Ss os SS a a ella THE WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER RAYONIER POLICY "ROTTEN" CHARGES LOCAL 1-71 OFFICER By WALTER KOZIJ Business Agent, Local 1-71 While attending a sub-local meeting at Mahatta River on January 28 last, the writer was posed with a question un- like any he has ever faced at union meetings and which did not seem related to the col- lective agreement, the Local Union or anything relevant to collective bargaining or trade unionism. HIT FOREMAN A member wanted to know what might happen if he hit his foreman in the nose. The writer, a full-time staff representative the last four years, was unable to produce an immediate or positive an- swer and replied: “Well, you might get charged with as- - sault.” At this time another mem- ber rose and stated that he didn’t care if he was charged with assault because, if the foreman ever called him any filthy names, he was going to punch him. 5 Investigation revealed that this operation has a new fore- man with a_lance-corporal complex. This individual has persistently gone about the operation, threatening crews with dismissals if production didn’t improve and imposing quotas of numbers of loads a side is to produce daily. ‘In the course of his self- important duties, he has abused the union members with filthy language. After learning all the details, the writer is of the opinion that a punch in the nose is justifia- ble when the union member is referred to as a male or female sexual organ. The case referred to above could be interpreted as a rot- ten apple in the barrel except that the entire policy of Rayonier in regards to labour relations and safety has re- cently deteriorated to the same low level. At Mahatta River this year we have already had two im- proper dismissals. Both em- ployees are competent hook- ers and have been reinstated with back pay, return fares and seniority rights. The Lo- cal Union is well aware that this was an attempt by the company to frighten the crew into breakneck production re- gardless of safety. Probably not just by coin- cidence, one of the members dismissed was the Union’s camp chairman. After being reinstated and having re- turned to camp, he was again told he was incompetent and was given various jobs about the operation but at hooker’s rate of pay. The camp super- intendent showed high intel- lect, however, when he had no witnesses within hearing distance at the time he told Brother A. Sobezak that he would be “run off if he got on as a hooker again.” FATAL ACCIDENT On January 25th last an ac- cident in this _ operation claimed the life of steel spar engineer, Harry Girling. This man was fatally injured when a track loader swung and crushed him’ between the counterweight and a chain guard on the yarder. An RCMP constable testified that there was four to four and one-half inches of clearance between these machines. The track loader operator testified that he had not been advised by the company of any policy regarding the dis- .tances between a loader and yarder. He further testified there had been no policy in ef- fect at Mahatta River as to how and by whom these ma- chines should be positioned for clearance. Such a policy was introduced following the unfortunate accident. -& WALTER KOZIJ The fatality was preceded by two separate incidents in the two preceding days which should have been cause for a reiteration of safety policy in- stead of the madness for in- creased production. On Tuesday, January 23rd, while yarding on diamond lead the loader picked up a log which swung and struck the yarder. The steel spar en- gineer was knocked off the opposite side of the machine and missed three days’ work due to a back injury. On Wednesday, January 24th, a guyline broke on this steel spar and caused another to slab a stump. The track loader operator and chaser had a close call when the spar did not come down on top of them. MORE PRODUCTION On Thursday there was a fatality on this side. No additional precautions had been taken by the com- pany because of the two pre- vious incidents. The foreman wanted more _ production, hurled verbal abuse at ‘the crew and one improper dis- missal at that time was unre- solved. The inquest into this fatal- ity saw company officials sit- ting on the jury. The verdict stated that death was acci- dental with no blame attached to anybody. We presume that the reason a recommendation was not attached to this verdict is that its implementation would in- terfere with production. The words “wherever practicable” in section 60.86 of the Acci- dent Prevention Regulations are no less than a licence to kill and maim as was sadly illustrated. Worse yet, the company with complete disregard for safety had wanted the yard- ing crew to work on contract. The Union members unani- mously rejected this ruthless proposal, Jeune Landing operation has also seen a complete dis- regard for safety. On the eve- ning of January 23rd a safety rally was held in camp. The meeting had an excellent at- tendance of union members who are only too willing to participate in this vital and mutual problem. An external view would indicate the com- ~ pany was sincere. Their ; cerity ended, however, the minute the rally was ad- journed. Upon adjournment, the hookers and camp chairman were asked to remain for an- other meeting. In attendance was the camp superintendent, two foremen and the person- nel supervisor. The superintendent, Karl Yzerman, looked the mem- bers in the eye and, without cracking a smile sympathized with them because their earn- ings were small “due to no overtime.” The company was willing to increase their earn- ings by permitting them to yard on contract. Any _bo- nuses thus earned could be kept by the hooker or divided amongst the crew. The camp superintendent's acting, unfortunately, does not qualify him for the acade- my award. He didn’t fool anybody. The union members are well aware that contract work has a built-in hazard and is in opposition to a safety pro- gram. UNION SHOCKED This Local Union is shocked that such a callous proposal could be made so shortly af- ter a safety rally adjourned. The officers of this Local Union are hoping this attitude does not provoke our mem- bers to unnecessary action. We do not believe in an eye for an eye. With industry negotiations quickly approaching, it will be difficult for our members to believe that their employer is acting in good faith and such provocation may throw a hurdle into negotiations. Worse yet, this company has now created an atmos- phere amongst their employ- ees which may bring on a pre- view of the worst that can happen on June 15th. Who says ‘Calona’ Red is the favourite Red? You do! Year after year, you’ve kept Calona Red Dry and Calona Royal Red the best-selling wines in B.C. Why settle for anything less?