Ls Eeitorieds CO-OPERATION ‘iy would be convenient if the IWA had a magic wand which when 4 waved over our problems would bring immediate solutions. The idea of co-operation with the Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Work- ers’ Union and the United Papermakers, although a good one, does not provide the [WA with any magic for immediate fulfillment. Two other unions have rights which must be considered. Any plan for more definite co-operation must be thought through carefully, that step by step, mutual advantages may be assured. Conferences at the international Ievel have already achieved re- markable success. The IWA Western Canadian Regional Council has wholeheartedly participated in the ten-point program agreed upon. The question of regional co-operation has had favorable con- sideration by all concerned. When negotiations parallel in the coastal area, frank and free exchange of opinions and information has always taken place. The spirit of co-operation has guided the negotiating officers of all three unions. The three unions concerned have different timetables and differ- ent bargaining procedures. It would be improper for the IWA to expect that the other two unions should automatically accept IWA procedures and timetables. It is not known whether the IWA mem- bers would favour changes in their procedures which would comply with the customs of the two other unions. Some form of federation or organic unity may emerge from the discussions in progress. Any such plan must be submitted to the members of the three unions. In the meantime, the basis has been Jaid for the fullest possible co-operation, consistent with the autonomy of each union holding jurisdiction in the forest products industry. If a closer partnership is desired let us not insult our prospective partners, by underestimating their loyalty to the workers in: the industry. DISAPPOINTMENT MAY disappointing omissions appear in the Federal Govern- ment’s legislative program as now disclosed in the House of Commons. Quite obviously, it is mainly an attempt to divert public attention from the failure of the Diefenbaker Government to ful- fill its major promises on taking office. Nothing is in prospect which will lift the economy from the dol- drums and end mass unemployment. While the across-the-board increase of pensions for senior citi- zens will be welcome, it still leaves the pension below minimum requirements. Trade unionists would be well advised to withhold comment on the proposed contributory portable retirement pension plan until the actual details of the legislation are disclosed. The promise to reform the Senate hangs on Prime Minister Diefenbaker’s determinaton to surmount the obstacle presented by the fact that the Senate cannot be reformed without its own consent. The disclosure Bill for corporations and unions will require care- ful examination by the Canadian Labour Congress. If it retains features that were included in last session’s Bill 70, it will be found highly objectionable. The pith of the matter is to be found in the New Democratic Party’s motion of no-confidence. The Government has failed to provide measures which will develop the economy to provide expanded export markets, and usher in full employment. No progress is promised in the development of a national health services plan. Another Royal Commission is the pretext for further delay in this long-promised scheme. No policy has been announced with regard to the use of nuclear weapons on Canadian soil or by Canadian forces. The sad fact looms up that Canada has suffered a loss of pres- tige on the world scene. The Prime Minister has given no clear-cut support to the pious ideals expressed by the Secretary of State for External Affairs. Both domestic and external policies have cost Canada the former position of enjoying the second highest standard of living in the world. : Publication date of the next issue of the WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER is February 2. Deadline for ad copy is January 25, and for news copy January 26. PUBLISHED TWICE MONTHLY ON THE FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAYS BY <= International Woodworkers of America (AFL-CIO-CLC) Regional Council No. 1 REGIONAL OFFICERS: Vineet ya) age anc SOON a BiGet one fae eee aeeane nana ae ‘pos Eremdent ae ie DORE Nl - ce-President .. ES a s ard ice Presitent % Bah Jack MacKenzie Secretary-Treasurer .... _. Fred Fieber i : en oe Madden International Board Mem He 2 Us Address all communications to FRED FIEBER, Secretary-Treasurer 2859 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, B.C. TR 4-5261 -2 Subscription Rates ©... - 0... $2.00 per annum Advertising Representative... .... G. A. Spencer Authorized as Second Class Mail, Post Office Dept., Ottawa, and for Payment of Postage in Cash, 27.500 COPIES PRINTED IN THIS ISSUE Sweden Gives High Place To Unions Sweden has been cited by a mission of the International Labour Office as “an example of a country in which trade unionism and the need for good industrial relations are taken for granted”. This appreciation is contained in an ILO report of a mission which carried out an on-the-spot factual survey relating to freedom of association in Sweden. “TRADE UNION SITUATION IN SWEDEN”. Report of an ILO Mission, $1.25, ILO Office, 202 Queen St., Ottawa 4, Ont. Strong organizations of workers and of employers and a deep aver- sion to State intervention were found to be features of the Swedish system of self-government in the labour market. The majority of Swedish em- ployers have come to look upon trade unions as necessary and desir- able, it is emphasized in the report. “Mutual respect has developed and a high degree of maturity in the con- duct of industrial relations has been attained,” the report says. Rights Fought For The right of workers to form unions, to strike and to bargain col- lectively had to be fought for, it is reported, but the struggle “was not nearly as fierce in Sweden as in the countries that had preceded it along the path of industrialization”. A Basic Agreement was signed in 1938 which has since been the in- strument through which the LO (the National Labour Center) and the SAF (the employers’ central or- ganization) regulate the labour mar- ket. This Basic Agreement initiated the present trend toward centralized negotiations. The report reveals that action by LO and the SAF for the co-ordination of wage policies in the interests of the whole economy has been standard procedure in recent years. Unions Highly Organized The report also calls attention to “the remarkable extent of organiza- tion found on both sides”. The mem- bership of the trade unions embraces 809% of all employed persons. In in- dustry, manual workers are organ- ized 90%. Strong trade unions exist even for the armed forces and the police. The employers and the unions are proud of their ability to work out disputes by discussion among them- selves. But machinery exists for the settlement of disputes that do not respond to discussion. “The compulsory settlement of a dispute would be regarded as an un- conscionable intrusion upon the rights of both parties, even in the event of open conflict,” it is stated. Right to Strike The Swedish trade unions retain the right to strike. There have been a number of major strikes in post-war years. During the period, 1956 to 1959, there were 57 strikes or lock- outs involving a total of 65 employ- ers and 4,467 workers—less than 0.2 per cent of the total work force. “In Sweden”, the report continues, “the Government recognizes the in- terest of the trade unions in econo- mic, political and social affairs. It gives practical effect to this recogni- tion. At the same time it encourages voluntary co-operation between la- bour and management in the hand- ling of the problems with which they are concerned. “In the fields of legislation and administration the Government has made far-reaching arrangements for consulting the unions and for asso- ciating them with the administrative activities of the State—not merely because of their interest in such matters, but also because of their important position in the community. In fact, the trade unions are re- garded as an integral part of the Swedish democratic system.” The Unions Won Through Organization The report concludes by stating, “In building up their position in the life of the nation the unions have re- lied less upon the protection of legis- lation than upon their own organ- izing and negotiating efforts and sent to improve the situation and the essential which international organizations: such as the ILO are called upon to im- | portant effort being made pre- role play in this specially critical period in world affairs.” Therefore, he ex- plained, setting aside the personal considerations which had motivated his earlier action, he had decided to withdraw his resignation. Mr. Morse was elected Director- ’ General on June 12, 1948, for a term of ten years. On May 31, 1957, 15 months prior to the end of his ten-year term, he was re- elected for a term of five years. upon the soundness of their program. They would be the first to admit that conditions which exist in Sweden have sometimes favored them. “One of these conditions has been the realization by the employers that their own interests and those of the nation would be served by the foster- ing of frank and free relations with the trade union movement. Without pretending that the results have been completely satisfactory, both sides seem to be: well content with the system which they have created.” The report has special significance for Canadian trade unionists at this time because Sweden has now taken Canada's position as the nation in the world with the second highest standard of living. FROM THE TALL TIMBER COUNTRY... Here is a practical working tool for the man who cuts trees for a living. It’s a no-nonsense design that puts all the controls right where you want them, at your fingertips. It makes all the on- the-job adjustments easy, without strip- ping down. It makes maintenance simple, without special tools. 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