_IWA STATES JOB PROGRAM Rae Vil as WESTERN A |, aes Plans a i uv wee Displacements In Industry % Incorporating “Zhe Bz. Lunbernworker Official Publication of the Iuternattenal Weedeorkers C74 femertea Regional Council No. 1 Job security is the woodworkers’ main problem. XXIX. UVE 1st Issue " sore satan ee ee Gcthiiehas62 This was recognized by IWA delegates attending the < 25th Annual Regional Convention in Woodworkers’ Union Deties Dictatorship "This Union will not submit to the dictatorship at- tempted by J. V. Clyne and the management of Mac- Millan, Bloedel and Powell River Ltd.” With these words, Regional President Jack Moore summed up the attitude taken by the Annual Regional Convention in regard to the Company’s.tyranny in job relations. Smoldering resentment against the powerful cor- poration’s anti-labour tactics in all its operations flared into open defiance when the delegates learned of the Company's attack on Local 1-85 IWA in Port Alberni. An emergency resolution, signed by the six Local Unions certified in the MacMillan, Bloedel and Powell River opera- BALLOTS ISSUED . Nominations received by IWA Annual Regional Con- vention placed the following names on the membership referendum ballot: For President, Jack Moore (unopposed). For Ist Vice-President, Jack MacKenzie (unopposed). For 2nd Vice-President, Jack Holst, Weldon Jubenville. For 3rd Vice-President, Bob Ross, Harry Jaeck. For Secretary-Treasurer, Fred Fieber, Tom Clarke. For International Board Members, W. F. Allen (un- opposed), Joe Madden (un- opposed). For Alternate International Board Member, E. L. Freer House, Vancouver, September 18-22. An Anniversary Convention, which celebrated 25 years of achievement, quickly turned its whole atten- tion to new and pressing issues of today and tomorrow. The debates, highlighted by the views of guest speakers, emphasized the fact that the results of 25 years of struggle for better wages and conditions are in danger. Modernization of the lumber industry, tyrannical job relations, threat of restricted lumber exports and a slow- down in the economy presented a picture which de- ‘manded plans for an aggressive program by the Union. The Union was reminded of a militant past by a simple ceremony at the opening. A bronze plaque was unveiled to the memory of Robert Gardner, a labour martyr. Bob Gardner lost his life as the result of injuries received at the hands of the Provincial Police in the Union’s first and longest strike.. As the circumstances of his death were related by Regional President Jack Moore, the memorial plaque was unveiled by Stanley Abercrombie, Local 1-80, who was associated with Bob Gardner in the Blubber Bay strike. The story of the tragedy was detailed in the Anniversary historical issue of the WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER distrib- 4 tions was introduced by President Walter Allen, Local 1-85. Gasccsea The issue, he stated, was not merely the action taken by inore es ay S. Saui vied as the delegates assembled. 5 the Company ‘against Local 1-85 in seeking the prosecution of (anoppose d). pei Beas MILITANT PAST — MILITANT FUTURE forty boom men and the officers of Local 1-85 as the result That the tot fhe Uni Ib | ilitant « of a dispute over seniority. “The real issue before the IWA is a abe a DFU MOL NAAT 1212) 1AKe),” Er SOULS EL that a dictatorial and huge corporation is spearheading a Me than the past was evinced by the manner in which the general attack designed to destroy established trade union VL OOoLrs eC delegates determined upon action required by the 200 5 rights in the lumber industry.” Due to the fact that the boom resolutions and reports before them. men and the Local Union officers had been ordered to file a Ak fe cael sn [R erecidenty) k M 4 defence before the Labour Relations Board, the details of the pots eynote address by Regional President Jack Moore dispute could not be fully aired in public prior to the hearing, clearly stated the issues of paramount importance. a he explained. These were, he stated: } “DIABOLICAL” TACTICS DENOUNCED Is ssues a hel le SN edn |e Walter Allen spoke of what he called the “diabolical plans” @ “Ww uifferitte (f The increasing displacement of workers in the lum- ‘ of the Company. The dispute had been settled on September .- b Sighs hi Scare rom ber industry due to technological changes. 5th. On September 19th, in the absence of the Local Union’s a ete eee Sy eae 3 The higher average of mass unemployment in the j officers ip orc ieee Regional Convention, the Com- igre: wenal @aussesGe Ge Canadian economy, caused by faulty economic planning. ate ae wen Annee Pa ee and poe pub> peing wiped out and skilled The proposal to cut back lumber exports to the United “a y i as well as the circulation of Company orkers are getting the axe States which would throw more lumber workers on the é propaganda to the homes of employees. This sneak attack aikace: Blake Ghia & ech was intended, he said, to convince the public, before fair trial, pation a a i a chan- bread line. ; i that the Local Union was guilty of an alleged offence. Re epee ag : The imperative need for combined economic and Earlier in the day, Tom Barnett, M.P., welcomed as a_ sion is Ee apGnG ade ioe political action to gain solutions for these pressing fraternal delegate, accused Chairman J. V. Clyne of using displaced workers compelled problems. ? the great economic power of the Company to “teach the work- _to join the long lines outside On each point the convention delegates gave de- ers a lesson.” He described as deplorable the attitude taken the employment and social cisive answers. by the Company toward the rights of its employees as estab- _ assistance offices.” Comprehensive resolutions dealing with technolog- See “UNION DEFIES” — Page 6 : @ “The IWA is not con- jcal changes (reported in this issue) outlined the need tent to preside over the lig- for reduced hours of work, improved re-training plans, uidation of jobs for its mem- iced | | pal d bers. We must now fight to Severance pay, guaranteed annual emp oyment, legis- DO UGLAS O UTLINES make our jobs secure through ative protection, a fact-finding survey, establishment of é combined economic and poli- secondary industries and higher wage levels. : P tical action.” Another resolution expressed unequivocal opposition gy 5 i POINT PR O GRAM @ “We must prepare to to American quotas or higher tariffs on Canadian lumber share more equitably in the gs well as Canadian trade policies which have invited a T. C. (Tommy) Douglas, National Leader of the New enjoyment of goods and ser- ;etqliatory action by American lumber producers. Democratic Party, gave political answers to questions of deep See “MOORE” — Page 2 See “JOB PROGRAM” — Page 6 concern to trade unions that met with the enthusiastic ap- : : mT ‘ proval of the delegates when he addressed the IWA Annual Regional Sicwntien. In outlining a five-point program for the present session of Parliament, he defined measures re- quired to meet the problems of automation, unemployment, t and trade expansion. He was introduced as the candidate for 4 Burnaby-Coquitlam and a man who has always kept faith with organized labour. — 6 place among rival trading ‘ In a peppery speech, the . attacked the “Belt- | Jiving standards. “Unemploy- program of the Sear and lack of economic Diefenbaker government.” | growth are crying out for . Canada must forge new eco- new policies and a new ap- nomic tools, he declared in proach to present economic , order to hold its rightful conditions. Unfortunately the government is seeking a solu- tion by looking to the past rather than to the future. The government and some of the spokesmen for big business are advocating shat I call the belt-tightening program. “Their argume WHAT’S nt is that Canada is living beyond its means, that we have been ea. and maintain adequate » -| = Sedalia ae IWA REGIONAL PRESIDENT Jack Moore making his opening address to the 25th Annual Convention of the Regional Council, September 18, at Woodworkers’ House, Vancouver. Group left, Moore; Re- gional and. Vice-President Jack MacKenzie; Rev. A. Phillip Hewett, Unitarian Church of Vancouver;. Fred Local 1-423, Kelowna. . Fieber, Regional Secretary-Treasurer; William Schumaker, President of the convention Host