Southern Interio

from page 15

1966

After lengthy, frustrating and inconclusive bargaining, the
dispute between Coast Locals and F.I.R. became the subject of an
inquiry conducted by Mr. Justice Nemetz.
The major elements in the Nemetz proposal, accepted by
both parties, were:—20c on June 15, 1966
—20c on June 15, 1967
—4c increase in shift differentials
—Improvements to the Job Evaluation plan, Statutory Holiday
arrangements, and Travel Time provisions.

—A “technological change’”’ clause, providing that the companies
must give 6 months’ notice of changes that will result in lay-
offs, a training clause, and severance pay provision.

1967

One of the most difficult years ever for the Union. The In-
terior Locals, whose base rate was now 50c an hour behind that
of the Coast ($2.76 vs. $2.26) set out on a valiant struggle to
close the gap and achieve “parity”.

The provincial government, hoping for a repeat of the suc-
cessful efforts of Mr. Justice Nemetz, appointed Mr. Justice
Monroe to conduct an inquiry into the dispute.

The work of the Inquiry was unfortunately prejudiced by
gratuitous remarks made by the Premier and the Minister of
Lands and Forests.

Mr. Justice Monroe’s recommendations were rejected by the
Union because they contained no significant step toward the
major goal — parity with the Coast. The longest and most bitter
area-wide strike ever conducted by the Union ensued.

About 4,000 members in the Southern Interior and 1,000
members in the North struck on October 4, 1967. The Northern
Interior members returned a few weeks later with substantial
improvements over the Monroe proposals, but still leaving a two
and one-half year gap in expiry dates.

The Southern Interior Locals held firm, insisting upon more
money and further movement of the expiry date. In May of 1968,
7’ months after the strike began, they returned to work with
further improvements in the key areas of wages and expiry date.

The 1967-1968 Interior strike was a central event in the
recent history of the IWA. As such, it will generate lively debate

16/The Western Canadian Lumber Worker — Special Edition

for a long time to come. But the unity, determination and sheer
courage of the Interior Locals who fought the battle will for an
even longer time serve as an example for all of us.

The terms of settlement were as follows:

SOUTHERN INTERIOR:

—34c on return to work

—12c effective January 1, 1969

—13c effective September 1, 1969

—13c effective January 1, 1970

—Expiry date of agreement changed to June 30, 1970.

—Travel time-straight time rates to apply in excess of 9¥2 hours.

—Shift differential increased to 10c per hour.

—Differential between male and female base rates to be
eliminated.

—Plywood Job Evaluation plan to become a supplement to
agreement.

—Technological change — 6 months advance notice; severance
pay provision.

—First Aid Attendants: Class C, 15c per hr.; Class B, 20c per hr.;
Class A, 25c per hr.; Class AA, 30c per hr.

—Apprenticeship and job training plans.

—Weekly Indemnity increased to $50 per week for 39 weeks.

—Amendment to Statutory Holidays provision.

—Annual Vacations amendment: 6% percent — 5 years; 8%
percent — 20 years.

—Firefighter Agreement.

NORTHERN INTERIOR

—22c across the board September 1, 1967.

—12c across the board May 1, 1968.

—10c. across the board January 1, 1969.

—18c across the board September 1, 1969 (June 15, 1969 coast
increase)

—Improved Travel Time for loggers.

—Amendment to Statutory Holidays provision.

—Weekly indemnity increased to $50 per week for 39 weeks.

1968

COAST

—18c across the board June 15, 1968

—18c across the board June 15, 1969

—Amendments to Check-off form

—Provision for 40-hr week within 7-day period with straight time