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Page Six

THE ADVOCATE

September i, 1939

Reviews Movement In BC

By CHARLES STEWART

Chairman, Organization Committee, Vancouver Trades and Labor Councit

- Looking back over the development of the trade union movement in British Columbia for the past 60 years, the lessons learned are Many and varied, and always, however often its tactics may be changed, the employing class remains in unalterable opposition to trade union or-

ganization.

Yet, despite all the various methods used to prevent and curb trade union organization,

we continue to advance. At one time it may be open and unashamed terrorism. At another time it may be placing agent provocateurs and stool-pigeons in the unions to discredit capable union officials as a means of disrupting and destroying the unions. It may be making concessions to certain groups of key workers so as to separate them from the mass of the trade union members,

er it may be by establishment of company unions.

But all the time it is with one end in view—that of demoralizing and destroying the economic or- ganizations of the workers in order to keep living standards down to the lowest possible level. Neverthe— less, in spite of all obstacles, our trade union movement is stronger and more stable than at any time in its history.

Space will not allow a thorough seview of the trade union move- ment in British Columbia since its imception, but the experience fained since i930 should convince us of the possibilities for driving forward to even greater heights.

When the depression struck this province the trade unions were hard hit. Many trade union lead- ers were advocates of the theory that in times of depression wages and conditions cannot be maintain- ed, and for a while advocacy of this theory played havoc, both with the unions and with wages and conditions.

This situation did not last for any length of time. A new organ- ization, the Workers’ Unity League was growing in the province under the suidance of a capable militant Jeadership who set out with the avowed purpose of organizing the unorganized — particularly in the ibasic industries.

By organizing the unemployed to struggle for better conditions they proved to erganized workers the strength such work gave to the trade union movement Instead cf the employers being able to use these workers, divorced from in- dustry, to weaken a4 strike, the orsanized unemployed were always first on the picket line to see that mo strike breakers got past. OQUTSTANDING YEARS

Im all the history of the organ- ized labor movement in this prov- ince the years 1930 to 1935 are out- standing. Organizers for the Work- ers’ Unity League went out into the woods, and to the mines. They organized in factories where there never had been trade unions. Wherever they went these organ- izers did their job, and did it well. Their transportation was a freight car. Often they slept out in the open- They received nO Wages, sometimes not even a meal ticket. Their only recompense was the knowledge of a task well done.

Most of the work carried on by the WU was in the basic indus- ¢ries, and at no time in the life of this province were such extreme methods adopted to stop trade un- jon organization. The police used terrorism of the most sadistic type. Trade union organizers were framed and thrown into jail

But, although the extreme methods used retarded the nu- merical growth of the union, the militant fighting struggles rais- ed the wages of the loggers, the saw-mill workers, the miners and also assisted the craft unions to maintain and even to extend their wage rate. The theory that workers could not success- fully resist wage cuts except un- der most favorable conditions,

May the new ADVOCATE bring lasting Peace and Security in the future?

Transportation Branch

CP.of C-

LABOR DAY GREETINGS To Your Readers

And Success for Unity! Mt. Pleasant Branch C.P.of C.

The Woodworkers’ Branch, C.P.of C.

GREETS THE NEW ADVOCATE AND ITS FRIENDS

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g TO LABOR DAY and the new ; ADVOCATE .. we Wish Success!

Victoria North Branch? C.P.of C. ;

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was exposed for all time.

In 1935 unification of the WUL and the APL was brought about, and it is in the years since that

the greatest progress has been made. Instead of the two union organizations, the AFL and the

WUL, manoeuvering for position, all the energies of both groups have been expended in strengthen- ing and solidifying the interna- tional trade union movement. MANY ACHIEVEMENTS.

For some time after the water- front strike growth of the trade union movement sagged, but it soon recovered, and the years 1936 and 1837 saw the international trade union movement greatly in- erease its membership, particular- ly in Vancouver and district

Many achievements can be re- corded over the past four years. Im the first place the basic wage has been maintained, and in a mumber of instances, Gncreased. Conditions have been improved and in some industries hours reduced.

Legislation beneficial to labor has been passed by both provincial and federal governments. True, this legislation is not all we de sire, but at least, if properly utiliz- ed, it can be a weapon in our hands for advancement. Minimum wage laws passed by the provin- cial government in lumbering alone bave meant a wage increase of $200,000 per year. But here, too, full utilization of this act, and very necessary amendments, will not be obtained until loggers and saw- mill workers realize that only through organization can they re ceive the full benefit of such legis- lation.

An imerease in workmen’s com- pensation from 6274 to 6654 percent has been gained.

Enactment of the Conciliation and Arbitration Aci, granting the workers the right to organize into a union of their own choice, was a victory for organized labor, and through our organized strength can be made an asset in trade union development

Passing of the Lapointe amend- ment, making it a criminal offence for an employer to discriminate against workers for joining a union of their own choice, is a victory for progress, and this act must be utilized to its full extent by the Canadian trade union move ment.

Placing on the statute books of this province of a Bealth Insur- ance Act, demanded by organized labor for over 26 years, 1S Progress indeed, and, although reactionary politiciams have, 50 far, been suc- cessful in their efforts to keep this legislation from becoming oper- ative, pressure from organized la- bor, and the demand from the citi- zens generally, will soon see this much needed act in operation.

It can be truly said that all this progressive legislation was passed at the insistence of organized la- bor. That and much more can be recorded next year if we all put cur shoulders to the wheel and

; OUR WISH FOR LABOR DAY:

May the New Advocate GROW and GROW and GROW!

Young Communist League

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TO YOUR CONTINUED SUCCESS and GROWTH:

West End Branch C.P.of C.

WE SAY ..-

Let us have more unity to defeat reaction!

Hotel & Restaurant Branch — C.P.of C.

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GUR BEST COMPLIMENTS To the new Advocate Labor Day: ‘RAYMUR BRANCH cP ot C.

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Best Wishes For Labor Day To All Progressive People!

BURRARD-FOINT GREY SECTION, C.P.of C.

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energetically go forward to build and strengthen our trade unions. MAINTAIN UNITY.

One of the most notable achievements of our trade union movement in this provnce has been the mantenance of unity betyreen the AFL and the CIO. While we have seen on the other side of the international boun- dary the most bitter warfare rage between the two groups, in BC we have worked harmonious ly together to strengthen our unions.

The voice of organized labor in BC says that the unity, which existed in Canada between the CIO and AFE, must continue, that the CIO unions, which have been suspended from the Trades

| lon Air Monday

and Labor Congress, must be re- instated at the forthcoming Trades and Labor Congress con- vention, so that we can get on with the task of organizing the thousands of still unorganized workers.

The present period offers great opportunities for extending trade union organization. Full advan- tage must be taken of this situa- tion. Already a number of gains have been made this year, most outstanding of which have been acceptance of unification propos- als made by Salmon Purse Seiners union to United Fishermen, sign- ing of union agreements covering al] categories of salmon, and win- ning of union recognition for the first time in the industry. -

Successful organizational drives are being conducted in the lum- ber and hard-rock mining indus- tries. The signing and renewing of wage agreements in the light in- dustries, and in the building trades’ unions, with outstanding improve- ments, is being recorded.

This article would not be com- plete without 4 word on the work done in Vancouver, New Westmin- ster, and District Trades and La- bor council, where only a few

years ago much dissension prevail- ed, the small number of outspoken progressives often being referred to as the solid 17. Oftimes their sincerity was questioned, and red baiting was the order of the day.

Since then actions have spoken louder than words. Previously, most of the time in the council’s meetings was occupied in petty dispute, which did nothing to ad- vance or enhance the prestige of the organized labor movement. That situation prevails no more. We can truthfully say there is no red baiting in the Vancouver, New Westminster Trades and Labor council today. Every delegate works energetically and consist- ently to make the trade union movement in this district the best in Canada, and by all reports we are succeeding -

WARK ANNIVERSARY

In November this year we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vancouver Trades and Labor coun- cil. The first council was estab- lished on Dec. 5, 1889, on a call from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. The*call was based on the struggle for the 9-hour day. The first president of Vancouver Trades and Labor Coun- cil was Joe Dickson ef the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners with George Irvine of the Plasterers, vice-president, and PD. Jamieson, Typographical workers’ secretary.

The struggle for the shorter work day, initiated by the first trades and labor council, was suc- cessful, and by 1890 the 9-hour day was general where ¢rade union or- ganization prevailed. The plaster- ers in that year received $5.00 for 8 hours and were 100 percent or- ganized.

So, when we celebrate cur golden jubilee, and give credit to those who are gone for the heritage they left behind, let us reaffirm our determination to maintain and extend trade union unity. Let us vow anew to carry forward the tradition of our pre- decessors: to organize the unor- ganized; to secure in the short- est possible time the Ghour day and 5-day weelx; to work for more and better social legisla- tion; to extend the economic struggle to the political field, and to put into the federal, pro- vincial, and municipal fovern- ments, men and women who will heed the voice of the people, and shun the dictates of the bankers. Then, on Labor Day, 1940. we shall be in a position to report that Vancouver is defn- itely the best organized city, and BC the best organized province in Canada.

-Reinstate Suspended CIO Unions, Urges Charles

JOHN L. LEWIS, CIO lead- er, who will be heard over WNBC’s Blue network on La- bor Day, Monday, September 4, 8 to 8:30 pm PST. Stations relaying this speech include KJR, Seattle, KEX, Portland, KUTA, Salt Lake City, CBL, Toronto.

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Bakers Back

Resolution

“Our union fully supports the Hotel and Restaurant Employees’ union’s resolution, endorsed by the trades council at its last meeting, petitioning the federal government tc demand amendments to the criminal code, so that judges can- not issue court injunctions until both parties to the dispute have been heard,” J. A. Humphreys, bus- iness agent for Bakery and Con- fectionery Workers union, local 468, told the Advocate this week.

Hearing of an injunction appli- eation to restrain union members from picketing bakery premises is pending in supreme court, but T. P. Elder, counsel for Woman’s Bakery, does not seem anxious to press the case, since all pickets were withdrawn in conformity with terms submitted by the union at Justice Manson’s suggestion to settle the dispute out of court.

Organized in 1925, local 468, Balk- ery and Confectionery Workers’ union made steady progress until this last year in organizing the trade, gaining for its members in- creased wages, holidays with pay, closed shop and limitation of the number of boys engaged in a bak- ery, thus protecting bakers who have spent years in learning the trade. :

First agreement signed wes that with McGavin’s Bakery in 19829, four years after the local received its charter, for not until 1936 did the union play any significant role. Employees of Robertson’s Bakery in 1936 won their demands after seven weeks of strike action to conclude another agreement for ' the union.

From then until late in 1938 new members were enrolled and union eontracts successfully concluded with such bakeries as Cowan-Dod- son, Mother Hubbard, Campbells, Canadian Bakeries, and others.

But interpretation of the Labor Conciliation and Arbitration Act had its effect on the dispute be- tween the union and Woman’s Bakery. In this instance the de- strike had grown “cold” while awaiting a board to arbitrate the dispute.

However, on Nov. 11, after being awarded the majority decision of an arbitration board, the bakers struck, and have been on strike ever since. During that time seyv- eral attempts have been made without avail to incite pickets and give police an excuse to break up the picket line.

Discussing conditions in the trade with the Advocate this week Humphreys said:

“Winimum wages of 40 cents an hour in the industry in many eases have become the maximum and we agree with and fully sup- port the sentiments of Percy Ben- gough that labor should demand the government enact a minimum wage making it illegal for any em- ployer to employ a man or woman over 21 at wages less than 50 cents an hour and organized labor can take care of the rest.”

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U.L.F.T.A.

GRAND PICNIC

MILITARY PARK

Slocan & Grandview Highway

SUNDAY, SEPT. 3rd

tional drive soon to be launched

council.

Organizing the unorganized in- to their respective crafts and in- dustries, the committee recognizes as being the pre-requisites for a powerful trade union movement? in Wew Westminster.

The history of the labor move— ment in New Westminster had its bepinning in the ‘80s. It isa his- tory marked by the heroism of the workers in their militant struggle

in the Royal City will be fired

September 21 when a mass meeting is to be held: at Labor head- quarters in Vancouver under auspices. of New Westminster Trade Union committee and the organizational committee of Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor

with employers for the right to organize and to bargain coilective- ly. The fishermen’s strike of 1900, the Fraser Mills strike of 1931, and the longshoremen’s strike of 1935 are highlights of the long struggle waged by the New Westminster workers, a struggle which has not been without its victories for labor.

Throuh this period we have seen Wew Westminster grow irom a small town of little economic im- portance to one of the most im- portant industrial centres in Bri- tish Columbia. Milis and factories have been built, employing thous- ands of workers. Shipping and transportation have beconre major industries. Our fishing industry is one of the largest in the world. Wwe have the largest lumber industry in the British E:mpire.

PROFITS AND WAGES

On the surface, a beautiful pic- ture, but let us give it a littie closer scrutiny. We, the workers, have produced this abundant wealth. What share of it have we received? Who has benefited most from our natural resources and our labor?

To consider the problem, let us teke for our example the lumber industry, one of major importance in New Westminster. Fraser Mills, employing over a2 thousand men at the end of 1938, was able to show a net profit for the year of ap proximately $750,000.

Thus we see that for every work- er employed, the company was able to take from his labor approxi- mately $750 during the year. This was only made possible through speed-up, slave driving, and other kindred practices so common in unorsanized industries.

Although the company made tre— mendous profits, yet at the begin- ming of this year the manager sent each employee a cleverly worded jetter notifying him that his wages would be cut 10 percent because the company was not making enough profit. When the workers discussed organization as a2 means of protecting themselves, the com- pany hastily returned the wage cut, hoping that it could head off such action on the part of the workers.

The company realized only too well that through organization the workers would get both a larger share of the wealth they produced, anda better working conditions. It

Labor Day Greetings to the

NEW ADVOCATE

from the INTERNATIONAL JEWELEY WORKERS’ UNION

Local No. 42 Vancouver, B.C.

realized that oncé and for all time would be removed the threat of discrimination that has thus far been used so effectively to knock the top off any union activity in the plant. The workers are learning that te avoid discrimination and intimida- tion and to gain any measure of job security they must organize. Across the international line work- ers in all branches of industry have shown us what can be accomplish- ea through organization. It is an example that the workers of New Westminster can profitably follow. Only through organization can we better our working conditions and raise our living standard

Workers of New Westminster, let’s make New Westminster 2 trade union town.

a WE VALUE YOUR PAPEE 7 in Gur Struggle for Jobs, Security and Peace CONGRATULATIONS ... and Thanks to All!

Relief Project Workers’ Union

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BEST WISHES from

New Westminster Workers’ Alliance

TO THE NEW ADVOCATE on LABOR DAY, 1939

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WORKING CLASS ON LABOR DAY!

Maxim Gorky Club

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Croatian Educational Alliance

Salutes the Advocate and the Workers of B.C. on LABOR DAY!

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Ymir Mine & Millmen’s Union — Local No. 300

Extend congratulations to the Advocate for their years of sup- port to organized labor, and wishes them continued success with their new paper.

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Affiliated with the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers, affiliated with the CEO.

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BUY UNION-MADE GOODS!

ALT, WELCOME

There will be GAMES, SPORTS, REFRESHMENTS, DANCING The Fun Starts at 11 AM.

Phone. PRinity 4335

International Union ef America

Local Ne. 468

Extend thanks to all who are supporting us in our struggle against the Woman's Bakery, Ltd.

‘“‘Patronize Union Bakers’’

Labor Day Greetings!

Local 452

URITED RROTHERHCOD OF CARPENTERS ANB JOINERS OF AMERICA

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The BAKERY & CONFECTIONERY Workers

EMPLOY INTERNATIONAL UNION MEN!

Room 310 - 320 Beatty Sireet

Stewart | Royal City Plans Organization Drive

By ROY LaVIGNE ~ Secretary, New Westminster Trade Union Committee

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC.—Opening gun of the organiza-

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