LABOUR MARCHES FORWARD

Organized labour in British Columbia is mobilizing to fight still more vigorously for the workers’ economic and
political rights. The aggressive action planned at two recent conventions in Vancouver will strengthen the fight on
both the economic and legislative fronts. The economic struggle will be pressed with renewed determination. It will
now secure supporting political action. Labour has decided that the fight on both fronts is one and the same fight.

The Annual Convention of the B.C. Federation of Labour mounted full-scale campaigns for full employment,
for concerted action to better wages and working conditions, for freedom from crippling interference with collective
bargaining, and for protection against workers’ victimization on the job and in their homes.

Labour’s participation in the Provincial Founding Convention of the New Democratic Party gave the trade
unions a new political instrument to carry the fight for their legislative aims to the polls and ultimately elect a gov-
ernment pledged to end the tyranny of special privilege.

The decisions of both conventions are here presented side by side as they complement each other. Laboutr’s
political action was designed to protect and extend the basic functions of trade unions to raise the living standards of

the workers.

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THE WESTERN CANADIAN

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POLITICAL

Incorporating The 2. Lunberworker Official Publication of the ect

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of emertea Regional Council No. 1

FRONT

VOL. XXVII, No. 21

VANCOUVER, B.C.

: FRONT

1st Issue,
November, 1961

Labour Acts To Build Political Wing

Delegates from Local Unions, CCF-units, Youth groups and New
Democratic Party Clubs numbering over 500 joined forces at the Pro-
vincial Founding Convention of the New Democratic Party to weld
together a new political movement for British Columbia. In three days
of intensive effort they gave constitutional form to the provincial wing
of the national movement and adopted a political manifesto, which,
together with policy declarations sounded a ringing challenge to the
rule. of special privilege. Their deliberations were keyed to the theme
of social justice for all.

Trade unionists and CCF’ers alike found common ground in the
building of an organizational structure with rank and file control and
in the issuance of a legislative platform for a New Democratic Govern-
ment. The commitment to “apply the principles of democratic social-
ism” was inserted in the preamble to the programme without a murmur
of dissent. The major aims of industrial workers and farmers found
unanimous support from the delegates who comprised the Party’s first
provincial policy-making assembly.

The animated and eager participation in debates on social ques-
tions was in marked contrast to the “couldn’t care less” attitude re-
ported from the Social Credit Convention held simultaneously a few
miles away. Debates at the Bayshore Inn, where the Democrats con-
gregated, rang with constructive purpose, and centred on the real
problems of the Canadian people. Policies had precedence over per-
sonalities.

The ovation spontaneously tendered National Leader Tommy
Douglas sprung from sincere appreciation of his continuing and cour-
ageous fight for the rights of the common people. The unanimous selec-
tion of Bob Strachan M.L.A. as Provincial Leader left the convention
in a gay relaxed mood, which radiated confidence in a sweeping victory
at the polls. The eloquence of Tommy Douglas won his audience of

See “POLITICAL WING” page 3

Labour Mobilizes To Raise Standards

In four days, packed with lively and well-informed debate, the
356 delegates attending the Annual Convention of the B.C. Federation
of Labour which opened October 23 prepared for a fresh onslaught
against the evils of unemployment, anti-labour legislation, the em-
ployers’ hold-the line wage policy, and all forms of workers’ exploita-
tion. In each instance, constructive and positive action was planned
by the convention that gave explicit answers to each pressing question.

The delegates heard bad news about rising unemployment, em-
ployers’ anti-labour practices, declining organizational strength in the
Dominion, numerous instances of workers’ victimization and economic
stagnation. Each item of bad news was accepted as a challenge to
greater struggle by labour. The convention revealed that organized
labour is in a fighting mood.

This fighting mood was not expressed in extreme language. The
debates were lively and well-informed and reached decisions which
reflected a sense of realism and responsibility in advancing the well-
being of the workers represented. The convention motto, suspended
over the platform was “What we desire for ourselves, we wish for all”.
This sentiment permeated the entire proceedings.

Rumours of attempts to establish left-wing control vanished like
a bubble. There was little patience with imported ideologies. Every
issue was dealt with on its merits with solid common sense based on
the known circumstances. The delegates knew what they wanted and
said so. This was demonstrated in the debates on international affairs.
World peace and security was the paramount consideration. It was
made evident in the election of officers and executive members that the
majority favoured policies which spell consistent advancement of the
fundamental aims as already upheld by the Federation.

Consideration of legislative matters struck a new note. It was
known that many of the delegates would be attending the political

See “LABOUR MOBILIZES” page 2

Board Orders Company
To Reinstate Workers

B.C. Federation Of Labour,
New Democratic Party
Elect Ofticers

Orders have been issued by the Labour Relations Board, upon
complaint of Local 1-417 IWA, to compel the MacDonald Con-
struction Ltd., Clearwater, B.C. to cease intimidation against IWA
members, and to reinstate four employees who had been discharged

for union activity.

Donald MacDonald Construction
Ltd. is a sub-contractor for Thomp-
son River Logging Ltd. at Clear-
water. IWA Organizer Dick Larson
was engaged in organizing the crew

at the time of the discharges. Evi-

dence which resulted in issuance of
the orders was obtained and pre-

sented to the Board with the assis-
tance of Director Clayton Walls of
the Interior Regional Office.

In a general order, the company
was restrained from using coercion
or intimidation of any kind that
could reasonably have the effect of
compelling or inducing any person
to refrain from becoming or con-
tinuing to be a member of a trade
union.

NATIONAL LEADER, HON. T. C

DOUGLAS, of the New Democratic
Party was given a rousing demonstration
of support when he addressed the Pro-
vincial Founding Convention in Van-
couver October 27,

He contrasted the policies of the
Saskatchewan Government toward

Officers and members of the
Executive Council elected at the re-
cent Annual Convention of the B.C.
Federation of Labour are as follows;

President, Robert Smeal, Flight

Attendants Association (Accla-
mation);

Ast Vice-President, Jack Moore,

2nd Vice-President, Russ St. Eloi,
Plumbers and Steamfitters;

3rd Vice-President, Mel Kemmis,
Bakery Workers (Acclamation);

4th Vice-President, Ray Haynes,
Retail, Wholesale and Depart-
ment Store Union;

Secretary-Treasurer, Pat O’Neal,

Pulp and Sulphite Workers
(Acclamation);

Executive Council Members —
E. T. Staley, Carpenters; Stan Par-
ker, IWA; Chris Crombie, News-
paper Guild; Pen Baskin, Steel-
workers; L. Wishart, Firefighters; R.
Bryce, Pulp and Sulphite Workers;

Jacob Holst, IWA; W. Symington,
Packinghouse Workers; J. i
Oil Workers; E. Meadows, Mer-
chant Service Guild.

Thé Founding Convention of the
New Democratic Party elected the
following officers and members of
the Provincial Executive:

Provincial Leader, Robert Strach-
an M.L.A.; President, Tom Berger
(Acclamation); Vice-Presidents, Jack
Moore; Alex Macdonald M.L.A.;
Mrs. Marney Stevenson; C. P.
“Paddy” Neale, Treasurer.

Provincial Executive Members:
Tom Barnett, Colin Cameron, Mrs.
Alma Faulds, Frank MacKenzie,
Pat O’Neal, Frank Snowsell, Monty
Alton, Mrs. D. G. Steeves, Jack
MacKenzie, and Gordon Dowding
M.L.A.

Elections were held for nine
members of a Discipline Commit-
tee, but owing to the lateness of the
hour, the count was deferred until
a later date.

: labour with those imposed upon labour
acai ee on se by nL Credit Government in
, , ritish Columbia,
WH AT'S Gibbs, and John Neufeld. Each The Saskatchewan CCF Government
order stipulated payment of wages is the only provincial government, he
lost by reason of their discharges. declared which has passed a Bill of
INSIDE The action of the Board is wel- se ee seer a asia
comed by IWA officials as one SPN Se nenne aed IMpOss Nr? ee
° rae stated that civil servants in Saskatche-
Turts.....< 23 rae to end all attempts at intimi- wan had been granted full collective
Editorial MF ation encountered in the area. bargaining rights,
Report... 5 LISTEN TO ;
President ... 5 7:00 A
In Brief . 7 cae pg L
‘ el Thursday
Douglas _...... re)

Ist and 3rd 2nd and 4th
CKPG Thursday CKO Sunday of
6:00 p.m. each month