4 B.C. LUMBER WORKER 2nd Issue, November From Page 13 ‘AUTOMATION’ carry them out with inhuman precision.” An immediate consequence of automation when it fully revolu- tionizes industry will be an enor- mous increase in productive cap- acity. This will create problems which will demand. intelligent community action to secure the necessary adjustments. The point of view held by or- ganized labor has been well ex- pressed by Walter Reuther, Pre- sident of the CIO. He said: “Automation must be met sanely and constructively so that the miracle of mass production—and the ever greater economic abund- ance made possible by automa- tion—can find expression in the lives of the people through im- proved economic security, and a fuller share of happiness and hu- man dignity. Sensibly, rationally and scientifically, we intend to harness this radical new force in our lives, using its potential to produce a new era in which jus- tice, well-being, and peace will be the universal possession of all mankind.” The problem now confronting labor is what shall now be done to prepare for the advent of auto- mation, and to secure the neces- sary adjustments which will Stave off any disastrous unem- ployment during the transition period. Our pride in the labor move- ment should rise a few degrees when we discover that the trade unions have been fully alive to the problem and are confident that the adjustments can be made which will not only ward off wide Spread displacement, but actually gain for the workers improved working and living conditions, with greater leisure. This program has been out- lined in reports ‘submitted to the IWA International Convention, and the recent ¢onvention in Tor- onto of the Canadian Congress of Labor, On both occasions it was recognized by the delegates that the pending merger is well timed to enable the workers to meet new and greater responsibilities in this second industrial revolu- tion. Adjustment Proposed The first step proposed and accepted by both bodies was a survey of the situation, to see where we stand in the matter. Research Director Kenney said, “We are handicapped by an ap- palling lack of knowledge of the actual and prospective impact of automation. No one knows the actual extent to which it has al- ready established itself in indus- try, or the pace at which it is likely to advance even within the next few years. Therefore it is essential that we gather togeth- er, from the larger corporations that dominate our economy, the ‘facts as to the impact of auto- mation thus far, and its probable impact on the immediate future.” A similar attitude was ex- pressed at Toronto by the CCL. The resolution adopted on this subject proposed an early con- ference sponsored by the Govern- ment of Canada, and to include representatives of labor and man- agement to plan for the intro- duction of automation, to provide a greater abundance for the pub- lic, and to prevent unemploy- ment. Such a conference would be re- quired to consider and examine the possibilities of the following: - 1. The introduction of a guaranteed annual wage plan or other means of maintaining and raising income levels. It becomes increasingly obvious, that with a huge spurt in pro- duction, consumer. purchasing must be correspondingly in- creased, otherwise automation will break down, or as some say “we will dig our own eco- nomic graves.” 2, A nationally planned re- duction in the work week, with- out loss of take-home pay, to keep pace with increased pro- ductivity, thus making possible the maintenance of full em- ployment. 3. The preparation of nation- al plans to ensure full employ- ment so that any group of dis- placed workers will be able to secure other employment. 4. Provision for severance pay for displaced workers, to provide against hardship as necessary adjustments are car- ried out. 5. Provision for the re-train- ing of workers. The govern- ment must give leadership to such a plan, for the transition to the new technology will re- quire a great expansion in our educational system. Employers should assume their share of the cost of re-training workers, just as they are responsible for the cost of plant and equip- ment, and also for the reason that such a plan will ensure more consideration of the em- ployment needs of the workers now in industry, who can be trained to install and operate the new processes. 6. Provision to prevent the creation of “ghost towns” or distressed areas, following up- on the sudden cessation of any particular manufacturing pro- cess, and shifts to new proces- ses likely to occur. The workers must be assisted to move to the areas of full and expanding employment. 7. Provision to shorten the work-life of the average work- er by, first, raising the school- leaving age, with assistance for the continuation of education so that young people may have full opportunities to equip themselves for the new voca- tions opening up. They should not be thrown on ‘the labor market at as early an age as at present. In later life, provi- sion should be made for retire- ment at an earlier age, with adequate social security, that the older people may not be kept in unfair competition with younger people seeking em- ployment opportunities. All this requires facilities and training for the better use of leisure in the interests of the community. 8. Open and full discussion of all automation changes con- templated so that organized labor may be better prepared to plan for necessary adjust- ments. 9. Increased wages for the operation of the automated machines, commensurate with the new skills required, and in a degree that will provide the necessary purchasing power to absorb the new production. Trade unionists do not intend to fold their arms and wait for governments and employers to act, although pressure will be developed and continued to get action at the public level. It is the intention of the trade unions to use the fresh stimulus of the economic strength, made possible through the merger, in order that the workers may be adequately protected against abuses which will arise, if unscrupulous em- ployers endeavour to divert all the rewards of increased produc- tion to their own profit-making ends. New Program It is for ‘this reason that the unions, spurred by the decisions of the recent conventions, are now considering necessary changes in organizational struc- ture, designed to provide greater flexibility in meeting the econo- mic shifts that will be caused by automation. Stress will be laid on workers’ education, more than ever before, as the big new tech- nology will demand wider respon- sibilities in union administration and bargaining. It is anticipated that collective Get your Dental Plates from a Re- gistered Dentist . . . we save you money. We have our own Laboratory, and employ only qualified dental techni- cians, All work guaranteed. CORNER ROBSON & GRANVILLE “OLD DOC” ENGLEWOOD INSTITUTE CLASSROOM SCENES at Englewood Camp weekend Institute, Instructors were Financial Secretary, Fred Fieber, (seen above) and District President Joe Morris. contracts will require drastic changes, in such matters as re- classification, and seniority pro- visions, severance pay, pensions, health and welfare, and duration of agreements. The Unions will also give more attention to what- ever form of political action may be deemed necessary to gain bet- ter unemployment insurance, and social security generally. We can- not begin this work too soon, for management is already making plans that may catch us napping. Let us understard clearly that automation—the beginning of the second industrial revolution—can be the beginning of a new day for the workers, if we act with in- telligence and complete unity to make it serve the expanding wel- fare of all the people.” Federation of Labor. The Officers’ Report Commit- tee was headed by Financial Sec- retary Fred Fieber, Local 1-71, IWA, and its Secretary was John Squire, MLA, Local 1-85 IWA. The report stated in part: “The Federation carried out its responsibilities in presenting a Brief to the Provincial Govern- ment, and it is with regret that the Cabinet did not give better recognition to our point of view. Considering that we are on the eve of a merger, we wish to pay tribute to the Officers who have successfully carried out the functions of the Federation, par- ticularly since 1948, when demo- cratic leadership was established. The years of hard work by these Officers have been an im- portant milestone in Labor’s pro- gress, We feel confident that the newly-elected Officers will carry on to work out the problems that they will meet in co-ordinating the efforts of all unions within Alex B. Macdonald 3 Barrister & Solicitor Notary Public 751 Granville Street VANCOUVER, B.C. Telephone TAtlow 6641 SOLICITOR TO THE 1. W. Officers’ Report Wins High Praise Approach to amalgamation with the B.C. Trade Union Congress finds the affairs of the B.C. Federation of Labor in excellent order, it was stated by the Officers’ Report Committee at the recent annual convention of the B.C. the merged Congress. We are pleased to seg, that the Federation is now in a sound financial position. The cash bal- ance at the present time of $6,605.33, plus the $1,000 in a building fund, indicates that the Federation Officers have effici- ently dealt with the Organiza- tion’s funds. There are matters at the pre- sent time which require decision and responsibility, particularly on the matter of transferring the Organization’s assets into the new Congress, and also official transfer into the merged Con- gress. We recommend that the Execu- tive Board be empowered to de- termine whether or not another Convention of this Organization is necessary. We recommend that the salary of the Secretary be increased by $50.00 per month, effective the month of November.” se ee Elderly parishioner: “Has any- one ever told you how wonderful you are, Reverend?” Self-satisfied Preacher: “Well, n0-0-0 . . .” : Elderly parishioner: “Then where did you get the idea?”