases, Radios, Watches and Rings Expert Watch Repairing UNREDEEMED Suits and Caulk Boots For Sale MAIL ORDER 52 West Hastings Street VANCOUVER, B.C,