3 WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER PRESIDENT’S COLUMN "First Things First” These have been critical negotiations for our Union. It is no secret that the members of the Policy Committee spent many anxious hours in weighing the pros and cons of every suggested course of action. The final resolution to recommend acceptance was not an “off-the-cuff” conclusion. The uppermost consideration in the minds of the committee members voting for acceptance was to serve the best interests of the membership. t the close of the Policy Com- mittee meeting which authorized the ‘representatives I ‘said as much. reached agree- ment on an ex- J. MORRIS tremely difficult decision because of the predominant desire to place mem- bership interests first. In our further discussion, we must take care to place first things first. It would be most unfortunate for ‘the Union if personalities or per- recruit sonal ambitions are allowed to cloud the issue. My personal views, as well as those of other members of the committee must be subordinated to the greatest good for the entire mem- bership. Our decision could not be made on the basis of what might appear to some to be popular. A no-wage agrce- ment is bound to meet critics. On the other hand, decisions likely to involve the Union in strike action would be equally unpopular in many quarters. We faced the issue to determine whether “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”. We measured both the immediate gains, and the results in terms of negotiations to follow next year and the years after. Each year's battle at the bargaining table must be regarded as part of the bar- gaining program that extends over the years, No Reckless Gamble Advisable I am quite sure that every member of the Committee would have liked to recommend a more aggressive course of action. Any .temptation to try and create an impression of mili- tancy in treacherous circumstances did not provide the right answer. The responsibilities resting upon the com- mittee prevented any reckless “all or nothing” gamble this year. We had to make certain, first, that nothing was taken away from the present con- tract, and secondly, that the utmost progress was made possible through negotiations. It is for the member- ship to decide, in the light of all the facts, whether we should risk. what we have for uncertainties at the end of a punishing struggle The Wages and Contract Confer- ence placed a heavy emphasis on a health and welfare plan. We have re- tained that emphasis on an issue that has been a bargaining objective since 1952. The program now negotiated is virtually one of our own design. The benefits will continue to accumulate throughout the years as a permanent feature of the contract. Its value to the membership will increase. We will no longer be compelled to choose be- tween such a plan and its equivalent in wage increases. Families Gain New Protection The very fact that the majority of the committee has placed a high value on the health and welfare plan indi- cates that the major concern was the welfare of the membership. They realize its great possibilities in shield- ing every family dependent on wages earned in the industry. The family as well as the breadwinner gets protec- tion on the job and off the job, against the financial consequences of sickness, injury and death. ; It is a gross error to claim that the features of the plan are not new, be- cause some operations have a form of medical coverage. Main Features Are New The main features are entirely new. It is an industry-wide plan ensuring coverage to all. The industry-wide basis written into the master agree- ment gives it an enduring foundation, with every opportunity to minimize costs. Its benefits “are transferable from operation to operation. It pro- vides for medical coverage during periods of unemployment. It brings to every family important insurance pro- tection. The Union will have equal responsibility with management in the administration of the scheme in order to safeguard membership in- terests. It provides an opening wedge or consideration of a portable pen- sion scheme to give greater security on retirement. It is just about every- thing that the Union asked for in this field I heartily agree with the com- mittee’s recommendation to accept. The commonsense course is to accept gains of which we can be certain in a year of great uncertainties. All of us would like to get more. Since we must do battle to get more, it is the part of wisdom to select our best possible opportunity and fighting ground. I cast my ballot for a course that serves the best interests of my fellow-members, with wisdom. Scab Plans Bared The 1,150,000-member Canadian Labour Congress has joined with the Canadian Airline Flight At- tendants’ Association to protest against “gross intimidation” on the part of Trans-Canada Airlines ina dispute arising out of the issue The central labour organization en- dorsed a telegram sent to qoanonont Minister Leon Balcer and Labo Minister Michael Starr by the CAF Hye in which it claims that, prior to the release of the conciliation board re- port, TCA issued instructions by teletype to all company officials to strike-breakers to replace stewardesses, hostesses and pursers in the event of a strike. “We submit that this gross intimi- dation is contrary to Section 4 of the Industrial Relations and Disputes Investigation Act and is conduct which, on the grounds of public policy, should not be permitted by a Crown corporation,” the telegram aid The Flight Attendants’ Association is an affiliate of the C CLC President Claude Jodoin also blamed Trans-Canada Airlines for not accepting the majority decision of the conciliation board presided over by Mr. Justice Andre Mont- petit, of Montreal. The report recommended stew- ardesses and pursers be paid more for work aboard jet and turbo-jet aircraft. It proposed 10 minutes’ extra flying-time credit for each hour flown on DC-8 jets and five-minutes’ extra credit for each hour flown on_ Van- n guard turbo-jets. The union has al- ready accepted the report: > friendly WELCOM your of the ~THE VANPORT HOTEL 645 MAIN STREET VANCOUVER 3, B.C. (MU 2-9049) is under NEW MANAGEMENT Maurice St. Cyr and Vern Carter have spruced up the whole place till it shines. E MAT out for all IWA rooms ranging from $7.00 per week up. Make the ome base next time you hit town. We guarantee you'll stick around! Georgia at Main: new look but same old spirit on both sides - There‘s a warm, loggers in clean, bright NEW VANPORT Children’s Jubilee Summer Camp So Goes The Evidence In a _ pleasure-before-business tuling the Karlsruke Labour Court has upheld the right of employees from rival firms to engage in courtship in their spare time. The case came before the court after an inland navigation company fired one of its typists. The firm said the girl was wrong to associate with a young man employed on a Rhine boat operated by a rival company. The girl appealed to the court against her dismissal and received the verdict that she was entitled to do as she liked on her own time. “Tt is a matter of common know- ledge,” said the court, “that young lovers do not usually discuss their employers’ business affairs during their free time together.’ Jubilee Offers Happy Holidays Are you looking for a safe, inexpensive summer camp for your children this summer? One of the most delightful Summer vacation spots in British Colum- bia is the Children’s Jubilee Sum- mer Camp located on the North Arm of Burrard Inlet. The Camp was organized at a Con- vention of Workers’ Organizations in the fall of 1935, for the benefit and enjoyment of children of Vancouver and surrounding districts, The spon- sors, Labour Unions, Business Firms, Fraternal Organizations, Clubs and Private Donors, have stressed that the Camp must be first of all safe and clean for the children and the charge to the parents kept to a mini- m. Competent personnel are in charge of the Camp while it is in session and the children are well supervised. Ac- tivities include outdoor and indoor games such as hiking, fishing, boat- ing, swimming, art, crafts, skits, etc. Supplies and mail are brought /in daily. If you are interested apply or write to the Children’s Jubilee Summer Camp Registration Office, Room 9, 339 West Pender Street, Vancouver 3,- B.C. The rates are per person $22.50 for each session and includes boat fare and campers insurance, Age limit is seven to twelve, both inclusive. re BEST BUY PIERRE PARIS & SONS 51 WEST HASTINGS ST. VANCOUVER 3, B.C UNION-MADE BY THE SAME FAMILY IN B.C. FOR OVER FIFTY. YEARS