B.C. LUMBER WORKER IWA LOGIC ‘THE decision made by delegates attending the recent IWA District Conference to reaffirm the political action policy determined by previous Dis- trict Conventions will prove of greater signifi- cance in the political future of this province than the old school politicians realize. It was significant because it was made under the pressures of an election campaign, when the odds appeared to be running against labour. It was not a policy of expediency. It was a decision based on sound trade union principles, with the faith that the ideals of trade unionism must ulti- mately triumph. It was also significant because it was made by the largest Union in the province on the eve of the provincial merger convention. It will, therefore, help to crystallize the political thinking of the en- tire trade union movement in the province. It is now the part of every member of the IWA to give consideration to the reasons which lie be- hind this re-committment to direct political action. The delegates gave complete loyalty to the democratic principles of IWA policy-making. The records of previous District Conventions were ex- amined. The Union had repeatedly decided in con- vention to uphold the political action policy of the former CCL, and endorse the CCF as the political arm of labor. There was no disposition to set aside these convention decisions. .. Other vital considerations were brought to the fore, as the Conference prepared to restate the Union’s political action policy. The suggestion that the Union should under- take to woo all parties and antagonize none was rejected. Staunch trade unionists remembered only too clearly how such policies have betrayed labor in the past. Organized labor has attained its present position, and improved social and econ- omic benefits for the workers, only as it has fought for its rights with fearless independence. The facts about political developments were discussed with frankness and clear-headed real- ism. The principal facts which the delegates con- sidered to be of concern to labor are here stated. Political parties which have governed this province in the past have gained power with the financial support of the employing interests. It is an axiom of political life, that those who pay the campaign funds, write the party policy. Govern- ments which have been compelled, when in power, to serve their interests of their big business back- ers, have never been able to serve the interests of labor satisfactorily. It was made evident that the CCF, as a party of the people, has consistently refused to accept cam- paign funds from any source other than the con- tributions of those who believe in working-class political action for working-class aims. In view of these facts, it is sound trade union logic to act in the political arena in a manner con- sistent with trade union action on the economic front. Trade unions that are in constant conflict with the employers, who oppose labor’s aim to es- tablish better living conditions for the workers, cannot turn around and work in political support of the same employers, when operating politically to defeat labor’s objectives. This position grows clearer every day. Labor must take action on the political field to protect its bargaining gains. It must act-on the political field: with those tactics and combinations most likely to win the accomplishment of its aims in terms of better living. When the records of the major political parties were examined by the delegates, it was noted that the CCF was: the only party, when approached, that had agreed to espouse labor’s program openly and whole-heartedly. : ‘Very Little Jack’ Horner! Come ~ DRAWN FOR AFICIO NEWE This was made plain, recently, when the Van- couver, Lower Mainland Trades and Labor Coun- cil questioned the leaders of all political parties at the recent forum. Only the CCF leader was pre- pared to answer “Yes”, without equivocation, to labor’s demands. ; The IWA delegates were engaged in formulat- ing a policy for the Union as a whole. It was neces- sary to do so, because the Union has legislative aims of vital importance to its membership. The discussion did not silence those in the min- ority who were not in agreement. One principle was firmly upheld throughout the debate, and that was the right of each delegate to freedom of speech. The assurance was given, over and over again, that the political policy decisions of the Union, made for the over - all purposes of the Union, will not be used to restrict the liberty of the individual member’s action in voting or ex- pressing his or her conscientious convictions. INDEX RISES OTTAWA (CPA)—Chiefly as a result of increased food costs, — the cost-of-living index reached a new high of 119.1 in July of this year. Economists believe that the in- dex is headed still higher. Some — labor leaders are thinking again of ‘escalator clauses in new wage contracts. The July increase was the third in succession. The index is based on 1949 prices equalling 100. Canadian Labor Congress offi cials say that the consumer price — index upward movement was due largely to bad weather boosting: farm prices. Other items in the index also went up, excepting clothing which declined. SKILLED WORKERS ARRIVE OTTAWA (CPA) — Almost four thousand people with pro- fessional training came into Canada in the first half of 1956, out of a total of seventy thous- and immigrants. Included were 714 engineers, 186 accountants, 95 architects, 108 chemists, 599 draftsmen, 170 lab technicians, 583 graduate nurses, 156 phy- sicians and surgeons, 232 teach- ers and professors. Z Of the engineers, 68 had de- grees in aeronautics. Only about a dozen aero engineers are turn- ed out annually by Canadian uni- versities. Other skilled workers were 1,- 681 stenographers, 304 nurses’ e aides, 369 cooks, 101 aircraft me- chancis, 742 auto mechanics, 358 bakers, 1,235 brick and stone masons, 1,418 carpenters, 666 electricians, 392 machine opera- tors and 360 machinists, 728 me- tal fitters and 282 tool and die makers. PHONE TAtlow 7140 FOR DAILY HOME CARRIER DELIVERY 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 crafts and personnel. A Real Union Shop And No Mistake!