via thewestern canadian lumber worker ISSN 0049-7371 [Wor A. | Vol. XLX No. 2 VANCOUVER, B.C. One of the best conventions on record was the concensus of most delegates. The majority of the time was spent on constructive approaches to the problems faced by the Union and its members during the present difficult economic times. GLC'’s PROPOSAL TO REVIVE THE ECONOMY One of the most important first steps that could be taken to revive the Canadian economy would be to reduce mortgage interest rates. To this end the Canadian Labour Congress is proposing that the Government of Canada re-direct the new money flowing into its various superannua- es Third Troisitme class classe PERMIT No. 2075 VANCOUVER, B.C. iho Sth Floor, 1285 West Pender Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6E4B2 RETURN REQUESTED THE LUMBER WORKER tion accounts and use this money to make mortgage loans. The CLC recommends that this be done until the process of economic recovery is well underway and/or until mortgage rates return to levels that are reasonable by historical standards. The CLC also urges the federal government to persuade provincial governments that operate superannuation plans on financial principles that are similar to those used in the federal government’s superannuation plans to adopt the same measures. Background to the Proposal: Between August, 1978 and September, 1981 nominal mortgage rates increased by 108 per cent from 10.31 per cent to 21.46 per cent.-Real mortgage rates increased from 0.9 per cent to 9.0 per cent. This remarkable increase in the interest rates charged on conventional five-year mortgages has had some espe- cially undesirable effects. It has contributed heavily to an incredible reduction in new home construction. The number of new homes completed in Canada dropped by 71,500, or 29 percent between 1978 and 1981. The drop in housing construction has also contributed to a drop in the demand for the output of major supply industries such as the wood industry, the home appliance industry, and so on. In addition, many home owners have not been able to bear the cost of renegotiating their mortgages and havehad to give up their homes. Those home owners who can bear the cost of renegotiated mortgages find that the cost of their existing housing has increased substantially. In other words, their real standard of living is reduced by higher mortgage rates. From the CLC’s point of view, providing mortgage loans at interest rates that are below those now prvailing in the market will SEE “ECONOMY” PAGE TWELVE REGIONAL CONVENTION PRODUCTIVE Delegates attending the Forty-Fifth Annual Regional Convention in Vancouver, October 18-22, quickly settled down to business in what has been described as one of the most productive conventions in years. It was evident from the first day that the delegates were too deeply concerned over the economy and the state of the forest industry to play politics while so many of their brothers were out of work. This was reflected in all offices being unopposed during the election of officers on the Thursday morning. Re-elected by acclamation were president Jack Munro; first vice-president Bob Blanchard; second vice-president Neil Menard. Roger Stanyer, president of Local 1-80, was elected non full time third vice-president, and Gerry Stoney, president of Local 1-357, was elected secretary-treasurer. Doug Evans, president of Local 1-217 and Bill Schumaker of Local 1-423 were re- elected International board members. Earl Foxcroft, president of Local 1-85, was re- elected alternate board member. Kevin Kelly, financial secretary of Local 1-417, was elected six-year trustee. The delegates citing high interest rates and the lack of action by the senior levels of government for the main cause of the country’s horrendous unemployment, bitterly attacked the Liberal and Social Credit governments. The policies of the Reagan government were also soundly condemned for adding to the worsening economy in Canada and the US. SEE “CONVENTION” PAGE TWO @ UIG NOTICE The Employment and Immigration Com- mission has notified the CLC that effective September 5th, 1982, Regulations 58 and 59 (Allocation of Earnings) have been changed so that several forms of earnings, when paid or payable on separation from employment, are no longer earnings for UI purposes. The following payments are not insurable and are not earnings for UI purposes: —Vacation pay paid or payable at separa- tion when the reason for separation is not a vacation period, holiday period or general continuous holiday period. —Wages in lieu of notice paid or payable to an employee who is not reinstated. —Bonuses (excluding production bonuses). —Retroactive increases in wages or salary. —Retroactive payment of wages or other money paid or payable because of a labour arbitration award or court judgement to an employee who is not reinstated. |