a IWA MEMBERS MANNING THE PICKET LINES ot the Western Plywood Plant in Edmonton. The crew who are members of Local 1-207, IWA, struck the Plant March 15, to gain acceptance of the unanimous recommendations of a Conciliation Board, Seen in centre of picture are Clayton Walls, IWA Assistant WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER 3 Director of Organization and International Organizer, Mike Sekora. hy THIS PICKET LINE at the Western Plywood Plant is comprised mainly of IWA women members who work in the Plant and are aiding the men in the fight to gain a new and just contract. The strike is now nine weeks old but the crew is maintaining their solidarity and determination. From Page 1 “INQUIRY” appointment of an Industrial Inquiry Commission. It then became neces- sary that the Negotiating Committee should adapt its strategy to meet the requirements of the new procedure. Except for the exchange of views with the operators, we started from scratch, The demands of the Union as stated by the Wages and Contract Conference have been re-stated be- fore Dean Perry. The operators are taking the opportunity to re-state their opposing ‘views. Commissioner’s Powers It is important that we take into consideration the powers of the In- dustrial Commissioner. In the first instance, he has all the powers of a Conciliation Board in summoning evidence and witnesses. The terms of reference require the Commissioner to: (a) Inquire into the matters under dispute. (b) Attempt a settlement of the dispute. (c) Make recommendations for settlement of the dispute. (d) Report any recommendations to the Minister and both parties. At this stage we cannot predict the Jength of the inquiry or any probabilities about the resulting recommendations. Our present duty is to assist the inquiry that all the facts on which we base our demands may be examined and reported upon. Any settlement proposals that may result from the inquiry will be im- mediately transmitted to the IWA Policy Committee, which is fully representative of the Local Unions involved. An appropriate recom- mendation for acceptance or rejec- tion will then be placed before the membership in a referendum vote. This vote will then determine any fu- ture action considered necessary by the membership. “Prepare for Action” The circumstances require that the Union should prepare for quick ac- tion to meet any possible eventuality. The provisions of the Labour Rela- tions Act which govern this changed situation may require prompt and decisive moves. : I have said that we must prepare for any eventuality. As we make these preparations, we will continue to explore every available avenue leading to an amicable settlement. while we continue this effort, we must be realistic about the attitude of the employers already indicated. We do not intend to be caught napping. Strike Preparations For this reason, we haye asked the Local Unions to take immediate steps to make the necessary prelim- inary plans for any possible strike action. This means no more and no less than that we will place ourselves in a state of readiness. We are not threatening strike action now be- cause we sincerely hope to secure an amicable settlement. - It is our responsibility to protect the interests of the membership by advance planning for any possible development. It takes time to set-up ‘a well-planned strike structure, so our preparations must be made now. I repeat, that these preparations do not commit the membership to strike action until any such commit- ment is made directly by a member- ship yote following consideration of settlement proposals that may result from the present inquiry.” STRIKERS GATHER AROUND while Dennis Wood, President of Local 16-666 of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union presents Ben Ouellette, Chairman of the IWA Strike Canvassing Committee with a hundred dollar cheque in aid of the strike, New Party Head Backs Party Leaders’ Debate T. C. Douglas, leader of the New Democratic party, stated here that : of Canada should be given an opportunity of hearing the SUBLIMATION— SERVING, OR BEING CONVERTED TO, A HIGHER PURPOSE ONLY THE BEST OIL-TANNED LEATHERS ARE GOOD ENOUGH FOR DAYTON LOGGING BOOTS The Standard of World Champions like Danny Sailor These men KNOW what's BEST DAYTONS THE BEST BOOTS MONEY CAN BUY SHOE MANUFACTURING CO. (B.C.) LTD. 2248-50 East Hastings St. Vancouver, B.C.