B.C. LUMBER WORKER

LABOR PARLIAMENT

IWA membership extends cordial fraternal greet- ings to the delegates assembling in Vancouver to attend the Sixth Annual Convention of the B.C. Federation of Labor. J

As evidence of good wishes for the success of the con- vention, the IWA will send its full quota of delegates, and make a well-considered contribution to the deliberations.

It is clearly recognized that the Federation is the co- ordinating agency, through which Canadian Congress of Labor unions act on the legislative field, in this province.

It is the instrument, by means of which the unity achieved in the individual unions may be extended in a wider field to gain full advantage of their combined strength. :

The agenda for the Convention is filled with items of vital consequence to B.C. trade unionists in 1950.

However well-fought may be the battle on the economic front, gains made on the job may be easily snatched away by the political manipulations of employers’ governments.

Equal To The Job

Less restrictive labor legislation, and sane administra-

tion of such legislation is a must, when the labor lobbyists r meet the Provincial Government. Otherwise any truce in labor-management relations will blow up in our faces.

Participation by the Provincial Government in public housing projects and rent control is another pressing is- sue that must be settled next session of the Legislature in such a manner as to protect the workers.

‘ Health Insurance headaches point to the need for a thorough purge of its administration, and development to the point where Federal Health Insurance with full cov- erage is a plain and obvious development,

The vexed problem of political action must be well ven- tilated, that means may be employed which will command the loyalty of rank and file trade unionists and secure for them the results which they themselves desire.

The Federation has a big job to do in 1950. The Fed- eration is made up of the kind of trade unionists who are equal to the.responsibilities of this big job.

BRAZEN CALLOUSNESS

4 ALL British Columbia is not only distressed, but highly

indignant, because of the stolid indifference shown by Ottawa toward a critical unemployment situation in this province.

Statements emanating from official circles to the effect that unemployment “is not alarming” adds fuel to the flame.

One can only account for a mentality that ignores the human suffering caused by lack of sustenance in winter weather, by the fact that these “ivory tower” idlers have been well sheltered from all privations by soft living on public funds. .

The facts are, as: attested -by responsible labor and community leaders, that lack of employment is forcing thousands of families into a precarious and socially dan- gerous mode of living. ss

The facts are that unemployment is once more the canker eating into our economy, and gnawing the vitals of our labor force. ‘

Promises so glibly made to organized labor in the war years and during election campaigns, that henceforth all would know freedom from want, and be secure in full em- ployment are shrugged off with a pious concern for profit- making enterprise.

Federal Irresponsibility

E responsibility for remedial action lies squarely with

ee the Federal Government. There is little point in spec-

tacular demonstrations before the Legislative Buildings

_ in Victoria. During. the war years, the Federal Government re- panera the right to amend the B.N.A, Act to introduce ployment Insurance, and accumulate reserves against

period of slackened production. - Having demanded the major responsibility with regard 9 such measures, it is highly inconsistent now to shirk all ibility in a time of crisis. .

‘ore, the Federal Government by agreement

has by control of taxation levels accum- on the

shall ye know them” is an apt quota- er to the Federal Government at

"Cone PLACES?”

o) THe UNION WAY

Sekora,. International Organizer.

Sie Wee

FRATERNAL DELEGATES from affiliated unions were heard by delegates at IWA District Conven- tion, and conferred with IWA officials. (Left) Tom Ostle, Vancouver Island Labor Council; George Home, Secretary, B. C. Federation of Labor, Joe Miyazawa, International Representative, IWA Reg- ional Office; Pen Baskin, President, Vancouver Labor Council, Fred Soon, Chinese Organizer, and Mike

Fraternal Delegates At Convention

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The Editor:

Too many of us have accepted the dangerous illusion that we can buy off our responsibilities as members just by payment of dues.

A _union’s strength is not to be found in its treasury state- ment. Instead, I believe it lies in the character of its mem-

Sacrifice leisure, comfort, and

a share of their abilities for

the welfare of the Union of

which they are a part.

A membership-ruled Union is not a luxury on which men and women can grow fat. It is an in- strument of democracy by which men and women can safeguard their individual freedom through collective action, and employ that freedom in the pursuit of happi-

ness, The Price

_ Our Union is weighted as heav- ily with obligations as it is with privileges. It is much like a tall stand of timber. We cannot cut from it more than we are willing to plant in it, without perilling its survival. Forests and gardens cannot be bought. They must be planted, cultivated and nourished by the toil, sweat and sacrifice of those who would keep them. That is the obligation of we who are the members of this great Union.

If we look on our Union as something

4

§ a public works program “on| fy?

bers, in their willingness to |

awaken to find our Union rotted and decayed.

The Common Purpose

We ask generosity and brother- hood from our members. We ask that they co-operate willingly for

‘| the common welfare in order that

each may benefit, equally, accord- ing to his or her merit.

That’s the way the IWA has grown, though it had many ob-

SACRIFICE AND SERVICE ARE UNION’S STRENGTH

stacles in its path. It has grown to be one of the biggest labour unions in this country. We have power to be’ used at our com- mand. Let us use it soon, for badly needed demands, not by paying monthly dues, or by bleed- ing our treasury, but by sacri- fice, devotion and service.

Ray Pigeau, Local 1-357.

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