=) 2nd Issue, September, 1961 WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS IWA Delegates Endorse Programme of Action Delegates attending the IWA Regional Annual‘ Convention took a business-like and lively approach to a wide range of problems and closed the proceedings on September 9 on a note of unanimity expressed in a challenging program of action for the ensuing year. Several questions on which controversy arose were referred for further study by the Local Unions and the Regional Executive Board. A high point of interest was the speech on the closing day by Hon. T. C. Douglas, Leader of the New Democratic Party. Introduced as Brother Tommy Douglas (an ITU member) and accompanied by Robert Strachan M.L.A. and Erhart Regier M.P., he was accorded a standing ovation after a forty-five minute exposition of the aims of the new political party. Earlier the conyention had made the decision to support the New Democratic Party, and seek affilia- tion through the Local Unions. The list of guest speakers in- cluded International President A. F. Hartung, and _ International Vice-Presidents Claude Ballard and Ron Roley, At the conclusion of his remarks, the International President took the occasion to warn against symptoms of internal strife and to appeal for unity in confronting anti-labour interests. His references to the situation in Newfoundland were later sup- plemented by Regional Director, H. Landon Ladd, Region 2 who joined in a stern denunciation of Premier Smallwood’s insinuation that the Union’s members had been responsible for forest fires in that province. One Hundred Resolutions More than one hundred resolu- tions from Local Unions engaged the attention of the delegates. The deliberations were considerabl pedited by ieee which met two days in adva Hon. Leslie Peteraat, Minister of Labour, was given a courteous reception. In his remarks he con- fined himself to an explanation of the expanding vocational training program for employed and unem- ployed, and the apprenticeship sys- tem. When his eye rested on the convention sign “We support the New Democratic Party” he jocu- Jarly said that he would be care- ful not to get “brainwashed” by such propaganda. Appointment of John Mac- Kenzie, Local 1-118 IWA to fill the vacant post of 3rd Vice-Presi- dent was ratified, as were also the appointments of Fred Fieber, Local -71, as Secretary-Treasurer and of John Squire MLA, Local 1-85, as Trustee. Convention Decisions Among the more significant de- cisions reached by the delegates were the following:— @ The conduct of coast nego- tiations will in future be con- ducted by a ten-man com- mittee to include a _ repre- sentative from each Local Union concerned. No increase in the strike fund assessment was agreed upon after prolonged debate. The conditions of strike fund ad- ministration will now be studied by the Regional Exe- cutive Board in light of the various points of view ex- pressed before a referendum ballot on the matter is sub- mitted to the membership. Support of the New Demo- cratic Party was affirmed. Voluntary donations of one dollar per member per year will be sought. Local Unions were urged to affiliate. @ Full participation in a cam- ign for measures to allevi- ate unemployment was or- dered Failure of the Provincial Government to provide ade- quate protection against for- est fires was scored. A public probe to determine better methods of conservation and forest management was urged. @ Monopoly control of forest forest lands to the public do- main was advocated by reso- @ A resolution modifying the existing system of wage and expense allowances for mem- bers on the Union’s business was defeated. A ruling of the Chair stated that the present by-laws would now apply. A number of resolutions dealing with the Inter- national per capita tax were referred back to the inter- ested Local Unions with the advice that their views be stated at the International Convention. The early repeal of Bills 43 and 42 was urged. Income tax exemption for loggers’ travel expense, Pies tective clothing etc. will b demanded again. More cn ient income tax regulations @ Full medical coverage for the unemployed, and dependents under the Workmen’s Com- pensation Act was demanded. Legislation to provide three weeks vacation with pay after five years, and four weeks after ten years for all workers was a demand for consideration by the B.C. Federation of Labour. Stricter enforcement of the Hours of Work Act in res- pect of overtime was stressed. The Union made its stand for adherence to the forty-hour week, as essential tp spread available employ- ment. The convention asked that legal steps be taken to pro- tect workers in the payment of arrears of wages in the case of bankrupt employers. Strict observance of the pro- visions of the Semi-Monthly Payment of neces Act was also demanded Authorization was given for steps leading to the abandon- ment of the Southern Inter- ior plan of administration now in effect, as soon as possible. The International Conven- tion was asked to deal with such matters as exoneration of individual members, ex- oneration of Local Unions, and procedures for referen- dum balloting in scattered areas. Close co-operation with the Pulp, Sulphite, and Paper- makers’ Union was author- ized during negotiations. The Western Canadian Lum- ber Worker was placed under the direction of a five- member’ Editorial Board, headed by the Regional Director. Changes in the format were authorized. The Union’s system of pro rate for delegates attending conventions and conferences will be reviewed by a confer- ence of Local Union Finan- cial Secretaries to provide the basis for a report by the Regional Executive Board. Approval was given a na- tional retirement plan. The Union will negotiate suitable provisions in the contract to deal with employers’ de- mands for compulsory re- tirement. Improved regulations of the Workmen’s Compensation Board for control of dust, vapour, and noise in mills and plywood plants were approved. The Canadian Congress of Labour will be asked to press for amended regulations under the Unemployment Insurance Act. A vigorous condemnation of nations now resuming nu-" clear bomb tests was made by the convention delegates. The hazards of nuclear war- fare will be further publi- cized. The convention called for a halt in the arms race and general nuclear disarma- ae CS td q o 4 | we cree te VIEW OF PART of the head table during the Convention Banquet. Group from left, Hon. L. R. eye Mints of Labour; Mrs. Jack Moore; Regional Ist Vice-President, Jack Moore; Mrs. Joe Morris; Regional President Joe. Mor ment. Opposition, was ex- pressed to nuclear weapons and nuclear testing on Cana- dian soil. Further studies of plywood job evaluation methods will be made with the object of achieving necessary changes in the manual used. The Trustees’ report, which was adopted, stated that the strike fund is bringing in a steady revenue from well- placed and sound investments. Expenditures demanded by increased membership ser- vices had exceeded those of the previous year and changes in financing Wood- workers’ House were sug- gested. @ The Officers’ Report Com- mittee report was adopted. Its general terms expressed approval of steps now being tak to strengthen the Union’s organizational pro- gram. No specific recom- mendations were made. DELEGATES LOCAL 1-288, IWA (LUMBER INSPECTORS’ LOCAL) \ seen HIRTS bre om Na SHOE MANUFACTURING CO. (B.C.) LTD. 2248-50 East Hastings St. Vancouver, B.C. Logger Boots + Safety Boots | Wes || yh ee Nee UNION MADE