4 B.C. LUMBER WORKER - Opening Phase [TIS now evident to experienced observers that the preliminary stage of negotiations between the IWA and the employers’ representatives is nearing an end._ . The Union’s demands have been explained, fol- lowing presentation to the bargaining agents of the employers. Likewise, the employers’ proposals for revision of the contract have been examined and discussed by both parties. These preliminary moves are essential to clarify the issues which lie between the parties at the bargaining table. Because no agreement has yet been reached on any point, nothing can be reported by the Union’s spokesmen beyond the fact that progress is being made with the necessary routine of bargaining. In the circumstances, patience is a useful virtue, for those who are anxious over the outcome. If possibilities of a satisfactory settlement ap- pear during the talks, these will be fully explored, the Union has been assured. If the issues cannot be finalized, it is the usual Union policy to move as quickly as possible to the next stage, which is that of conciliation. The nature of the employers’ proposals, as re- produced in this issue of the B. C. Lumber Worker is such as to offer little hope of an early settle- ment. No real offer has been made. Nothing is suggested as a counter-proposal to the Union’s submission, even though the Union’s position had been widely publicized. Practically everything proposed by the em- ployers is calculated to weaken features of the contract which have proved beneficial to the workers. It is quite fair to claim that the employ- ers’ presentation is designed to keep the parties as far apart as possible. For the employers to say “No” and “No” and “No” to every single one of the Union’s demands, and constantly suggest that the Union must ac- cept less is hardly fair bargaining. As a matter of fact, it is not bargaining at all. The top-lofty attitude taken by the employers is based on their expectation they can convince the public that their business is on the brink of bank- ruptcy. Their profit-heavy financial statements make a farce of this monotonous stage-play. There are a few facts that the employers can- not completely distort to serve their own ends. The industry is in a sound position. It has the ability to meet the Union's demands. The employers have enjoyed high profits con- stantly for a long period of years. There has been no really serious diminution of profits. Their plans are geared to the expectation of still higher profits. Their profits have been beyond all reason. For every dollar they pay out in wages, they make a dollar profit. Such a rate of profit is unprece- dented, and exorbitant. The year 1956, of which they complain so loudly, was actually a good year by all reasonable standards. It was one of the top three highest pro- duction years. : The output per man-hour of labor has been steadily rising. For this reason the number of jobs in the industry have been reduced, thus offering further protection to profits, Against this background, it is distinctly dan- gerous for the industry as well as for the employ- ees to continue wage rates which are much below those now obtained in other basic industries. If the wage income of the workers is kept be- _low the accepted pattern for the province to sus- tain further expansion, and higher profits, the whole business structure is endangered rather than strengthened. * 1957 DEMANDS Demands for the revision of the Coast master agreement, as stated by the IWA District Convention, were as follows: 1. A twenty percent general wage increase. 2. Two weeks’ vacation with pay at the rate of 5% of total earnings for those with more than one year and less than five years’ employment. Three weeks’ vacation with pay at the rate of 742% of total earnings for those with more than five years’ employ- ment. 3. Union shop conditions. 4. Boxing Day as an additional paid statutory holiday. 5. Improved fare allowance provisions for loggers and others laid off after short-term employment. 6. Hourly rates for all shingle workers now on piece-work rates. 7. Two ten-minute rest periods in each shift. 8. Elimination of stated exemptions under the clause stipulating a 40-hour work week, and the pay- ment of wages at the rate of time and one-half for all Saturday work. 9. Reduction of the probationary period to twenty cumlative days. 10. Provision for swing shifts. 11. Stipulation that all sub-contractors in IWA-cer- tified operations be required to adhere to the provisions of the contract. 12. Revision of the contract clause dealing with call- time in conformity with recent Wage Orders. ‘ He The correction of inequities in the logging wage scale. PENTICTON INSTITUTE WINS HIGH APPROVAL First CLC Educational Institute held under the aus- pices of the Okanagan District Labour Council in Pentic- ton, March 8-9-10, proved to be a rewarding venture, according to opinion expressed by the trade union students at its conclusion. . Visitors were intrigued by its novel setting which was the S.S. Sicamous, the old CPR stern- laxed at the Annual Banquet and Dance of the Okanagan Labour Council, held on the evening of the 9th. President Bill Black of the B.C. Federation of Labour was the guest speaker on the oc- casion. Other guests included Deputy Minister of Labour Wil- liam Sands; Supervisor Al Little, Department of Labour; Concilia- tion Officer John Sherlock, and the Penticton civic officials. Plans were laid to hold a two- day workshop on the subject of “automation” at a later period. Director Tenders Thanks The Editor: I desire the members of the IWA to be aware of my keen ap- preciation of the cordial co-oper- ation extended to me by their District Officers and staff in the organization of the educational institutes held recently under the auspices of the Congress. Especially, I wish to single out District President Joe Morris and Associate Research Director Joe Miyazawa, for their very capable assistance in planning and con- ducting the courses. I have no hesitation in stating that the results of the series of Institutes would not have been nearly as rewarding but for their experienced co-operation, The many trade unionists who participated in the sessions of these Institutes will all heartily agree with my sentiments, am quite certain. Sincerely, Tom Gooderham, Regional Director, CLC. wheeler, for many years in sery- ice on Okanagan Lake and now beached for use-as a community centre. : A representative gathering of trade unionists from the Okana- gan Valley was welcomed by T. C. Hawtree, and heard Regional Education Director Tom Gooder- ham, as keynote speaker, outline the educational aims of the Con- gress, Courses provided were: Cur- rent Trends in Collective Bar- gaining, Instructor Joe Miya- zawa; History of the Labor Movement, Instructor Perey Ray- ment; Effective Union Adminis- tration, Instructor Tom Gooder- ham. A morning session was devoted to the work of the ICFTU, with Jim Bury furnishing most of the discussion material. Seagram's V.O. Seagram's Students, wives and friends re- ly Seagram's and be Sure ; «€8,, sauvabyss Golden Gin This advertisement is not published displayed the Liquor Control Board or by the Gominnen ee pie ‘SSS-82-R-57-NBC_