B.C. FIRMS ACQUIRE ITT ASSETS Three British Columbia based forest products companies have reached agree- ment with ITT Industries of Canada Ltd.,a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation of New York, to acquire the assets of ITTIC’s division Rayonier Canada, for approxi- mately $420 million (Canadian). British Columbia Forest Products Limited, Doman Industries Limited and Whonnock Industries Ltd., have announced they will participate as equal partners in the ownership and operation of the venture. Rayonier Canada operates three sawmills in the Vancouver area, pulp mills at Port Alice and Woodfibre and extensive logging operations in British Columbia. The com- pany has 3,000 employees. The completion of the sale is subject to certain departmental approvals by the Government of British Columbia and by the boards of directors of the individual com- panies. The transaction is expected to be completed within 60 days. Doman Industries and Whonnock Indus- tries are major West Coast lumber producers with operations in Coastal B.C. and on Vancouver Island. BCFP is a fully integrated forest products company with operations and investments in B.C., Alberta, Quebec and in the United States. ITT Industries of Canada Limited is involved in 18 businesses across Canada covering a broad and diversified range of products and services. Included are the manufacture and sale of automotive parts, telecommunications equipment, industrial products, insurance services and Sheraton Hotels. © FROM PAGE ONE “FEDERATION” Premier following the presentation of the Brief, that contrary to public statements he made, he had no intention of co-operating or communicating with the B.C. Federation of Labour. Why should we continue to go to Victoria if that is the attitude of the Premier toward half the working people in this province? “Because the government has chosen not to act on most of the important recommenda- tions in last year’s Brief, we have repeated them. The problems that gave rise to those recommendations still exist, and still need rectifying,” said Kinnaird. As an alternative position, we have mailed the Brief outlining our concerns, criticisms and desire for some changes to what the government has donein legislative areas. It must be read, and we demand that the government finally implement our recommendations. ; Kinnaird added, “It is the intention of the B.C. Federation of Labour to continue its program of raising public awareness of our concerns for working people and of the 2/Lumber Worker/September, 1980 callous disregard the provincial govern- ment is showing for those concerns.” Highlights of the Brief include: 1. A call for amendments to the Labour Code which will decrease the role of the courts in regulating strike activity, with additional powers being given to the Labour Relations Board. (Brief pages: 14 (bottom), 15, 16) 2. A demand that essential services dis- putes legislation be immediately repealed. (It is unwanted and unnecessary legisla- tion. (Brief page: 7) 3. The Public Construction Fair Wages Act, as it stands, is “a hollow shell, totally unenforceable’, and has been the cause of an increasing number of disputes over the past year. The Brief calls for regulations that will give the Act some meaning. (Brief pages: 7-9) 4, Calls for an increase in the amount of vocational training, especially in the indus- trial sector, and for a substantial amount of that training to be directed at those already in the workforce. (Brief pages: 16-19) 5. Changes brought about by a new Mines Act appear to be for the purpose of allowing the government to do away with health and safety standards for miners as part of the deal they are trying to make with Japanese coal interests. “The new Mines Act must guarantee the health and safety of British Columbia miners.” 6. The Brief indicates our concern that the government is not taking steps to insulate the provincial economy from the future effects of the current U.S. recession that is spreading to this country as well. (Brief pages: 9-11) 7. The Brief points out that the revision to the minimum wage was inadequate and that the Act’s coverage has too many loop- holes through which unscrupulous employ- ers may still be able to exploit their employees. The coverage given to farm- workers may be only cosmetic. (Brief pages: 2-4) 8. As in past Briefs to this government, we have criticized the government for proceeding with a variety of matters affect- ing the labour movement without any consultation at all. (Brief pages: 19-21) Marion Service, long-time office secretary of Local 1-405 IWA, Cranbrook, is shown with former Local president Art Damstrom at the retirement party given by the Local Union in her honour. 1-405 HONOURS MARION SERVICE Marion Service, office secretary of Local 1-405 IWA Cranbrook, for the past fifteen years, retired June 30th. Marion was not only a highly capable office manager but also highly popular with everyone who knew her. To show their appreciation for her dedica- tion to the Union, the Local officers and her many friends honoured her on her retire- ment with a banquet and suitable gifts. Local president Wayne Nowlin in a short address at the banquet spoke for all Mar- ion’s friends when he stated that nobody deserved a long and happy retirement more than she. PROFILE OF A UNION MAN The following poem was dedicated by Corrie Schafthuizen to his long-time friend and fellow unionist in Local 1-405, Jack Walker. From the day of my birth On this beautiful earth There is one thing I'll always believe, When yow’re setting a goal With a spirited soul It’s amazing what you can achieve. With that gypsy-like spirit I was proud to inherit And that feeling of born to be free, I would look for a vision When I make a decision If there’s others depending on me. I would like to be strong Yet admit when I’m wrong Show compassion for my fellow man, But it’s when my own dreams Fall apart at the seams I must pray for the strength so I can. I would like to be kind Keep a wide open mind Be forgiving I guess is the word, But I'll put up a fight Just to gain equal right And make sure that the other man’s heard. I must never neglect To show proper respect For those others presenting their case, That’s regardiess of creed And there should be no need To distinguish in colour or race. It’s the love in my heart That has really played part In our Union that is so much alive, But it’s putting it mild My emotions run wild In the struggle of man to survive. I could never rejoice By disguising my voice And pretend to be better than most But I have a desire That this passionate fire Is my own and not merely a ghost’s. I’m not looking for glory But I’m ending my story By describing the best that I can, That there is just no way That there will be a day That I'll even be half such a man. You can readily see It will take more than me It’s you members all over this land, You must answer the call For divided we fall And it’s only united we stand.