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[The Labour Statesman]
BC Historical Newspapers
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, - SUPPORTED BY ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR LOCAL UNIONS v* TO EACH UNION THE POLITIC MEMBER PARTY % OF HIS GrlOICE LABOR MAN STATED OWNED BY THE VANCOUVER, NEW WESTMINSTER AND DISTRICT TRADES & LABOR COUNCIL No. 613 WHAT THEY S Lincoln On Lai Labor is entitled to every consideration ove labor there would be no capital.—Abe Lincoln. VANCOUVER, CANADA, JANUARY, 1950 Established 1924 BUILD STRONG UNIONS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY A Trade Union Principle The American Federation of Lahor affirms as one of the cardinal principles of the trade union movement that the working- people must organize, unite and federate, irrespective of (freed, color, sex, nationf ality or politics.—Samuel Gompers. What Depression Would Mean "And this conviction I hold above all others: If ever again we do plunge into a depression of the 1929-1932 variety, capitalism and democracy as we have known them will disappear from our land. /"Then, without the dropping of a single bomb, the enemies of our society will have won the war. For the America which would come out of that depression would bear little, if any, resejr^hnxe_to_lhat which ,wi* havn rlu ilulml for twii frntnrirfl,"rnlnmnint Sylvia F. INEMPLOYMENT NOW A "NATIONAL EMERGENCY" SAY TLC AND CCL LEADERS BENGOUGH AND MOSHER DEMAND IMMEDIATE GOVERNMENT ACTION £**-•■ Government Charged rVUh Deliberately Withholding . "True Figures on Unemployed $s? An immediate start by the Federal apparently endeavoring: to keep this Government on its backlog of public important information from the works planned for an unemployment public Nails "Doctors Trust" Falsehood To discredit President Truman's "health insurance" program, "Doctor-', Trust" propagandists say.it is, like the British system, and that the latter is "compulsory" on'both doctors and patients. "That is wholly incorrect," replies Arthur M. Skeffington, Labor member of the British Parliament who is visiting this country. "No British doctor is forced to join the program. No patient is forced to take advantage of the service. Under the British plan, you choose your : own doctor just as anywhere else," Skeffington declared. | 'What the plan does mean is that ability to pay no longer puts you at the I head of the line for medical treatment The oldest and poorest old-age emergency was called for in a joint "Even the published figures for p.nsioner"in my dtatricTc_n"' h»vT the finest' treatment "in thTl_nd"if~_h- letter submitted by the Trades and October show an increase of over 90 requires it." T ..!.,.» _*t j_—i jM-_*-__i Art.l * I,,-» a1 on n/lion r,r\ ■> nmif . m sVlsn a! as n* „ r. Ir. -.« i. 1. .. !;„..» . _ _ -Porter in The New York Times-Magazine. Our Way of Life!!!?? "There are 482,000 retail liquor dealers in the United States, or one for every 73 families. The liquor dealers number 29,000 more than all the schools and churches put together," s_ys a Chicago business research organization. It Doesn't Make Sense "I rernember a delightful visit to the West of America. After passing some weeks in a state owned park and driving through fifty miles of state-owned forests, I crossed a river on _ public ferry and after travelling some distance on a municipal tram, was conducted over to the civic electrical works and the tax-supported hospital and the public schools. "I tried in vain to obtain refreshments at several saloons which had been closed without compensation by the state, and finally visited the state university, where I heard a professor of economics, whose salary was defrayed from public funds, deliver to' a body of several hundred students whose fees were paid from the same source, a lecture on the importance of untrammeled private enterprise and the dangerous immorality of socialism."—R. H. Tawney in "The British Labor Movement." Labor Congress and the Canadian per cent in the claimants on the live Congress of Labor to the Dominion unemployment register, as compared Cabinet and released to the public with October, 1946, and since that early in the new year. The govern- time the situation has become drasti- ment was urged to make use of its cally worse. On the basis of reports "carefully laid plans" to cope with received by our respective headquart- unemployment .figures over 300,000, ers, we have every reason to believe which—the letter charges are-being^that over 300.WO workers are now withheld from the public In addition to deploring, the Government's withholding of information from the public regarding the true unemployment figures the congress unemployed in Canada, representing more than six per cent of the-entire labor force. Serious Situation "It is evident that certain com- Workers' Rights to Organize Is Sacred ■ ThiRrrgbt?_6Pww«Tenrfo _r^ni_e*'in unions "is something-sacred in man—as much a part of his being as his right to use his eyes or ears or tongue," declared Bishop Francis J. H^as of the Grand Rapids diocese. In a sermon at Steubenville, Ohio, Bishop Haas emphasized that workers must be organized into unions if real democracy is to function in the United States. He also condemned ".deep-seated hostility of certain powerful employer interests to unionism," and asserted that the Taft-Hartley Act was "written in the main under pressure of certain influential industrial and. banking concerns." "It is not too much to say that this law places the heel of government on the neck of organized labor," he declared. "It docs not , merely remove alleged abuses. It seeks to destroy—if such were possible—the labor movement." V presidents emphasized that "we be- munjst groams, following their usual lieve the time has come, if not oyer-1 destructive tactics, are endeavoring due, when plans to meet unemploy-:to expioit the situation. The fact that ment should be put into effect. thj„ js being done, however, does not The two labor leaders dOhmfi:- . fin any #gy )4B_en the seriousness of "The unemployment situation in the situation, or justify any attempt .....I.. 1. .,,. H,.>in~ili, Iwuwmin aii. , , " srv «. to minimize it "We have been repeatedly informed by the Government that it has carefully laid plans for taking care of any substantial increase in unemployment. We believe the time has come, if it is not in fact overdne, when these plans should be put into effect, and if they arx not sufficient to meet the situation, then further steps must be taken. The Canadian labor movement is determined not to permit a repetition of the ■ 'Hungry Thirties'." It would be difficult to improve on that statement It is just as true of the Truman plan as it is of the British Labor medical system.—Labor. Good Union Is Indispensable Canada has recently become so serious as to cause grave apprehension throughout the nation. On behalf of our respective organizations, representing nearly a million Canadian workers, we wish to urge in the strongest possible manner that the Government not only make the full facts known, but take appropriate steps to meet what has become a national emergency. "We desire to protest most emphatically against the failure of the Government to make public the figures on unemployment which are available in its records. For the last three months, the regular monthly report on claims for benefits under m„. i;„,-„„.i,.>m™i in .n-ance.Acwia^p Army and Navy Strike been withheld, and we are at a loss understand why the Government is •^*n*\ne -' Religion On Lahor' And so to labor, as to an old friend, the Church addresses her message and that message is: "Organize! It is the only way to resist the 'initfeusc power and despotic economic domination' which is concentrated in the hands of a few."—Bernard J. Shiel, Senior Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago. The only hope for a truly implemented demorcratic way of life is in a free and alert trade union movement.—Rabbi Jacob J. Wein- stein, K.A.M. Temple, Chicago. The labor moveriient has helped many an individual to find himself in tneainingful co-operation with his fellows. In the opportunity to participate in the life of the labor union, the worker has the chance to develop capacities for leadership, and thereby, he feels he has mqre to give as a neighbor and citizen. — Presbyterian Church Statement. ATTENTION, ORGANIZED LABOR! SUBURBAN CABS LTD. operating MARPOLE TAXI, KERRISDALE TAXI, McKENZIE HEIGHTS TAXI, ?**"t% im_-.tii.au t TEAMSTERS' LABEL Are Under Agreement with Teamsters Local 151 Employing Union Drivers Women's Auxiliary to Typographical Union Women's Auxiliary No. 76 to the I.T.U. is composed of a group of ladies who are primarily interested in the promotion of the union label. Meetings are held once a month, socials. a*e ■arr^n.pjfip-^ where -enjoyable" '{fines fiFe'spent together. Recently \?^riiS^-9.„SrtKy.,-«ar «hre,ldnl„nned ***** that no teamsters are crossing for the spring thc Picket line at New Westminster It is interesting to note that thai-Bare Hire- generations of the Rankin family all union printers. They are: Mr. J. Rankin, Mr. Wm: Rankin and Jack Rankin who recently started his apprenticeship. Council Supports N.W. Delegates to the New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council unanimously endorsed the recommendation of the executive that strike of the New Westminster Army and Navy employees ve endorsed in principle and that all affiliated members be asked to respect the picket line by not making any purchase at these stores. The Vancouver Labor Council had written to inform the council that these stoles; were on-, their "We Do Not'Patronize List." Bro. McCulloch informed the dele- Preserving of the goodwill and progress made in recent years in employee relations, when and if the time comes for reducing operation costs, waa urged of businessmen by a New "York City department store executive in an address before a group of California industrialists at Palm Springs. "If personal reductions become necessary as the tightening up of organizations impends, we must make sure that the least shock on the people involved takes place and that great care be given the human equation," he said. Seniority, he added, must be a major factor and employees mUst be assured that they are being treated fairly. A good union is indispensable in a big factory, the industrialists were -told by a second speaker who is the works manager of a plant employing 20,000. He said, "I believe this principally because it provides a balance wheel and keeps management from becoming careless. We so-called hard- boiled industrialists need a check and in the big factories the good unions have provided it." He termed the Wagner Act the forerunner of a-good labor code.—The Federated Railwayman. Labor Supports Credit Unions In a letter to the Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council the B.C. Credit Union League drew to the attention of unions the remarkable work which is being done by the credit union movement. The B.C. Credit Union League now represents 50,000 members who have saved about $12,000,000 and by lending this money to themselves have pmvided « worth while service at low cost. In asking for more support from the labor movement, the communication points out that there are already 15 labor groups which have formed credit unions. In view of the value of this type of organization to workers, the League feels that more labor credit unions should be in existence. Baptists Interested . In Labor Movement Bro. Jack SteVenson submitted an interesting report of a meeting he had attended as a representative of the Vancouver Trades and Labor Council. The meeting had been called by the Social Service Department of the Baptist Churches which expressed interest in the labor movement and a desire to know more about its objectives. Bro. Stevenson felt that the meeting had been worth while and that he had been given a good opportunity to express labor's views. He felt that the churchmen, many of whom were ministers, are sincerely interested in the laboj movement. He found that the two bodies have a good deal in common in their interest in such problems as housing, unemployment, slums, and better health and living standards. The Baptists, he reported, had 15,000 members in B.C. and over 5,000 with 31 churches in Vancouver. "I believe that they can and will work with us in our struggle for social security," Bro. Stevenson said. He recommended that members of the group be invited to attend the second meeting in February and provision be made to have a speaker address the delegates at that time. Labor Joint Health Ins. Committee To Meet Vancouver Labor Council informed the delegates to the Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council that a meeting of the Joint Health Insurance Committee has been called to discuss amendments ' < the Hospital Act, and requested that delegates be present. The council accepted the Executive recommendation for action after they have studied the Hospital Act Why Most 'Economy' Talk Is a Fake This newspaper always has been and is now for real government economy. There is no excuse for wasting even one of the people's dollars. But the Taft-Republicans, Byrd-Democrats and National Association of Manufacturers are indulging in political propaganda when they talk of cutting Uncle Sam's annual expenditures by as much as $10 billion. The reasons why such talk is a fake have often been pointed out by Labor. Confirmation of our stand came this week from two impressive sources. Senator O'Mahoney of Wyoming, who heads the Senate-House Economic Committee, said "the only substantial way of reducing expenditures, beyond what the President has attempted, is by further curtailing outlays necessary to combat Communism, to prepare for national defense, and to meet obligations arising from past wars." O'Mahoney backed up that statement by explaining that such things as defense, veterans' benefits, foreign aid and interest on the war debt now take 75 cents of each dollar spent by Uncle Sam. The same kind of financial facts were pointed out in an "Editorial Research Report," written by experts who are paid to prepare impartial information for newspaper editors, most of whom will not make much use of this particular report. Among other things, it says: "Various welfare programs, which are a favorite target of spending critics, represent a relatively small share of the total budget."—Labor. College World Is Shocked People who are interested in college athletic contests—and that includes millions who never went to college—are being provided with some "food for thought." Old Harvard, one of the universities at which football waa founded, announces it is getting out of the "big-time" game. Hereafter, Harvard wil play only Princeton, Yale, and other "Ivy League" colleges which do not subsidize their "amateur" athletes. Out at Kansas University, famous coach "Phog" Allen shocks the college world. He talks right out loud about something that is seldom mentioned. College athletes, "Phog" warns, had better remember to pay income taxes on the secret salaries they get for playing "amateur" games. Otherwise, Uncle Sam is likely to get after them. ' Rich "alumni", who pay players, colleges which give athletes "soft jobs", and even college presidents, who wink at it, are responsible for this state of affairs. Something seems wrong. Colleges are supposed to teach young men high ideals.—rLabor. There's No Ceiling Here Economist Sumner H. Slichter gives us an interesting look at thc America of 1980. Most persons will be working only 30 hours a week. With this short week, "output per man-hour in 1980 will be about 88.4 per cent greater than in 1948." About 72.5 million persons will be employed. *■ The annual output of goo'ds and services, which totalled $246.7 billion last year, will run around $416 billion. Population will be 176 million compared with 160 million today. .. The nation will have $992 billion invested in plant and equipment Today we have only $442 billion so invested. "People will have far more leisure and they.will consume at least 60 per cent more per capita than now, and probably from 76 per cent to 100 per cent more. • > '. . . the United States will gradually become a country of two-car familiea , Lr ir. '. . the family-size swimming pool is likely to become popular . . . "Medical services of all kinds wilPbe used far more than today. "The proportion of people completing high school and spending some time in college will rise . . . "A nation on a 30-hour week will have more opportunity to pursue a multitude of arts, from gardening to painting and writing, than any people has ever possessed." How is America going to do all these things? Slichter, a Harvard Srofessor, says the goals can be reached if the nation continues for another 0 years its rate of progress of the past half century. Slichter's forecast is in an article, "How Big in 1980?" in the November issue of The Atlantic Magazine.—Chicago Federation News. Union Label Drive Interests British Washington.—British trades unionists like thc American Federation of I Labor's campaign for the use of uiimn labels on union made goods. < "The Town Crier," Birmingham, England, labor weekly, asked AFL Secretary-Treasurer George A#any for information on this practice. "This sort of thing is not done very much over here," Editor D. Rhydderch of the paper told Mr. Meany. "We thought it would be a good thing to devote some attention to what is an admirable trade union practice. "I would like to borrow one of the little blocks you alwaya have on the front page of your Weekly News Service (Allied Printing Trades Council) This would be a useful example of what your unions do. Mr. Rhydderch also requested a copy of the picture published by the News Service of the Glass Bottle Blowers and Retail Clerks Association exhibit at the St. Paul convention. I. M. Ornburn, secretary-treasurer of the AFL Union Label Trades Department, furnished a complete catalogue of union labels, a history of the union label campaign, copies of tome of the labels, and the News Service furnished the requests to make a sizable packet of information for Mr Rhydderch. The moral of the story is: If thc union label campaign has stirred so much interest in Birmingham, England, wouldn't it be timely to give a freah boost to our campaign everywhere here at home? >_*» Page Two THE LABOR STATESMAN January, 1950 CANADA PERMANENT MORTGAGE CORPORATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS • DEBENTURES ISSUED Established in 1855 W. J. BEX,-,, Manager, British Columbia Branoh 433 HUCHABDS STB.EET PAclflo 9221 THE BIG FAMILY STORE 1409 KINGSWAY Try Us for Values — Established in 1910 W. J. HEADS BOOT FACTORY LTD. Makers of the "HEADS SHOE" for Loggers, Miners, Cruisers, Surveyors, etc. Our Shoes are Hand-Made — You'll be satisfied 21 Eaat Haatuig. Street Vancouver, B. C. INVERMAY HOTEL 828 WEST HASTINGS STREET, VANCOUVER, B. C. Always a Good Place I .... NOW BETTER THAN EVER I OXD CTUENDS, PLEASE NOTE : K. CAMPBELL, K. J. CAMPBELL and C. C. CAMPBELL, Proprietors Phone: FAirmont 6276 Stoneberg Bros, Plating Works We Specialise in Hard Chromium and Heavy Industrial Plating Chrome, Nickel, Copper, Electro Tinning, Polishing, etc. 436 East 5th Ave., cor. Guelph and 5th Ave., Vancouver G. W. RIBCHESTER 8C SON LTD. Automobile Commercial Bodies and Repairs 1253 HOWE STREET MArine 0827 BERG CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. Contractors and Builders J. T. BERG, President — Residence Phone: HAatlnia 2737 Room 10, 441 Seymour St., Vancouver Phone: MA. 1559 E33!S_!sS(_*.Mw- '''" ■ * ; Cobalt Hotel Refreshment Parlor 917 Main Street 5 .to^<M^£^ats*^$err^ W. M. HILL ANO H. R DAFOE. PRopmiTOM METROPOL E HO TEL VANCOUVER'* POPULAR FAMILY HOTEL — UMTMsismuarx pasxor — 320 Abbott Street (Opposite Woodward's Stores) J. E. I BLACK IE) BEN-ERT. PROPRIETOR MUSIC AND DANCING EMBASSY BALLROOM * 1024 Davie Street Modern Dancing Every Night Joe Miccli and his Orchestra Reduced Per Capita. Revised Representation The" special committee appointed to study and report on the basis of representation of unions on the Trades arid Labor Council recommended that Section 2 to Article II of the constitution be amended to read as follows: 50 members 2 delegates 100 1— 61— 101— 201— 301— 601— 751— 1001— 200 300 500 750 1000 1400 1401— 1800 over I860 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 delegate for each 400 member- After discussion the committee agreed that instead of recommending one delegate for each 400 over 1800 membership that they would add the following: 1801— 2200 members 11 delegates 2201— 2600 " 12 " 2601— 3000 " 13 " 3001— 3400 " 14 " | 3401— 3800 ,"... 15 " 3801— 4200 " 16 " The committee's recommendation as amended was approved. The committee further recommended that Section 3 of Article II be amended to read as follows: "Affiliated organizations shall pay a per capita tax of 5 cents per mem- ber-per month on all members in good standing. All dues shall be paid monthly." The present dues are 6 cents per member per month. The recommendations as amended were approved by the delegates and will come up for the third and final reading at the first February meeting of the council. A two-thirds majority will be, necessary to pass the amendments at that time. ALEC. DORLANU Assistant Business Manager Electrical Workera' Union No. 213. Sulphite Workers To Take Strike Vote Delegate O. Braaten, Pulp and Sulphite Workers, reported that the Bonar and Bemis Co. have refused to accept the award of the Conciliation Board covering the employees in their plant at 900 Parker Street. There are 80 employees affected and the union has asked for a strike vote in this plant. Non-Union Cabarets May Sign Agreements Grievance Committee Chairman R. Cormack reported progress on the matter referred to the committee requesting that the Gay Paree and the Flame Cabarets be placed on the nonpatronage list. It was reported that the Musicians' Union is trying to reach an agreement with the parties, Board Attacked As 'Labor-Buster' Labor Relations Board was accused of being a "labor-busting device for employers." The charge was made by Melvin Kemmis, business agent of the Bak-1 ery &.Confectionery Workers (AFL) at a meeting of the Vancouver and District Trades and Labor Council (AFL-TLC). "That Board is the biggest labor- busting device the employers were ever successful in organizing," he said. "We can't even take a strike vote without the employers sitting in." He was one' of several delegates who criticized the board, backing up a brief presented recently to Labor Minister John H. Cates by the provincial executive of the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada. ... -. Act "Too Cumbersome" The brief,' presented January 4, complained that the Industrial Conciliation and Arbritration Act, B. C.'s labor code, is "too cumbersome, unwieldy, and contains sections that are impractical and have no value to labor or industry, as well as being most contradictory." ' The TLC submission asked for a clause in the act making a union shop mandatory in an agreement if the trade union certified for the employees asksOfor it. The brief urged elimination of the government-supervised strike vote. "As the vast majority of our organizations have embodied in their constitutions strict provision for taking strike ballots, there is no need for the supervised strike vote as required under the act," the brief said. "Such supervision by the government is simply interfering with the constitutional rights of the citizens and the Chairman Cormack also reparte<tt^peratjor,s of legitimate trade unions. al ha hart met with the Ci-jinitn BTnt- - .. . . .. ... that he had met with the Granite Cutters' representative and the committee are writing the B.C. Monumental Works requesting a meeting. It waa moved that the Grievance Committee have power to act in this case. - COMPLIMENTS OF COMMERCIAL HOTEL Phone: PAcific 0442 Mile Grbcic — John Car — Stan Valjocic Fully Licemda NEWLY RENOVATED THROUGHOUT _ MODERN AND FIREPROOF 340 CAMBIE STREET VANCOUVER, (Established 1911) SUMNER BRASS FOUNDRY LTD. Manufacturers of Bran, Bronze and Aluminum Castings — Phosphor Bronze Bushings Manganese Bronze Propellers in All Sixal Phona: MArine 1548 619 Bidwell Street, Vancouver, B.C. Irving Has Criticism For LRB Decision Delegate H. Irving, Laundry Workers Local 292, was critical of the decision of the Labor Relations Board in regard to an agreement signed with his union by Farina Laundry in 1946, . before the union ha/t pb.tain«_r a_rti- :•:•>*■ "*■ •ff-eatton'^ri-'erlhe"I€ft Act. In 1947, the agreement had been reopened aad a closed shop with check-off successfully negotiated. The agreernent stood until this year when the employer stopped paying the dues into the union under the contract. "When I took the matter before the Labor Relations Board," said Delegate Irving^J*! was informed by the Board that my union should have been certified as the bargaining agent. I applied for ceTtTfic-tibn and by this time the Board was in doubt as to whether the union had a majority and took a vote, which resulted in the union proving a majority." The Board then informed Bro. Irving that the agreement was not binding under the Act as it was signed prior to the union being certified and tlmt the union would have to begin negotiations again. Brother Irving warned that other unions are in this position and are in danger of having their agreements wiped out by the Board. Some large unions are in this position, he said. President Showier stated that this matter has already been taken up with the Minister or Labor. Delegate Irving urged the labor movement to take action to have the act changed so that any agreement signed, and being in force, cannot be wiped out by the Board. Delegate Kemmis said that in the case of Clancy's with his union, the Board had'given a decision which was just the reverse of that given to the Laundry Workers. Clancy's had had a company agreement with their employees and the Board ruled that the company enforce the agreement under the Act "I think the Labor Relations Board is the biggest labor busting outfit the employers ever got organized," Bro} Kemmis declared. "At no time should employees who are not members of the union be permitted to vote on the strike question. Neither should employers be permitted a scrutineer at such ballot." Other points asked are outlawing of company unions, power for the LRB to prosecute for infractions of the act, and shortening of the "time lapse between the breakdown of collective bargaining and the taking of final action such as a strike vote." B.C. $arnm lira* Itaiteb FUNERAL DIRECTORS at lUt PUR AVENUE Phons: rAlrmont OlM 1M WEST BIXTH 8TBEET, KO-TH VAHCOtTVEm KOBTH 1-J a-nre-WAT Ana moTAi oax, a-_ur_Y5r »__te7aa-_ RICHMOND TRANSFER DIXIT rKJUQKT BEBVICT—LUX. IB_ASTD, SEA IS-AITD, STB VESTO* _IO HT AJID HE ATT B-VLIXS l-rO-n I ______a 8-B7 4-8 -JLEXAITDSa Attacks Wilkinson Bro. Kemmis attacked George Wilkinson, Victoria AFL union official appointed to the board. »JjEe_-feH»._~; *W_JtB- ia _rt»rtHlrf____; the interests of organized labor," Bro. Kemmis said. "I'm very much surprised if he believes that." An amendment to the ICA Act to uphold agreements signed before the union was certified as bargaining authority is being asked by the Painters and Decorators, delegate Jack (vivos reported. He was commenting on a report from J. H. Irving, Laundry Workers, that the board had ruled an agreement with a laundry was no good because the union was not certified. "This board has got to be checked," Delegate Irving said, adding that the board chairman had told him that the board can "do as it likes." "Now if that isn't working with the employer, I don't know what is," Mr. Irving said. Elimination of 9-Day Waiting Period Asked Metal Trades Council have asked for support in their effort to have the 9-day waiting period removed when a worker enters his new benefit year. The Council is asking that the government take steps to amend the Unemployment Insurance Act The resolution was endorsed by the delegates to the Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council. Lathers Ask Wages Be Paid in Cash Lathers' International Union, Local 207, have requested by resolution that the Provincial Government require all wages to be paid in cash rather than by cheque. While agreeing with the recommendation as it affects certain smaller Monumental Works •p Draws Union's Ire Granite Cutters International Association of America have written to the Vancouver Trades and Labor Council asking that the B. C. .Monumental Works at 3096 Main Street be placed on the "We Do Not Patronize List" of the Council. The Granite Workers state that this firm was placed on their union as far back as 1932. Recent attempts to organize this firm have failed. The matter Was referred to the; Grievance Committee of the Council. I REAL ESTATE - RENTALS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CEPERLEYROUNSEFEUACO PACIFIC 3521 ESTAB.I886 846W-HASTIN05 JL>Utineiio-£. ... \junE%aL <d>£,ivLez. S. BOWELL 8C SONS Phona 2656 .66 Sixth Street, New Westminster, B. C. Cloverdale, B. C. — Phone: Cloverlole 193 MArine 1959 W* Sell Tools, Ontlsry, Locking- Daviess, Best Quality Swedish Handsaws, Bip and Oroaaont EDDIE'S LOCKSMITH and GRINDERS SERVICE sX*t* Out la 1 mln-ta , Locke Bepalred by Bonded Locksmiths, Tool* and Cntlerj. . Sharpened, Sawa Sharpened by na "cot" better 313 Main St. (Near Hastings) B.C. Marine Engineers and Shipbuilders Ltd. FT. OF VICTORIA Darlington, Haskins & Co. (1943) Limited TILES — MOSAICS — MARBLE — TERRAZZO 2144 Gran-ille Street Phone: CEdar 6232 Vancouver, B.C. ECONOMY SAUSAGE CO. ■THE SAUSAGE THAT HADE LITTLE PIO» FAMOUS- FOR SALE EVERYWHERE - THY SOME 141 HAWKS AVENUE Phone: HAstings 4337 MARR HOTEL LICENSED (019 Good Service Remodelled ■ Newly Furnished - Up-to-date AST FIE-DS, *-__a_.r 403 POWE-I, STBXET rrmnV* BIG-TIME WRESTLING EXHIBITION GARDENS - EVERY WEDNESDAY TICKETS: $1.50, $1.00, 75c, (Tax Free); ON SALE AT WESTERN .PORTS CENTRE LUX CAFE 135 EAST HASTTK-S STBBET 610 SOB80V BTKEET, Phone: IfArin. 6094 Phone: PAclflo 046* JOHNNY'S BARBER SHOP «.'• FOR GpOOD SERVICE OPPOSITE LABOR TEMPLE — 324 WEST BROADWAY New Year's Greetings! Summerfied's Ltd. Oil Burners and Heating Contractors 4-r Phone: MA. 9828 1435 Granville Street Vancouver, B.C. Local 136 Chartered ByI.B.&C.W.(A.F.L) The Brick and Clay Workers Federal Union, Local 136, have informed fli-m. tin. ,i,.i.„„.i„ -avis.__. L "' u"'™' ~»cai i.o, nave iniormen rc_-%tlon wo__f Z £„',_^sPt t ** Vancouver, New Westminster and J2_-!___?„7-K_"s____5&&i______*|Wil-« Trade« »»d Labor Council interest, of the majority of workers. th,t they have now been'chartered Ine recommendation contained in, by the United Brick and Clay Work- the resolution was not adopted. I ers of America (AFL). Compliments of the Season ! Broadway Driving School LEARN TO DRIVE Phone: BA. 1919 3365 West Broadway Vancouver, B.C. /. '1 January, 1950 HAPPY NEW YEAR! P^ke & White Construction Co.Ltd. % , GENERAL CONTRACTORS Phones: DE. 4470—DE. $m ' '2996 Kinsgvyay,, Burnaby, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Weir's Truck & Tractor Phone:,DE. 0599 2144 Maple, Burnaby, B.C. Happy New Year! BURNABY BULLDOZING GO. LTD. Lochdale P. O., B. C. 6905 East Hastings Street Burnaby, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR Moncrieff Construction Co. LTD. General Contractors Phone: FA. 2970 271 East 2nd Avenue Vancouver, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I Louis S. Sorensen 2917 McKee General Contractor Phone: OE. 4554-F Burnaby, B.C. :^a,': WISHING YOU ALL A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR ! i Specializing in Asphalt, Mastic and Industrial Concrete Phone: DE. 2152 Office: 5057 Chatham Burnaby, B.C. Compliments of the Season ! BURNABY LAND SERVICING -GO. Experienced Operators, Specializing in Tractor Plowing, etc. Phone: GL. 0982-T 1750 SPERLING BURNABY, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I City Plumbing and Heating Phone: CEdar 2116 not, WEST FOURTH AVENUE, VANCOUVER, B.C. V THE MANAGEMENT OF THE Wonder Bakery Ltd. WISHES ALL OUR CUSTOMERS AND FRIENDS THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASONI Phone: FR. 2232 7007 FRASER AVE, VANCOUVER, B.C. THE LAB OR STATESMAN „ . I Page Three Fair Wages Conditions in r Federal Government Contracts The Fair Wages Policy of the Dominion Government has the purpose of ensuring that all government contracts contain provisions to secure the payment of wages generally accepted as current in each trade for competent workmen in the district where the work is carried out. There are'two sets of conditions applicable to government contracts, those which apply to building and construction work, and those which apply to contracts for the manufacture of various classes of government supplies and equipment The practice of the different departments of the Government, before entering into contracts in the first group, is to obtain from the Department of Labor schedules setting forth the current wage rates for the different classifications of workmen required-in the execution of the work. These schedules, known as fair wage schedules.are thereupon included by the department concerned in the terms of the contract. Fair wages schedules are not issued in respect of contracts for supplies and equipment. Contracts in this group are awarded in accordance with a policy which provides that wage rates must equal those current in the district. A more detailed account of the Dominion Government's Fair Wages Policy is given in the Labor Gazette for July, 1946., p. 932. SCHEDULES PREPARED AND CONTRACTS AWARDED DURING SEPTEMBER. (1) Worka of Construction, Remodelling, Repair or Demolition. During the month of September the Department of Labor prepared 190 fair wages schedules for inclusion in building arid construction contracts proposed to be undertaken by various departments of the Government of Canada in different,...parts oi the Dominion. •> During the same period a total of 126 construction contracts was given out by the various Government departments. Copies of the relevant wages schedules are available t o trade unions or otljcr bona fide interested paries, on request. The, labor conditions of each of the contracts listed under this heading, besides stipulating working hours of not more than eight per day and forty- four per week, provide "where, by provincial legislation, or by agreement or current practice, the working hours of any; class of workers are less than forty-four per week, such lesser hours shall not be exceeded on this work except in cases of emergency as may be approved by the Min- iscr of Labor and then only subject to the payment of overtime rates as specified by the Minister of Labor", and also specify that the rates of wages set out therein are "minimum rates only" and that "nothing herein contained shall be considered as exempting contractors and subcontractors from the payment of higher rates in any instance where, during the continuance of the work such higher rates are fixed by provincial legislation, by agreements between employers and employees in the district or by changes in prevailing rates." Education Committee Makes Survey Brother F. Templeton, Vancouver -Secpnrf-ry^Te^er*, Cfc__V»_»~M the "crifucational Committee, reported that a survey is to be made soon to find out what unions are carrying on educational programs among their members. He requested that delegates whose unions are doing educational work should see that a complete report is submitted. „ __ , ,—__ HAPPY NEW YEAR 1 . •. ■ -_ T. WOODWARD ROOFING AND SHEET METAL (0. 1 Phone: MA. 743. I33» RICHARDS STREET. VANCOUVER, B.C. ■ '• p-^——^ 1 - Preparation Counts In any meeting of a Labor-Manage ment Production Committee, preparation counts just as much as thc discussion. This cannot be overemphasized. Preliminary work is most important—on it may depend the success of the meeting. It has many advantages. For instance, preparation eliminates the human tendency of a representative to "keep something up his sleeve" and then bring it out for the sheer delight of spreading a bit of consternation among the assemblage. Many committees rely on the chairman to keep the discussion within reasonable bounds. This is successful where the chairman is an outstanding figure—such men are not too numerous. Therefore the ideal way is to have every item for discussion listed on the agenda beforehand. This ensures that everyone comes to the meeting knowing what is going to be discussed and armed with the relevant facts concerning it An agenda is therefore important. However, it cannot be prepared out of thin air. The members of the committee must make known well in advance the subjects they wish to discuss. Management must submit their items, labor must submit theirs. Then the secretary may go ahead and make up an agenda that will serve a useful purpose. Then, when meeting time comes around, intelligent, prepared discussion can take place, guided by the chairman who has only to insure adherence to the agenda, At the end of the f bat 'week away, "Made manager—another feather in from home on a new job, the young jmv cap." husband wrote "td-,Ma wife: "Made "S*c"|___^endthilo w*ek he wir*d: foreman-feether in my cap." , Jo which'sheTeplie'd: "Use feath- After the second week he wrote:'ers, fly home." Protest Collection of Hospital Insurance From Indigent I The International Association of . Machinists, Lodge 692, have written i a sttongly worded letter to the Min- i inter of Health and Welfare protest- | Ing the collection of Hospital Insurance premiums from those not in a position to pay. On recommendation of the Executive, this matter was referred to the Provincial Executive. BERT WYBREW Business Agent of Building Service Workers' Union. A. F. of L. Teamsters 'Recognize' CIO Pickets No AFL teamsters are crossing the picket line at the Army and Navy department store at New Westminster, teamsters' delegates reported to the Vancouver and District Trades and Labor Council (AFL-TLC). Council was told that the teamsters leave freight for the store on the sidewalk. Retail, Wholesale tnd Department Store Union (CIO,) members' have been on strike at the store Tor Fi1 The council endorsed "in principle' a request from the Vancouver Labor Council (CCL that AFL unions respect the picket line, and members not make any purchases at the store. Fatal Industrial Accidents in Canada There were 370 industrial fatalities in Canada during the third quarter of 1949 according to the latest reports received by the Department of Labor. This marks an increase of 59 fatalities over the previous quarter in which 311 accidents were recorded, including 40 in a supplementary list. During the third quarter of 1948 there were 401 deaths as a result of industrial accidents, including 35 in supplementary lists. Thea ccidents recorded are those which involved persons gainfully employed during the course of, or arising out of, their employment. The statistics include deaths which resulted from industrial accidents as reported by the provincial Workmen's Compensation Board. Statistics on industrial fatalities are compiled from reports received from the various provincial Workmen's Compensation Boards, the Board of Transport Commissioners, and certain other official sources. Newspaper reports are used to supplement these data. During the quarter under review there were three accidents whujh resulted in three or more industrial fatalities in each tasv. On August.) 0, /ihrev si-Miertf'engaged in hydro-electric maintenance work were drowned when a tow rope, which was attached to a boat in which they were travelling through rapids near Pine Portage, Ontario, broke, causing the boat to capsize. Four mem.ers of the Meteorological Service of the Department of Transport and a nurse on duty were killed near Norway House, Manitoba, on August 23, when the aircraft in which they were travelling crashed. On September 9, an explosion in, and subsequent crash of, an aeroplane, near St. Joachim, Quebec, resulted in the death of four members of the. crew and two paper plant employees who were travelling in connection with their work. While there were a number of other passengers killed as a result of this crash it is not known that their deaths were incidental to their employment and hence their deaths are not classed as industrial fatalities. Grouped by industries the largest number of fatalities, 74, was recorded intransportation. Of these, 27 occurred in local and highway transportation and 26 in steam transportation. During the previous..quarter there were 47 industrial- fatalities in transportation of which steam railways were responsible for 24 and local and highway transportation for 10. There were 62 industrial deaths in manufacturing during the third quarter, 16 of which occurred in the iron and steel products group. In the previous three month period there were 57 fatalities in the manufacturing industries including 17 in iron and steel products. In the third quarter of 1948 there were 80 industrial fatalities in manufacturing. In agriculture there were 50 accidental deaths during the three month period as compared with 31 and 9 during the second and first quarters of 1949 respectively. The increasing number of fatalities reflects the increasing activity in this industry during the first three quarters of the year. . There were 48 fatalities in the various branches of the construction industry during the third quarter of 1949 as compared with 38 in the previous three months and 67 in the third quarter of 1948. Favor Semi-Annual Audited Statement Painters and Decorators of America, Local 138, have informed the Trades Council that they favor the forwarding of the semi-annual financial report of the Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council to the affiliated unions. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Gordon Latham Ltd. PLUMBING CONTRACTORS Phone: PA. 1043 636 Drake Street, Vancouver, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wm. Roderick MacDonald CONCRETE WORK OF EVERY DESCRIPTION . "' AND DRAINS /" Phone: KE.'4730 2946 West 40th Avenue, Vancouver, B. C. yi '>••* HAPPY NEW YEAR! Sansan Floor Co. ma 2742 SansanFloor Co.Ltd.^ •«& FLOORLAYING CONTRACTORS 1350 Hornby Street, Vancouver, B. C. * THE WRIGHT REFRIGERATION SERVICE i Phones: GL. 1791 — HA. 1122 4512 HASTINOS STREET EAST, VANCOUVER, B.C. i SS HAPPY NEW YEAR I Veterans Sheet Metal Phone: HA. 3090 568 POWEL STREET VANCOUVER, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I „.;;,.....-,-.j ,.._.v..r:.->-i.p-*«| Vancouver Tile Company Phone: FA. 7951 3213 MAIN STREET VANCOUVER, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I A. Tyckoson & W. McLean ROOFING CONTRACTORS Phone: FA. 3773-R 4244 PRINCE ALBERT STREET, VANCOUVER. B.C. ■* HA.PPY NEW YEAR I DAN A. RAE - CONTRACTOR ' SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM BUILT HOMES, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS Phone: FA. 0706 SU EAST EIGHTEENTH AVENUE, VANCOUVER, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I PatMcCaffery PAINTINO CONTRACTOR Phone: HA. J5I8-V ISM KAMLOOPS STREET, VANCOUVER, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I MAIN SHEET METAL WORKS LTD. Phone: PA. 6649 1024 MAIN STREET VANCOUVER, B.C. Definition of an electrical' dope: The fellow who was spending the evening with his girl when a fuse burned out and spent the rest of the evening fixing the short Drunk (to .splendidly uniformed , SS bystander): "Shay, call me a eab, willya?" Splendidly-uniformed bystander: "Sir, I am not a doorman) I am a naval officer!" Drunk: "Awright. Then call me a boat. I wanna go home." •--J". h Page Four THE LABOR STATESMAN January, 1950 THE LABOR STATESMAN Published third Thursday in each month at Labor Temple, 307 West Broadway, Vancouver, H, G Authorised as aecond class mail, Post Office Department, Ottawa. Owned by the Vancouver, New YVestminster and District Trades and Labor Council H. W. WATTS, Manager TOM ALSBURY, Editor Subscription Rates: $1.00 per year; to Unions, 4c per member per month. Phon.: PAcific 2942 New Year's Message by Percy R. Bengough. C.B.E., President, Trades and Labor Congress of Canada Vancouver, Canada, January, 1950 ^ The Unemployment Crisis Daily press reports clearly reveal the seriousness of the unemployment situation in Canada and the United States. A growing body of discharged workers continues to swell the ranks of the unemployed. Unemployment has risen steadily in the United States during the past year. Some experts have estimated that it will exceed 5,000,000 during 1950. There are now 300,0-0 unemployed workers in Canada., and no less than 40,000 in Vancouver alone. • ' The Dominion Government has given no assurance that it appreciates the seriousness of the aituation or that it has taken any effective steps to cope with it. Labor Minister Humphrey Mitchell, when'inj Vancouver two months ago, treated the matter lightly by saying that unemploymet is seasonal, that it comes like the snow in winter, and that nothing can be done about it. In'-discussing a government "white paper" on reconstruction on April 12, 1945, the Hon. C. D. Howe said: "The purpose will be to have on hand at all times a shelf of public projects already planned and available when needed to stimulate employment in any given area." The present government has not revealed what plans it has, if any, to provide this "shell" of public works to take up the slack in unemployment. As late as last February, the Minister of Recon- -troction and Supply, Hon. R.'H. Winters, in reply to a questioner in the House, indicated that the government plans at that time would not provide more than 32,700 jobs. Unless the government has drastically revised and expanded its program of public works, it is not in a position to provide work for more than 1 in 10 of those now unemployed in Canada. Unemployment is now a serious problem. Daily it grows more acute. The Dominion Government must act and act quickly if the workers of Canada are not to experience once again the suffering of the Hungry '30s. 1 ""afiKjiiiB ••■__, . »• ' ': I.!, : How Do Yon Define Freedom? By RUTH TAYLOR There are so many definitions for freedom. It is what you call an alluring word—because it means all things to all people. Ask the small boy on a spring day and he'll answer you promptly, "No school and the fish biting." Ask the speculator, he'll say, "No restrictions —and a quick market" Ask the dictator and he'll say, "A fat neighbor who will not struggle against my divine right to take what I want." Ask the pioneer and he will say, "Uncluttered horizons and a chance to make my own way." Ask the idealist and he will say, "A new world where all may share the bounties of the earth." Ask the religious man and he will say, "A life in which I may worship my God according to my own conscience and obey His holy laws." Why are there so many definitions? Because freedom is not a static thing. It is not a rule but a way of life. It is an obligation. It is determined by our relationship to other people. Only the hermit can be free alone. Freedom in a civilized community is the way of Jife that demands | intelligent followers. Freedom does not include the right to carry poison, to talk against our neighbor, to judge him by his ancestors or his kindred. Only by his companions, may we ever condemn him. Freedom carries with it a belief in the dignity and sacredness of every human being. 'For all—Jew and Gentile, White aM- -Negro; rich and poor—there should'•be unrationed -roth-rhowV i- the aiogasy _f ea* f reel evmrminiiy. 'Fw*.aM Mtm'_efrron«'i strata to the world that a diversity of culture strengthens our nation, feeding with fresh water the springs of national life. Freedom is justice and we must remember that in a court of justice a man is honest until proven otherwise. Judgment is not passed on what others have done. Judge not thy neighbors by others. There are good and bad in every creed and more good than bad. - One man's freedom is another man's freedom—whether it be in America, in China, in Norway or in darkest Africa. No man ia really free unless all men are free. No man's home is safe unless all men's homes are safe. What ia freedom to you? Think it over carefully and then apply it to your fellow men, to your brother. It must fit you both, or it is not freedom. Getting Adequate Home Is Tough Proposition For Workers' Family Ottawa.—The disgraceful shortage of adequate housing was underscored recently by the story of Leo Sabourin. With his wife and two young children, Sabourin, a construction worker, lived in one room of Toronto's "Stanley Barracks." For montha he tried to get a decent home but as soon as he mentioned the children, "the landlords would turn ui down cold." Six months ago Sabourin waa riding a motorcycle and was hit by a Canadian Rational Express truck. His right leg waa crippled. He sued the Canadian National, charging negligence. A jury awarded him a judgment ^Ot $16,000. Now his family will be able to get a decent home. They plan to buy a house.—Labor. you General 'a Tobin's Sixteen Points on T-H What'a wrong with the Taft-Hartley Act? The next time a businessman friend of yours asks this question, might show him the following. Secretary of Labor Maurice Tobin present, this 16-point indictment of the anti-labor legislation: 1. The Act's banning of union security agreements mutually beneficial to both labor and management for a period of over 100 years. 2. The special emphasis placed by the Act on the use of injunctions to settle labor disputes. 3. The Act's removal of the Conciliation Service from the Department of Labor., ' 4. -he broad discretionary power placed by the Act in ... Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board, making him virtually labor csar." 5. The Act's provisions for numerous elections which keep employer- employee relations in a constantly unsettled condition. 6. The Act's outlawing of peaceful picketing in many situations; 7. The Act's restrictions on the check-off. '■■-■■ 8. The Act's denial of the right to vote to economic strikers. 9. The Act's provision for employers' petitions for union representation elections. 10. The Act's restrictions on health and welfare funds. 11. The Act's surrender of Federal jurisdiction where state laws are more restrictive on union security. 12. The Act's, broad ban on political contributions and expenditures by labor organizations. 13. The Act's provisions for damage suits against unions. 14. The Aet'a Indiscriminate outlawing of all secondary boycotts, whether justifiable or not. 15. The Act's provision for mandatory injunctions against certain union unfair practice-. In the name of the four hundred and sixty thousand Canadian men and women affiliated to the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada I extend to the people of Canada our New Year's Greetings. We sincerely wish you health, happiness and prosperity during the comihg year. We fully realize that good wishes have to be implemented by deeds and I can say, with assurance, that the working people of Canada will do their part by fully co-operating with both government and industry in making I960 a productive year. However, it must be recognized that Organized "Labor cannot do its full share in establishing industrial peace and stability unless gainful employment is available for all. able and willing to work. The fear of unemployment is still a disturbing factor in some sections of Canada. Organized Labor, as represented in the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada, does not seek the impossible. Our objectives are for full social security on a contributory basis. We seek protection for all against unemployment,., sickness and old age — a practical objective that could be properly financed by government, industry and labor and, in effect, would eliminate most of the disturbing fears that are a constant source of worry to most of our people. With present commodity costs and increased rents, the plight of our aged citizens on fixed pensions must not be lost sight of. All of our governments, and certainly most of the people in Canada, fully realize the need of increasing this meagre allowance. How astonishing it is in this time and place that, to qualify for the substandard allowance, known as the old age pension, the applicant has to prove first that he is a pauper in a land of plenty. Why a Means Test after making a contribution of a full life's work is hard to understand. A good and timely New Year's resolution for our governments, both dominion and provincial, to adopt, would be for the elimination, early this year, of the Means Test from applications for old age pensions. The Trades and Labor Congress of Canada will continue during the coming year to press for the enactment of laws establishing full social security in which all Canadians can participate and benefit. On the economic field we desire to improve the conditions of workers through the orderly processes of negotiating and reaching mutual agree- PERCY R. BENGOUGH President Tradea and Labor Congress of Canada Hon. Humphrey Mitchell Gives New Year Message On the eve of another New Year, I extend warmest greetings to ' the workers of Canada. We can look back on 1949 with thankful hearts. For the third successive year, employment topped the five million mark and, at the peak period in September, stood at five and one-quarter millions. Export demands and domestic needs sustained the general level of production. Actually the physical volume of production exceeded the previous year by about three per cent. One of the most important factors supporting a high level of production and employment was the absence of serious industrial strikes. Both labor and management are to be congratulated for settling their problems in the common interest. In addition, Canadians in all walks of life are indebted to responsible p_p_rTe'_nf«nl-m "for th. stelp-taken to deal with Communistic elements. Predicting what the future has in store for us is always difficult but, when we consider the tremendous world consumer demand still unsatisfied and relate this to the productive capacity of Canada, we should be optimistic. This is a grand country in which we live. Let us do everything we can in 1950 to maintain our progress. My earnest hope is that the New Year will be a happy one for all our people. Scared Power Moguls! -But Not In Alberta Labor, Washington, November 6: "Perhaps you frequently ask yourself, 'Why are certain interests making such a hullabaloo about the welfare state?" "Well, one of many reasons is that those interests feel Uncle Sam will build more T.V.A.'s and work harder to reduce rates charged by private light companies. "That the Power Trust has good reason to be nervous is revealed by Frank Gannett's Utica daily. That's ments between the employees and employers. On the international field our efforts will continue to be directed to thes trengthening of true democracy and world peace. PERCY R,i BENGOUGH. I Shall Be True What have you brought for me, O New-born Year, Inscribed upon your scroll? Is it prosperity? Perchance a tear. Or have you there a joy concealed? Upon your face j 'tis not revealed. Nay, nay, I would not know, ~ Nor shall I fear What you have hidden there; And though you bring but woe, O New-born Year, I promise that I shall be true, And open wide my doors to you. Rose L. Firth, United Garment Workers' Union. Mt. Pleasant Undertaking Co. Ltd, KINGSWAY at ELEVENTH AVENUE Kindliness —'■ Understanding — Dependability Lady Attendant ,-, Phones: FAirmont 0058 and 0059 CENTRAL AUTO PAINTERS Body and Fender Repairs " Metal Work Auto Tops and Upholstery Repairs Car Upholstery Thoroughly Cleaned—Truck Painting and Lettering CECIL HUGGINS, Manager - ESTIMATES FREE 1245 Seymour Street Phone MArine 2918 \ Meet Your Friends at the .- EMPIRE HOTEL 78 EAST HASTINGS STREET Licensed Premises Refreshments served as you like it S. Brandolini Be Sons, Proprietors Labor's League For Political Education The A.F. of L.'s political instrumentality is Labor's League for Political Education (L.L.P.E.), which began operations in March, 1948. Its head is Joe Keenan, the secretary (on leave) of the Chicago Federation of Labor and during the war a vice chairman of the War Production Board. Despite the ballyhoo about large expenditures, the official report of the organization discloses no lavish sums expended. Since T-H forbids unions from making contributions to political campaigns, the L.L.P.E. raises money for political work from individual contributions. From April, 1948, to July, 1949, the L.L.P.E. raised $358,000 for political work, of which $139,000 was used for operating expenses, etc, while $181,000 went back to state leagues for electoral activity. In Minnesota alone, $16,880 was spent to help defeat Joe Ball and elect Hubert Humphrey. However, for educational work between elections, L.L.P.E. can solicit union contributions, and the A.F. of L., at its 1948 convention, flushed with the Truman victory, suggested a : 10 ccnts-a-mcm-cr -.assetsmcnt tor. an educational fund. Contributions to the educational fund, which was set up in November, total, to date, $412,- 000. As of July, thirty-two unions had paid their contributions in full and 22 in part, about half the mini ber of unions. The new-type political activity of the A.F. of L. presages a slow, subtle yet distinct shift in the power structure of the A.F. of L. Although the national unions through their large treasuries still provide the financial sinews of the league, it is the officers of the state federations and the municipal labor bodies who will direct the political operations, be the liaison with the local politicos, and with political victories come to have a "power base" of their own in the federation. Among such important "new" names —although many of them are old- timers—are Joe Keenan, Phil Hannah of Ohio, C. J. Haggerty and John Shelley of California.—Exchange. Save Your Eyesight Have you ever wondered why bo many people have .to wear glasses? The U.S. Public Health Service has a double-barrelled answer for that ques- ffii.v-.;.-;' A . ...„-»» __.__ f„ «i-j . ■_jnrfi.-.i.ii_lMBBi our eyes won't stand the strain .,?» „-_2__? nLnndn„"i|W.-rti,nW„h^! landed by modern living, and most editorial, because Gannett is one of the master propagandists. "However, his paper says that the cheapest light rates in this country are to be found in Tacoma, Washing- of us don't take as much care of our eyes as we should. Nature, the Public Health Service says, intended our eyes for "distance" vision—for working out of doors. .0^'^-_..0!T.„1?o0,^.?f""P,!f,.^'a^d not for close indoor work such as reading a book or a blue print, or checking up on the small, working parts of an intricate machine. Furthermore, nature meant for man to use his eyes in natural daylight, and not in factory, home and workshop, where- much of the work is done under artificial light. The Health Service gives these rules for protecting your eyesight: Adjust window blinds and shades to eliminate glare. If more light is needed at your work bench, or desk, don't hesitate to ask for a desk lamp or other supplementary light. A shiny desk or bench surface, such as a glass-topped desk, is hard on the eyes because it reflects light. A dark colored desk top, desk blotter or work bench is also bad. Desk blotters should be tan colored and desk and charges only $3.20 for 250 kilo watts.' Compare That With Your Light Bill "The editorial continues that 20 years ago 250 kilowatts in Utica cost $13.50 and that the present price is $6.69! Quite a drop I And says Gannett, 'Now the utilities are in stronger condition and are earning more than ever.' He frankly confesses that the reductions might not have occurred if Congress had not moved to end 'the evil' of excessive capitalization and other abuses practiced by the power moguls." —o— One In Eight Stanley Knowles, M.P., in Throne Speech Debate "When you give full credit to ev-, -—, -- ,-,-.- —--,, ---.- erything private industry is doing,' and work bench tops light cdlored. full credit to the life insurance com- ! An ivory colored surface is bestofall. panies, full credit to the government! annuities program and full credit to; NOT SO HIGH the civil service persion plans of all HOTEL REGENT Limited FULLY LICENSED 160 Hastings Street East Vancouver, B. C. ST. HELEN'S HOTEL The House of Hospitality — Friendly and Courteous Service Refreshment Parlor Walter and Earl Bennett 1161 Granville Street Your Hosts Vancouver, B. C, YALE HOTEL 1300 GRANVILLE STREET Fully Licensed Refreshments Served John Corlett, Prop. Aumw,MQxm . ..;-... Licensed Premises — Good Service 1221 GRANVILLE ST. VANCOUVER, B.C. THE STRAND HOTEL iron FIFTY YEARS | 624 Hastings Street West (near Granville) TrHE MOST. CENTRALLY LOCATED HOTEL IN THE CITY FULLY LICENSED — POLITE SERVICE APPLIANCES • APPLIANCE REPAIRS -FLOOR COVERINGS • PAINTS fome/i^d^j/itiaftm. 400 WEST BROADWAY FA. 7107-8 LOCATED ON BROADWAY. ONE BLOCK EAST OF CAMBIE ANGELUS HOTEL Corner Dunsmuir and Howe Streets, Vancouver, B. C. Phones: MA. 2435-36-37 Gin Anderson and A. Harrison, Proprietors GEORGE'S CAFE Yukon and Broadway — Close to New Labor Temple Home Cooked Meals and Pastries — Reasonable Prices ■ . -. , . ._. Mrs. Henpeck: "Everything is go- wJ„ngf£rie^^ SSS*9t,' E¥ ^Henpeck: "Oh, i wouldn't *y v provide for their old age." ; i the neighbors' opinion of us both." TTRF<! NEW—USED—RECAPPING 1IKEO B_y tnem on easy Budget Plan! Bourne 8. Humphrys Ltd. Cor. PACIFIC and HOWE Phone: PAcific SIM -» \ . "JPj^V"""'"'1'"'" I' January/1950 THE LABOR STATESMAN ■■> jjJTT^- _> Page Five / Trades Union Directory LABOR TEMPLE, 307 BROADWAY WEST amalgamate. Meat Oattera aad a. w., &oeal S~t—Representative, Geo. Johnston, 203 Labor Temple; FA. 9477. Auto Worken' Union, T,o_s;s Vo. 18-7, I. A. of M.—Business Afent, Gordon Webb, 111 Labor Temple; PA, KYI. b.-.i-t Salesmen, Local 189, I. S. T. O. and H.—Bualnesa Agent. E. Holmea, 206 Labor Temple; FA. 8714. Bakes.' Onion, Local tea — Bualnesa Agent, Melvln Kemmis, 16 Eaat Haot- Ihkb .St.; PA. 4741. Barbara — International Journeymen of America, Wo. 130 — SecreUry, C. K- Herrett, 201 Labor-Temple; FA. 8762. ■averaa- Dlapenaera aad CnUnery Work- era, Wo. aw—Secretary, J. Dye, 32,8 Clinton St; DExter 2163-F. Beverage Dlepensera aad CnUaary Worken, Wo. 674— Bualnesa Manager, F. W. Mills. 61 Weat Haatlnga St.: MA. 4948. SlaokamlUsa' Union, local 181 — Secretary, iv Mitchell, 1701 Dublin St., New Weatmlnater ■oilermaken' Ualoa, Wo. 35» — Bualneaa Agent, Jamea Downie, 629 Beatty St.: TAtlow 104T. ■ollermakere' Ualoa, Local 1-4—Secretary, P. Moore, Box 422, New Weatmlnater, B. C _ ' Bookbinders' Ualoa, Local 108—Recording Secretary, F. Milne, 477 Brough- ton St. ■riok ft Clay Worken' Ualoa, Wo. 138— Secretary, P. «T. Cape, 1128 Campbell Avenue, Abbotsford, B. C. aUieklayan' Union, Local Wo. 1—L. Padgett. Sr., .1.19.1 W. 31st; KErr. B293-R. Bnlldlng Laborsrs' Union, Local 603 — Secretary, L. J. Millman, 307 West Broadway. Phone FAIr. 9122. Bnlldlng Laborers' Ualoa (New Westminster) No. 1070 — Secretary, T. ■Porter, 1506*Sixth St.; phone N.W. J179-R. Bnlldlng Material aad Pnel Trnok Driven' Union, Local 313— Bualneaa Agent. H. Bonnell, 20< Labor Temple; phone FA. 8714. Bonding aenice Employees, Looal 844 —Bualneaa Agent, A. J. wybrew, 339 W, Pender 8.: Phone MArfne_8605._ Balldlng Tradee Council — Secretary, H. W. Watta, 102 Labor Temple; phone FA. 4348. Carpentera' Union, Vo. 483 — Secretary, James Smith, 100 Labor Temple; FA. 2398. Carpenters' Ualoa (Ohllllwaok), Vo. 184a — Secretary. J. E. Towea. Box 482, Chilliwack, B.C. Carpenter., Looal 1381 (Vew Westmln- eterl—Buslneea Agent, J. T. Bannan. 1008 - 6th Ave., New WeBtmlnater, Phone N.W. S13R. Carpentera (Nanaimo), Looal Vo. 6.7 — Secretary, J. E. Oddson, 263 Nlcol St.. Nanaimo, B. C. Carpenters' Ualoa Vo. 813 (Tort Albernl) —Secretary, R. stubb, Box 908, Port Albernl, B. C. Cement Plnlehere (Ssotlon of Local Wo. 808)—Bualneaa Agent, W. J. iinaker- vllle, 106 Labor Temple; FA. 1122. Ortr HaU Employees, Looal 69—Bualneaa Agent W. M. Black. 5 Labor Temple; •*__• ■awl-rsea* ITaloa (Bnrnaby), Vo. 88—SecreUry, J. E. Wllaon. 2181 Merritt Ave., New Weatmlnater. oivio Employees' Union, Local 28—Bualneaa Agent, Donald dulse, 49 Weat Haatlnga St.; Phone PAclflc 4648. Commercial Telegraphers' Ualoa, C.P.R . _v/'Pyet Box 4jf2_ Vftn. Dlvlalon No. 1- couver. niattlleiT Morten, Looal Vo. 8»—Secretary, JR. F. Redman, 460 Campbell St.; New Weatmlnater, B. C Distillery Worken' Ualoa. Vo. 88 — (U-D.L.)—Secretary. O. I. Guy, 546 Eaat 47lh. Phone FRaaer E741. Blectrlcal Workers' Union, Local 818 Ruslneaa Manager, (Senrge Gee, 116 Labor Tjmple; FAIr7687, ■levator Oonatmoton, Looal 88-^Secre- tary. H. C. MacKechan, 2057 Boat tta, , -.Avenue. - lFb»P_sts. Undertaken and Assistants Union, Vo. 33374 — Secretary, R. F. Wllaon. 6841 Alma Rd. "ST ■wtaeera, Hoisting aad portable, Looal 118—-Bualneaa Agent. A. W. Scott. 198 E. Haatlnga. Ste. 314-16, MArlne 2849 B-gineere, School and Caretakers, Local 883— Secretary, George Zallo, 380 Eaat 15th Avenue. Baglneers' Union (Stationary Operating), Local Vo. 888—Biifllness Agent, Harry we?-.- l.!.E ««"">*». Ste. 214-1*. MArlne 2849. Film Exchange Employees, Looal B71— jrariE. v-Backu"'ms ■» "I? 1-*SJ*I* -•• ia—Bualneaa Agent. _--_J_J__!'__l»«_w_e«t 14th: CH. 5*81 Fire Fighters (Bnt-aby), Looal 888 Secretary. B J. Pontlfex. 4006 Douglas Road. New Westminster Fire Flghtsrs, Wsw Wsstmlnstsr, Local If" "T..8"".?''"'*' D Anderson, 182* Hamilton Street, New Weatmlnater Floorlayere- Unloa, U.B.ofO.J., Looal 2801 E. 18th Avenue. Far-lt-n Worken. U. B. O- Looal Vo T^rnpTe^rtTii5'1" *'-'™£ , nattn ft ami Workan. U. B. O., Looal St *%} <»«w Wea__laater)-Secre; t?,ry'. Ylc. Sml,hA m E- 10">. New Wealmlnater, B.C. Olacien aad Olaas Worken', Looal Va 1837—Secretary. A. Allen, 5316 Cullo- den Street. Vancouver. Oas Worken' Union, Looal Vo. 888 — Secretary. B. Reea, 2046 W. 7th; office phone: MArlne 195*. aToapltal Bmployess' Ualoa, Vo. 180 — Bualneaa Agent, W. M. Black. 6 Lobar Temple; FA. 9238. Borne Bet-ioe Worken' Ualoa, Vo. ail- Secretary, Mra. J. Hallock. 685 Weat 10th; FA. 2007-L. Botel and BeaUnrant Employees. Looal St — Bualneaa Agent, J. Price, 41* Oranvllle St.: Phone PAclflc 788*!. 'nuraatlonal Longshoreman's Association, Local Vo. 88/163 — Secretary, Jamea Darwood. 204* Kitchener 8t. HAatlnga 3154-M. Ironworkere, Looal 87—Bualneaa Agent, •vg. O Coofc. 110 Labor Temple; phone jp^a. size. Jeerelry Workan' Ualoa, Vo. 48—Secretary, W. Routley. 144 West Haatlnga St., DExter 3493R. After 6. FR. I7f«. Ladles' Oarment Worken, Looal 376 llualneaa Agent, C. Carr, 119 Weat Pender St.; Phone DExter 27J2-M latkera; Ualoa, Local 807 — SecreUry. If; flnlaya-n. 4848 Dumfrlea St.; sta 03T9-T. *»■»**»' *•**•*■. Mo. 8*8^Bualneaa Agent J. H. Irving. 11* Labor Temple; Lnmber aad Sawmill Worken, V. B. c. Local Vo. 8888 — SecreUry, Hugh Wood, 101 Labor Temple: FA. »712. -Uwhlalata. Wo. 188—SecreUry, J. By- ga'e, 11*7 Kitchener St Phone HA. Machinists, Local 8S8--BuBlneaa Agent, Alf. Dyer, 111 Labor Temple: phone FA. 8.17. M_c___.sU' Lodge, No. Hi — Becreury, J. D. wiidy. 1*0* Seventh Avenue. New Weatmlnater. Mailers' Union, Wo. 70—SecreUry It <!. Taylor, 117* Pucheaa Avenue, Weat Vancouver, B. C. Malntsnance-of-Way Employeea, Local Vo. 167 (O. K Jt.)—Secretary. 8. Wray, 2487 Kitchener Street. Malntsnance-of-Way Employeea, Local 31 — Secretary. It. McLure, 183* Eaat 14th Avenue. Marine Engineer*. Watlonal Association of, Council Vo. 7—Secretary, H. B. MCr Kle, 319 Weat Pender Street Phone: PAclflc 854*. Milk Saleamsn and Dairy Employeea, Local 464 — SecreUry, Birt Snowier, 200 Labor Temple; FA. (71*. Molders' Afent, Loul. . pie; FA. 9431. Ualoa, Looal 881 — Bualneaa a Herxeg, 112 Labor Tem- Motlon Picture Frojectioniets, Looal 348. Bualneaa Manager, T. E. Foley; Secretary, J. H. Leslie, P.O. Box 346; Phone MArlne 3043.. Mnslclana' Ualoa, Local 148 —Bualneaa Manager, Geo. E. Leach, Suit* tl, 56* Oranvllle St PAclflc 7842. Office Employees' Int. Ualoa, Looal Vo. 16—Secretary, B. Oonthro, 106 Labor Temple; FA. 4*41. Painters, Looal 138—Bualneaa Manager, Jack Haves, 117 Labor Temple; phone FA. 9771. Paint ft Famish Workera' Ualoa, Looal No. 1550— Secretary. L. J. Prlbyl, 160 E. 49th. phone FRaaer 8208. t Pht :ers' Paper Makers' International Brotherhood, (Ocean Palls) Looal Wo. 360 —Secretary, w. P. Martin, Ocean Falls. Panermaksn' Int. Brotherhood, Local .No. ififi (.Vew Weatmlnater) — Seore tary, Helen Ganton, 227 6th Street, New Westminster. -.tterame-sre. Looal Wo. I860 —Secretary, Leo. Wiles, 1584 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, B.C.; -Weat 1493-R. How Corporations Make Big Profits Look Little The way corporations make big profits look little, by "splitting" their stock, was illustrated this week by a report of the Union Carbide and Carbon Company. ■ That huge concern, which has a big part in Uncle Sam's atomic bomb production, in 1948 netted a $102 million profit, "the largest in its history." , . That profit, the report says, -as $3.55 on each share of/the company's stock- In April 1948, Jhowever, the company "split" its stock, by giving its owners three new shares for each of their old shares. If that had not been done, the 1948 report would have shown a profit of $10.65 on each of the old shares. That would have looked much higher, to the public, than the $3.55 a share in this week's report. If this was not tBIrrh_t "split" in the Union Carbide and Carbon stock, the actual profit, on each original share, was even higher than $10.65 File Driven and Wooden Bridgemsn, Looal 8404—Business Agent, S. Allen. 193 E. Haatlnga St, PAclflc 4*46. Plum-era and Plpeflttera, Looal 170— Business Agent. Frank Carlisle 109 Labor Temple; FA. 976*. Photo Engravers, Looal 54—E. J. Manila.-;. 6761 Balsam. Phone Kerrlsdale 1670M. Plasterers' Union, Vo. 77* — Secretary. H. Weat, 3419 West 23rd, BAy. 6333-M. Plumbers aad Plpeflttera (BaUroad) — Looal 871—Secretary, Lloyd Elxlck, 1877 Haro Street. Printing Preaamen aad Aaxlatanta' Union, Wo. 6* — SecreUry. Thoa. S. Exart, 5407 Commercial, FRaaer 1348. Pulp aad Sulphite (Con-enters) Union, Local 433—SecreUry, F. Macklnnon, Buslnesa Agent, O. Braaten, 339 W. Pender. TAtlow 1(42. Pursers and Chief stewards, Local 130 —Secretary, R. Stover. 1451 Woodland Drive. Ballway Carmen (Fort Mann), Lodge Wo. 980—Secretary, J .R. Doutax, 707 Dublin St., New Weatmlnater. B.C. Ballway aad Steamahip Olerks, No. tit —Secretary. T. W. Klrby. 3566 Triumph Street. Ballway aad Steamahip Olerka, Wo. 636 —Secretary, A. Padgham, 6018 Payne St., DExter 1276-L. Befrlgeratlon Worker*. Vo. 816, U. A. J. F. 8. F.—Secretary, L. R. Wintle. 187 Weat 40th, Vancouver; FRaa. 4409. Resilllent Ploorlayera (Section of Local Wo. 1841) — Secretary, .Russell Nash, 101 Labor Temple: FA. 9712. Retail Grocery aad Food Clerks, Looal Wo. 1818 — Secretary, D. A. Wade. 203 Labor Temple,; .FA. *-*-. .„ ■ ,, „> Secondary School Tsachera' Association —Secretary. Wm. Alsbury, 2604 East Sixth, HAatlnga 2072-R. Sheet Metal Workan, Looal 880— Business Manager, Jamea Walker, 207 Labor Temple; FA. 76*6. Sheet Metal Workan (Ballroad), Local 314—Socretary, T. Owen, 920 Eaat 65th Avenue. Vancouver. Bhlnglan' and Boofen' Ualoa, Vo. 8348 —SecreUry, A. Tyckoaon, 4244 Prince Albert FA. 3778-R. Shingle Weavers' Ualoa, Local Vo. 880* —Secretary, Alex Low, 1184 West 73rd Avenue, Vancouver. Phone -Angara 0986-R. Shipwrights, Boatbuildere, Joiners aad Caulkers, Local Wo. 806 — Business Agent, J. Evans. 49 Weat Hastings. Phone TA. 3725. Shoreworkera' Local of th* V. r. a fLW-,F; ~Z Bu"1?"'" Agent. Alex Gordon, 138 B. Cordova: Phone TAt. 3J66. Seafarers' Int. Ualoa of Worth Amsrlca —Secretary. D. Bremner, 665 Hamilton St.; PAclflo 7834. Sign and Pictorial Painten, Local .. SecreUry, J. Mlddleton. 6881 Dundas St; phone, OLen. 182*-T. Street Ballway Employeea, Dlvlalon 101 — Business Agent, |_ Eaaler, Lee Building, 175 E. Broadway; FAIr. 4162 street Ballwaymsn'a Union, Vo. 184 — Buslnesa Agent. R. Cormack. 1* Lome St. New Weatmlnater, B. C Taxi Dri-»n, Local 181 — Secretary C. Oower, 204 Labor Temple: FA. 871* Teaehere' Association, Vew Weatmlnster —Socretary, W. K. Nevard, 1534 London, N'ew Weatmlnater. Textile Worken' Looal, Vo. 18--Secre- tary, O. F. Murphy, 78 Eaat 2nd Ave. MaMsal BUg* Employees, Local lia— Secretary. Walter Blake, P. O.' Box 711. Tile s.tiers, Local No. I—SecreUry. W. Hlcharda, Pleaaantild* P.O.. B.C Til* Setter*' Helper*. Local Wo. 78 Secretary, K. S. Ke-nedy, 670 Rupert Street Track Driven' Ualoa, Looal Vo. 31 Bualneaa Agent Reg. _r l.abor Temple; FA. *714. 20! Typographical Ualoa, Looal _ tary, Harry Neelands, 213 Labor pie; FA. 2608. _« United Oarment Worken' Ualoa, Vo. 838—SecreUry, Miss Eileen- Scheelar, 1332 Ileach Avenue. 'King Canute' and Chronic Illness Whether or not he so intended, Or. Leonard A. Scheele, chief of Uncle Sam's Public Health Service, this week made a good argument for President Truman's "health insurance" plan- Surveys have shown, Scheele said, that 976 persons of each 1,000 "have some disease or defect," such as "anemia, diabetes, faulty vision, hearing loss, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, tuberculosis and syphilis." If these and other ailments were discovered and treated "promptly", Scheele continued, "not only would lives be saved, but prolonged illness and invalidism would be prevented.— "The prevention of chronic illness is the greatest health, problem that this nation faces today. Without prevention, our efforts to halt the rising tide of chronic illness will be no more - effective than was King Canute's command to the stormy seas." t How can chronic illness be prevented, so long as millions of Americans cannot afford to see a doctor even when they are near death's door, let alone to get an all-around "physical check-up" before it is too late? Because big employers opposed pension tax increases, Social Security retirement benefits have been kept miserably low. Now some employers are changing their minds, because they.face union demands for company- paid pensions. For example, General Motors President C. E. Wilson said this week that "adequate Federal pensions seem to be the real answer to the pension problem." Is ''Welfare" An Evil Word? Reactionaries in every country are bitterly opposed to any measures that would improve the general welfare of all the people. Social security measures are frowned upon. With scorn they are referred to as ."the Welfare State." In an article in the "Survey", a magazine of social science).Professor John Gillin, of North Carolina University, asks what is wrong with the word 'welfare'? The article ironically discusses the attempts of former President Hoover and other reactionaries to label Truman's program as "the welfare state." That term, along with "statism", is being used by Taft-Republicans as their vote-catching slogan for the 1950 elections. "It may be very pedantic of me," Professor Gillin says, "but I am confused by the attempts to pervert the word 'welfare' into a term for opprobrium; ; ~ ; "What is wrong with the word 'welfare'? The Standard Dictionary of til,. Rncrlisb lano-ttatr— Anf\noa (',i-,.l , This stock splitting has long been j the English language defines "wel- done by many corporations. That's fare' as 'prosperity', and as 'exemp- one reason why their profit reports tion from pain or discomfort' are deceptive.—Labor. Participate We hear a great deal nowadays about democracy. We hear a great deal about communism and various other kjnds of "isms". We also hear a great deal about free enterprise. I believe that many of us do not realize just how all these privileges, all of these rights which we now enjoy, came about. We have accepted our right to get on our hind legs and howl at any time at anything that displeases us as a divine right. We have accepted the right to participate in the election of who will govern us as being a right that has been handed down from on high—the right to worship, as we please, the right to say what we want to say, the right of assembly, the right to have some dignity us a human being. Those rights have been fought for for many, many centuries, away back before the Mayflower landed. And that battle has been constantly going on. And simply because we began to accept those things as being our divine right, just as we accept the water we drink or the air we breathe, we are liable to lose those things. We must take part in accepting those responsibilities which are ours. Let's not complain about who gets elected or the kind of laws we have unless we have participated in those electic.j>% "iou are and women Gompers who many years ago said' Are Mr. Hoover and the others trying to tell us thaf they are against prosperity? Perhaps they are plugging for 'pain and discomfort.' If that is the case, why don't they come out and say so in plain words? "The founders of the Repblic apparently thought that 'welfare' meant something, fairly desirable. Right in the preamble of the Constitution they boldly wrote: " 'We the people of the United States, in order to promote . . . the general welfare ... do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America.' "And, in Section 8, Paragraph 1, they gave Congress power to lay and collect taxes for various -purposes, among which is clearly stated the purpose 'to provide for the general welfare.' "From this," Gillin says, "you would think that 'welfare' had a pretty honorable history and respectable background. At least, for 162 years welfare has seemed to be a good thing. But now a former president and others are asking us to believe that welfare is somehow bad. "Is the Constitution to be amended to strike out that awful word? J "Next they will be telling us that they are 'agin' heaven because we should really think of it as the other place. That. would be a hell of a I note." by JOHN GRAHAM Here is gripping reading ... the human« story of a great cj_____- . . laughable . . . pathetic . . . and tragic. John Graham gives you a seat in the jurybox every day . . .in his report from courts V Canada's Best Newspaper Vancouver's Only Union Funeral Home HAROLD EDWARDS LTD. THE FUNERAL HOME OF SERVICE HEATHER CHAPEL 704 W. Broadway at Heather FAirmont 0528 DRUGS REXALL THE OWL DRUG CO. LTD. (A CANADIAN COMPANY) v • OWNED AND OPERATED BY A VANCOUVER CITIZEN ) Always Ready to Serve Labor TOBACCO CANDY ! nave participated in those i ^'*^i--i«5-V^Si*;'p5£t«-.'.:. .'#.>' ■} re good, honest union men en, and I think it was Sam I Time Magazine, Nov. 21: As director of Canada's Govern- that "you can't be a'good unwn -_B-|__!!_i____S B"?*.u. an?- chief drum" unless you are a good citizen.'I don't I r\eat." ^or t0"n1st attractions, peppery believe that you can be a good union j D.an,el Leo Dolan_ 5.4' """'f1 1'ke_to man until first you are a good citizen I Please everyone. But recently he has and participate in all of the activities | been .*?"* an ,n"e_slnB" number °f that a citizen should participate in, complaints on a highly touchy sub- taking an interest in these elections!J"*.'1 anti-Semitism at vacation re- and seeing that your families and m "*■ your neighbors are registered and ready to vote. Participate in all the civic activities of your community. Your labor movement has gone away beyond struggling for its existence, struggling for a higher standard of living. You have to realize that and you have to participate in that community life in order to really increase and better your standard of living.—A. J. Dunn HEADQUARTERS for . . , IMPORTED TOBACCOS, CIGARETTES, CIGARS, PIPES and SMOKERS' SUNDRIES Come and See Our Stock — Largest in Canada E* A. MORRIS LIMITED TO TO. STORES 438 WEST HASTINGS ST. 508 OaARVILLI ST. . 840 S.YHOUX ST. 111S OOVEBN-CENT ST., VICTORIA — City Picket City HaU In Kansas Kansas City, Mo.—AFL pickets circled City Hall here for two days after the Brotherhood of Painters accused the city administration of using competitive prison labor. Sec. Perrin D. McElroy of the Building and Construction Trades Council said prisoners at the municipal farm were being used to paint tbe city's tuberculosis hospital. Setting up of the picketline resulted in the walkout of carpenters and four maintenance engineers employed at City The pickets were removed after a conference between City Manager L. P. Cookingham and union officials. The city promised to limit use of municipal farm prisoners to the farm. Nineteen other grievances were brought up by various AFL onions and will be the subject of future con. ferences. United Ganusnt Worker*' Union, »o. 1*0—Secretary, Walter W.' 8haw, 3435 Weat «th Avenue. United rla-srmsn and Allied Workers' Union — Secretary. Wm. Rlcby, II* Eaat Cordova: TAtlow ****. In Ottawa last week Dolan popped up before 45 delegates to the fourth annual Dominion-Provincial Tourist Conference with a fistful of resort pamphlets. Somewhere on each appeared a tell-tale phrase, 'restricted clientele' or its equivalent. Said Dolan: 'We are not trying to tell a man how to run his hotel, but as government agencies we should not be parties to this sort of thing.'. . . "To fight such practices, Dolan had a concrete suggestion: Dominion and provincial travel bureaus should refuse to handle any promotional material indicating discrimination. The delegates agreed, unanimously adopting a resolution against 'the use.of the word "restricted" or "selected I clientele" in tourist. resort folders, on letterheads and in advertising'." MAYFAIR CAFE The city's most "At Your Service" cafe Quality Foods — Reasonable Prices _3te_5_£ 29 West Hastings St., Vancouver, B. C. PAcific 1055 University of British Columbia Employees' Union, ICO. 116 1. T, FunneII. 4634 W. 7th Ave. Union Label Trades Council—SecreUry, Ed. Smith. 907 W. Broadway. A Leopard Doesn't Change His Spots! As Conservative member for Oldham—elected in 1900—Mr. Chi-rehill revolted as soon as Joseph Chamberlain's formula (protectionist) made jits appearance. And this is how he talked when he wanted to become a Liberal to fight that formula: "The Tory party is the party of The personnel manager was Infertile vested interests — corruption at j viewing a man for a job. home, aggression to cover it up "How long did you work in the abroad, the trickery of tariff jugglery, 'other place?" the tyranny of the party machine,! "Sixty-five year*." sentiment by the bucketful, patriot- j "How old are you?" ism by the imperial pint, the open 'Tin 40." hand at the public exchequer, dear' "How could yojb work 66 years food for the millions, and cheap la-.when you are only 40 years old?" bor for the millionaire." ' "Overtime." Wages Remain At 1942 Levels, But Prices, Well---! Rising prices have wiped out every gain made by workers in the past six years. That blunt fact was underlined recently in "Labor's Monthly Survey," the reseanch organ of the A. F. of L. From 1939 to 1942, before wage freezing regulations went into effect, I workers made noticeable advances in "real" earnings, the A. F. of L. said. Thereafter, the "Little Steel" formula halted boosts in wage rates. The "take-home" pay kept rising, but only because of longer hours worked. After the war, overtime eamiags vanished and "take-home" pay took a nose-dive. Wage increases obtained since then have lagged behind living costs the Federation said. "What remains to the average worker is the real weekly wage he had in the fall of 1942," the report added. PAcific 3855 __B»«*__i Res., MArine 3766 SYKES, Florist FLOWERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS 56 Eaat Hasting* St. Vancouver, B. C COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON A. Anthony Ltd. FORMERLY KINGSWAY ELECTRIC ^ ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Phone: HA. 5M» 433 EAST OEORQIA VANCOUVER, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR1 ' INDUSTRIAL SHEET METAL WORKS LTD. Phone: HA. 1740 1254 POWELL STREET VANCOUVER. B. C. Happy New Year! BUFTON'S FLOWER SHOP Telephone: HAstings 0187 1520 COMMERCIAL DRIVE VANCOUVER, B.C. \ :_,- Page Six THE LABOR/STATESMAN "BUILD B.C. PAYROLLS' STEAMING HOT COFFEE Winter days make that delicious warming ct)p of coffee doubly enjoyable. And if you add cream, be sure it's "irradiated" Pacific —there's a world of difference. Storing thc familiar vacuum packed Pacific tin is no trouble at all. Pacific Milk Irradiated and Vacuum Packed HAPPY NEW YEAR This space donated by Bill Couper 724 Seymour Street U.N. Cost-of-Living Survey Ottawa.—The cost-of-living index has risen faster in Canada than in any other country in the Commonwealth in the four post-war years. The United Nations' August bulletin of statistics gives cost of living figures for G5 nations or dependencies throughout the world. Included in these ure eight nations and two colonies in the Commonwealth^ Their increases from I s.»-1."» to 1949 were as [follows: In-Measc in Cost of Living in Commonwealth Countriea since 1945 1. Ireland 8% 2. United Kingdom 11% 3. New Zealand 11% 4. Ceylon 16% 5. South Africa 17% 6. Northern Rhodesia 18% 7. Southern Rhodesia 20% 8. Australia 22% 9. India 30% 10. Canada 35% Since the early part of this year Canada's cost-of-living index has taken another jump, which is not indicated by these figures. The addition of 10 other countries in Europe and the western hemisphere gives a broader picture of price movements in a large part of the world. Increases in Cost of Living in 20 Countries -Since 1945 1. Norway 3% 2. Denmark 6% 3. Switzerland : 6% 4. Ireland :... 8% 5. Sweden .-,, •. 10% j 6. United Kingdonr. 11% 7. New Zealand ....: 11% 8. Ceylon 16% 9. South Africa 17% 10. Northern Rhodesia 18% 11. Southern Rhodesia 20% 12. Australia 22% 13. Netherlands - 23% 14. India 30% 15. U. S. A 32% 16. Canada ; .-. 35% 17. Uruguay : „ 40% 18. Brazil : 57% 19. Chile 98% 20. France 355% Increases for the U.S.S.R. are not made public and hence are not given in the U.N. publication. It is significant to note that five of the first seven listed above are democratic socialist countries. BALMORAL HOTEL Say: "MEET ME AT THE BALMORAL 0\\ Smartly modern—comfortably ^ famished . . . yet retaining* a quiet. -Itr-lfled atmosphere that makes it a wolconie place to bring or meet your friends. Managers: MIKE KOSKI BOB PATTERSON "JOHNNY" McKENZIE Phone: PAclflo 3148 159 EapL_Hastings Street VANCOUVER, B.C. For QOODNESS Sake . . Membership in British Trade Unions Doubled in Laet Ten Years In the' last 10 years the combined membership of unions affiliated to Britain's Trade Union Congress met at Brindlington, England, in 1939, there were about 4,670,000 trade unionists in 21-7 unions. This year there were approximately 7,800,000 members in the 187 unions attached to the TUC. As these membership totals relate to the beginning of the calendar year 1949, the figures do not take account of increases gained by the unions in the last ten months, which mean there were at least 8, 000,000 represented in the delegations at this year's Congress . "Then you will find that "nation" is a name And boundries are things that don't exist, That Labor's bondage, world-wide, is the same, And ONE the enemy it must resist." (Ralph Chaplin) ■» % V ■ ■■ DAD'S ORIGINAL Oatmeal Cookies The Most Delicious Health Biscuit Ever Mad- When sending parcels overseas, don't forget to include some Dad's Cookies. They will be greatly appreciated over there I DAD'S COOKIE CO. (B.C.) LIMITED 4o8 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. RAY'S PATTERN WORKS Manufacturers of Leader Sawdust Burners R. D. McDouRall, Prop. Patterns and Models of Every Description Gearing Propellers All Work Guaranteed Estimates Given 114 West 5th Avenue Vancouver, It. C. Phone: FA. 8371 RAY'S PATTERN WORKS THOS. H. CLARK PAJ_-J_Q COHTKACTOK PAINTING. DBOOBAT.NO AND SPRAYING Work Guaranteed Phone: Aima IS 13 sasa wist eiohteesjth ave J. GLOVER PAIMT1NO COlfT KACTOK Eattmatea Furnlahed on All Painting Joba «aiS KDTERT ST.. VANCOUVER, -PhoneI DE.l.r 0775 Phons: FAIr. 5773 Thompson 8C Company Warm Air Heating' Oeneral Sheet Metal Work Furnacea and Repairs 2723 Main St.. Vancouver, B.C. Labor Unions Stopped Depressions To American labor-unions ihusI |!o 1the"creoTft vfor'fikf-ihg trie depression which threatened for a time to plunge us into the doldrums. This is true because the unions blocked wage cutting, and because splendid levels of union wages gave the public the necessary buying power to sustain business. Only tbe buying power of the working people prevented a much more serious slump. The Monthly Labor Review, published by the American Federation of Labor, points out that fantastic prices have, in some categories, come to a more reasonable level. The one exception is automobiles; they are still exorbitantly priced. "The recession, though mild in general, was so sharp in spots that it might easily have caused a very serious business collapse had it not been for strong counteracting forces within the economy," the AFT, Labor Review says. "Drastic farm price declines were stopped by government price support before they could cause a general price collapse. - "Workers' buying power was maintained, and the large and steady buying forced factories to increase production rapidly after the drastic cuts and layoffs of the first seven months. By late November over half of those laid off were back at work. "Business observers generally agree that our country's quick recovery from the recession was due mainly to sustained consumer buying. Workers' purchasers are the mainstay of the consumer market. Workers' buying power has held up for four reasons: (1) Union agreements pre vented wage cuts; (2) Small declines in living tasts raised buying power; (3) Unemployment compensation gave Eartial income to those laid off; (4) niiins negotiated wage increases for millions of workers which helped to offset income losses from unemployment."—Washington Teamster. A New School Every Thirty-six Hours A new school -was brought into use every 36 hours in Britain during the three months from June to October last. This has just been revealed by the Minister of Education, Mr. George Tomlinson. He said that during that time 60 new school departments had been provided ready for occupation. This meant that places had been made for 36,000 pupils, representing a rate of about 400 a day. Monopoly Either Dies Or Grows "The mills of the gods grind slowly" when it comes to com,bating_monopoly and price fixing. Here!s an^example, part of which is in the news today, and part of which has never been told publicly. The latter part is this: More than 50 years ago, two huge concerns, which furnished practically the entire supply of important industrial chemicals, got together in a secret agreement. 1 They divided the country into areas. In some of these areas, one of the companies was given a complete monopoly of the market. The other company got a similar monopoly in the other areas. Of course, this arrangement was not open and obvious. If a purchaser asked for "Bids" on chemicals, both companies would offer him a- price. By a miraculous coincidence, however, the sale always went to the company which had the monopoly in that area. The other company always boosted its price just high enough to lose the sale.-. That prevented any competition, and kept prices and profits high for both companies. This writer does not know whether that arrangement is still in existence, but apparently it has been replaced by something bigger and better for a far larger monopoly. One of those companies was bought out some years ago by the vast du Pont chemical combine. Du Pont also bought the controlling stock of the General Motors Company and United States Rubber Company, giant manufacturers of automobiles, trucks, tires and many other products. . Now, in an anti-trust suit, the Department of Justice charges that the du Pont-General Motors-United States Rubber "empire" is guilty of monopoly and price-fixing crimes which make the old arrangement of 50 years ago "small-time stuff." What will the situation be 500 years from now? Judging by'the record of the past haflf-century, and the general futility of the anti-trust laws now, monopoly and price fixingj-will be still bigger and stronger. — The Federated Railwayman. Union Membership Ranges From 56 To Over Million Washington.—Although it is generally known that the teamsters, auto workers, carpenters, and steelworkers comprise the four largest labor unions in the country, few people, union members included, could name the one with the smallest enrollment. According to the new directory of labor unions issued by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, among 197 organizations listed, the smallest is the 50-year-old International Association of Siderographers, AFL, which has only fifty-six members in the United States and Canada. A siderographer, the bureau explains, is one who reproduces an engraving on a steel roll and then on plates from which banknotes, securities and postage stamps are printed. Union names tend toward long, all- inclusive names to cover the allied branches of a trade, but the one that takes all honors for length is listed as the International Association of Marble, Slate and Stone Polishers, Rubbers and Sawyers, Tile and Marble Setters, Helpers and Terrazzo Help- res, AFL. PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISERS Council To Support Boilermakers' Appeal In reporting for the Special Committee appointed to enquire into the request by the Boilermakers' Union for assistance in an appeal against the decision which gave damages to Myron Kuzych, Delegate Hugh Bird, chairman of the committee, reported that Kuzych had been expelled be- ctuse of open opposition to the union, for making radio broadcasts opposing the closed shop, and had declared under oath that the union was spurious and a fake, and that he would not remain a member of the union five minutes longer than was necessary. In outlining the history of the case, Bro. Bird pointed out that charges were levelled against Kuzych, and after trial by-the union members he was expelled. In a legal action taken by Kuzych, with seeking an appeal as provided in the union constitution, the presiding judga, Mr. Justice McFarlane, found in favor of the union. The case was then appealed by Kuzych, and the case came before Mr. Justice Whittaker some eight months later.' Justice Whittaker handed down a decision awarding Kuzych.$5,000 in damages and approximately $4,000 in costs. The committee felt that the serious part of the decision was the question raised by Justice Whittaker: "Ought a trade union which has a closed shop agreement with an employer under any circumstances (other than for non-payment of dues) hav% the right to expel a member?" This was a serious question for the entire trade union movement, the committee felt, as it throws doubt on the right of unions with a closed shop to discipline its members and to determine who may or may not become or remain members of the union. The delegates to the Council endorsed the recommendation of the committee that full moral and financial assistance be. given to the Marine Workers' and Boilermakers' Industrial Union, I .ocnl No. 1, in their appeal against this decision. The delegates also unanimously en dorscd thc recommendation that "we endorse and uphold the principal of any trade union retaining the right under their constitution and bylaws to determine who shall and who shall not become a member of said union." A donation of $10 was voted to help Anance the appeal. > January, 1950 * Mellow . . . mature . .. full'bodied . . . yes, it's DISTINCTIVELY CANADA'S FINEST! HSO-I TOs a-vertleement is not pu-lle-e- or displayed by th* Liquor Control Board or hv the -.-eminent of ■rl___ Columbia. WE DO SELL FOR LESS! VANCOUVER VANCOUVER A.M.TITERLE GENERAL CONTRACTOR QUALITY HOMES AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS 1044 West Forty-fifth Avenue, Vancouver, B. C. Phone: KE.*7236 Labor Unions Deplore Job Color Line LcgislRtiOTi afftinst racial -discrimination in hiring and firing was urged by the Vancouver and District Trades _nd Labor Council (APL-CIO). Delegates endorsed a resolution from the North Shore Council of Women asking for an act to make it unlawful for an employer to fire or refuse to hire anyone on racial grounds. Nominations Opened For 1950 Executive Nominations for 1950 elections to the Executive of the Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council were opened at the second meeting of the Council in January. Nominations will be reopened at the February 7th meeting at which elections will be held. The following were nominated: Nominated to oppose re-election of President Birt Showier, Teamsters, were: Tom Alsbury, Teachers; Sandy Bevis, Typographical Union; Jack Stevenson, Carpenters, and William Black, Civic Employees. No one was nominated to oppose Alderman R. K. Gervin "for secretary-treasurer. For vice-president, Tom Alsbury was nominated for re-election, and George Johnston, Meat Cutters, as opposition. Other nominations: Warden, J. Stevenson; statistician, Jack Eaves, Painters and Decorators; organizational committee, Tom Parkin,'Fishermen; legislation committee, Sandy Bevis; press committee, H. I. Bird, Firemen; grievance committee, R. W. Cormack, Street Railwaymen. "Trust her! You surely don't] ' think she sould keep a secret?" A sign on a stocking counter reads "Well, I've trusted her with other i "These Nylons Will Look Better on things, and she kept them I" ' Your Legs Than on Our Hands " "I'm making sure the whole crew •eeihr Happy New Year! Convent of the Sacred Heart Boarding and Day School for Girls, Conducted by the Religious of tha Sacred Heart. Phone: AL. 2960 3851 West 29th Avenue Vancouver, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR ! Hughes Tile Co. Phone: CE. 3433 273 WEST FIRSJ AVENUE, VAl-SO UV*EK.I HAPPY NEW YEAR ! « » Grinnell Co. of Canada Ltd. Phone: MA. 6348 1132 HAMILTON STREET, VANCOUVER, fe.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I ,jv' Bill's Auto Service SPECIALIZINO IN HIPPO PAINTINO AND FINISHINO COMPLETE COLLISION REPAIRS Phone: DE. 37S1 4273 KINGSWAY (Across from Central Park), VANCOUVER, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I . B.C.TileCo. Phone: HA. 338*-V _S9» ETON STREET VANCOUVER, B.C. '■-.'-. _C_f January, 1950 THE LABOR STATESMAN Page Seven 8— HAPPY NEW YEAR I A. J. Sandford Sheet Metal Ph^ne: TA. 5536 is-' r ' ' 1 175 WEST CORDOVA, VANCOUVER, B. C. RAY-BILT LTD. GENERAL CONTRACTORS SPECIALIZING IN PAINTING AND DECORATING ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS Phone: FA. 8071 181 West Sixth Avenue, Vancouver, B. C. ft. r HAPPY NEW YEAR I Henry J. Meyer & Son PAINTING CONTRACTOR. Phone: FA. 8171 4371 Perry Street, Vancouver, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Henry Vasseur General Contractor Phone: AL. 3474 3986 Wait 24th Avenue Vancouver, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR ! Joseph Trask Cement Contractor Phone: HA. 293VY .,,•;;.,.-.,;; *t 2984-__*t_th"Av«n.e' "/ Vancouver, B.C. Union Label Corner The officers and members of the Vancouver Union Label. Trades Council join with all other members of the international labor movement throughout the United States and Canada in mourning, the sad loss of Brother I. M. Ornburn, Secretary- Treasurer of the A. F. of L. Union Label, Trades Department at Washington. His sudden death on December 17th was a great shock to all who knew him. He was one of labor's outstanding leaders, specializing in the work qf promoting the recognition and patronage of the Union Label. , He was a past president of the Cigar-makers' International, Union, and since his election«as secretary- treasurer of the UniorrSobel Trades Department in 1934, he worked tirelessly to promote and extend its work. He pioneered in many branches of activity. He sponsored the idea of forming Women's Auxiliaries, and worked- hard to bring labor and management closer together through joint support of union-made products and services. Brother Ornburn contributed more to the development "of the Union Industries shows than any other individual and was working on plans for next y"ea'r's show to be held in Philadelphia at the time of his death. He was popular and effective and ' a speaker and radio commentator. Vancouver Union Label Council will long remember the co-operation and advice so willingly given at all times by Brother Ornburn. . Letters sent out from our council to other Union Label Committees and Leagues in Canada suggesting ways and means of keeping up the work of educating trade unionists to become more union label conscious, as well as for the exchange of ideas that will assist in the formation of a Union Label Trades Department in Canada, have brought many replies from Hamilton, Toronto, Montreal, Rcgina and other centres. There is no doubt that a greater enthusiasm now exists for the work of union label committees than ever before in Canada. One reason for the lack of progress in Hie past has been the failure to have groups all over the country working in close touch with each other. There is now a general feeling that by organized effort on a national basis, much more can be done this year and in future years to publicize the value of the union label to all consumers. Many who have written to us have suggested the idea of holding a union label week in Canada during the week of Labor Day. We shall have more to say about this later. Your Union Label Council in Van couver wishes to make greater progress in I960. This means you must help. Have your union elect its full quota of delegates to the council Notify the secretary of their names and addresses. The Council meets on the third Friday in each month, in Hall No. 6 of the Labor Temple. The first meeting for 1950 will be on Friday, January 20th. Delegates, please note. HAPPY NEW YEAR I Thrift Construction Co. Phone: TA. 2633 193 East Hastings Street Vancouver, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I Service Cartage Ltd. Demolition Experts DUMP TRUCK WORK Phone: FA. 8244 575 West 18th Avenue Vancouver, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I R R. Shortreed Cement Contractors Phone: KE. 4902 3075 West 32nd Avenue Vancouver, B.C. SEASON'S GREETINGS I _ E. Stevens General Contractor Phone: MA. 4658 1050 HOWE STREET VANCOUVER, B. C. SEASON'S GREETINGS I '»•'•■ Real Dutch Bakery IPs Pure! It's Different! Phone: HA. 1283 6093 Fraser Avenue VANCOUVER, B. C. 1364 Kingsway Secretaries of all Local Union take note that Union Watermarked paper is now made in Canada. When ordering office supplies, demand this paper and provide jobs for Canadian workers. Distributors axe.-J. Ii. .Holland & Botrtr>G»7; *4WSt: Tfeleri Sfritet, "Montreal, Quebec; Buntin Reid Paper Ltd., 117 Peter Street, Toronto, Ont.; Clark Bros. & Co. Ltd., 18 Charlotte Street, Winnipeg, Man. See to it that you do not buy goods from unfair firms. By so doing you are weakening the organized labor movement and are not playing the game.with the union employer. Better wages and higher standards of living go hand in hand with the patronage of union services. Do unto others as you expect them to do unto you. Think it over. ED. SMITH, Secretary, Union Label Trades Council. Building Materials Prices Go Lower Wholesale prices of both general building materials and residential building materials were slightly lower in September than in August, according to the price indexes compiled by the Dominion Bureau of Statistics,, The month's decrease continued a gradual downward movement that has been uninterrupted for general building materials since March and for residential building materials since February this year. In each case, however, the decline from August to September was smaller than in any preceding month. The Bureau's index of general building materials (based on 1926 = 100) eased off a half point from 1981 for August to 197-6 for September, making a total drop of 7-8 points for the six months of steady declines since March, when the index stood at 205-4. The September figure is 2-6 points below that of a ye_r earlier and 8-3 points below the peak of 205-9 for this index in October a year ago. The composite index of residential building materials (based on 1935-39 — 100) eased off a tenth of a point only, from the revised standing of 2262 for August to 226.1 for September. This brought the cumulative decline to 4-3 points from the peak of 230-4 for this index in February, but was still above the level of 221-6 for" September last year. indexes for five of the nine principal components of the residential materials index were unchanged from August to September, while two were higher and two lower. The index for lumber and products rose slightly from 319-7 to 820-0 and for roofing materials from 184-8 to 187-3; while the paint and glass index declined from 176.7 to 171-0 tnd the index for "other" materials from 1746 10-17-2.6, BITS'OF HUMOR Someone told me about a smart cat that ate cheese and then waited at the mouse hole with baited breath. J. M. THORNBURN GAVE LIFE TO ORGANIZED LABOR CAUSE The sudden death of I. M. Thorn- burn, the secretary-treasurer of the Union Label Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor, was a great shock to his associates and numerous other friends. He died early Saturday morning, December 17, at Cornwall Hospital, Cornwall, New York. Services were held on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. There were many causes for the rapid ascendancy of I. M. Thornburn in the American labor movement. His unique position of strength and power could be attributed to his unswerving loyalty to his associates and to his ardent advocacy of the true principles and purposes of labor unionism. He urged a constant demand for Union Label products by members of labor unions and their families. He fully realized the great benefits to society derived when intelligent buying is coupled with collective bargaining. With his great energy and dynamic character he generated enthusiasm in othcrs-for practical, united effort of both labor and industrial leaders. Under the leadership of Secretary- Treasurer Ornburn the Union Label Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor had made more rapid progress than during any period since its establishment in 1909. That important branch of the American Federation of Labor is the clearing house in which the promotional and publicity acitvities for all Union Labels, Shop Cards and Buttons are centered. It was through the valuable school of practical experience in labor unionism that Mr. Ornburn received his education. He was secretary of the Connecticut State Federation of Labor from 1912 to 1923. He was vice- president of the Cigarmakers' International Union of America from 1918 to 1926, when he was elected president. He served, as president until January 1, 1936. From 1918 until his death he had been a delegate from the Cigarmakers International Union to the American Federation of Labor conventions. Mr. Ornburn had been granted a leave of absence from 1930 to 1933 while he served as a member of the United States Tariff Commission. He had also been an active member on several important committees and commissions to which he was appointed by both governors of Connecticut and Presidents of the United States. He was elected secretary-treasurer of the Union Labeli-Trados Department of the American Federation of Labor in 1934 and held this position until his death. In 1936, Mr. Ornburn introduced a resolution at the Atlantic City convention of the Union Label Trades Department to form the American Federation of Womens Auxiliaries of Labor which, in the light of today's events, is one of the most progressive steps ever taken by the American Federation of Labor. Inspired by a powerful incentive to bring labor and management together Mr. Ornburn conceived the idea of a great national exhibition of union-made products and union services, now known as the Union Industries Show. It is the greatest event of its kind in the history of organized labor. The first one was held in Music Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1938. Mr." O^pnirn .waa dure-tw^genenir of. this exhibition. The labor-management exhibitions were discontinued during the war but due to a growing demand after the emergency several other shows have been held. Each one has been a sensational success. At the time of his death, Mr. Ornburn was making arrangements for the forthcoming Union Industries Show to be held in Philadelphia next May. Several times each year Mr. Ornburn delivered addresses over a coast- to-coast network of one of the major radio broadcasting chains. After each broadcast many thousands of requests poured into headquarters for copies of his timely talks. His popularity as a speaker at various labor gatherings had increased to such an extent that he received many invitations to address various conventions, banquets and other meetings. During World War II Mr. Ornburn was appointed by the Office of Price Administration to* serve on its Labor Policy Committee. He was also a member of the Labor Advisory Committee of the Nutrition and Food Conservation Branch, War Food Administration. Through an arrangement with union manufacturers of cigarettes, Mr. Ornburn made possible the shipment of millions of Union Label "smokes" to members of our fighting forces overseas during the emergency. It is to he regretted, that Mr. Ornburn. great work was so suddenly interrupted. His life was entirely devoted to the organized labor cause in which he sacrificed his health to advance the welfare of workers everywhere. No one could bring him to live in peace and rest when he felt that a single injustice was being done to any man or woman toiler. HAPPY I-fEW YEAR! Page & Harper PLUMBERS AND STEAMFITTERS Phpne: CE. 0023 2033 GRANVILLE STREET, VANCOUVER, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Monarch Roofing Go. L. LEWIS B. OVENS Phone: HA, 0976-R , Phone; HA. 2639-M 1610 EAST FIFTH AVENUE, VANCOUVER, B. C Furniture Workers Get Wage Boosts New'agreements covering about 80 workers have been signed with three Vancouver furniture plants by the Furniture and Fixture Workers, Local 2533, of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (AFL-TLC). George Bengough, special representative for the carpenters, said that the agreements are signed with the Monarch Furniture Coi, Monterey Furniture Co. and Crane Furniture Co. Main points are a uniform classification plan which brings wages in all classifications up to the highest 'Kale, a maintenance of membership clause, and a 40-hour week. Mr. Bengough said a conciliation board is being set up for negotiations with Faircrest Furiture, and negotiations are continuing with Sturdybuilt Furniture Ltd. Alex Low and Tom Dumma, of Shingle Weavers I-ocal -802, are attending the Northwest District Shingle Weavers' Council at Portland. Happy New Year! BUS & ARNIE FUELS Phone: HA. 4673 2316 Garden Drive Vancouver, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR ! - John N. Toynbee Building Repairs and Alterations Phone: FA. 9071 4812 WINDSOR VANCOUVER. B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR 1 L. Torrance Roofing Contractor Specializing in All Types of Shingling -.,.- r. -.-•,..,.,-•.-. • Phons* - CE-.508_K..,>"r_„.*.'.... -.-».'-';*'.",::." .£. ,.;..-■*. 1343 MAPLE STREET VANCOUVER, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR! C. J. Wardlaw Contractor Building Alterations and Repairs Phone: AL 1303 i- 4615 West 10th Avenue Vancouver. B.C. -• HAPPY NEW YEAR ! ~ J; E. Atkins General Contractor Phone: BA. 3676 2405 CORNWALL VANCOtJVER. B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR ! Thomas Clough & Son Painting Contractors Phone: CH. 3615 — Office: BA. 4323 . 2848 West 18th Avenue Vancouver. B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR ~ John E. Hemberg Bricklaying. Contractor Phone: 6L 2041-R 4259 OXFORD STREET VANCOUVER. B.C. 3785 EDINBURGH HAPPY NEW YEAR I James F. Miller General Contractor Phone: GL 1498 VANCOUVER. B.C. Tommy: "What's the matter, has your girl turned you down?" Billy: "Yes, I haven't heard from her for a week." Tommy: "I thought she said she would write every day." Billy: "Yea, but she didn't say to whom." I Page Eight THELABOR STATESM'A N January, 1950 * HAPPY NEW YEAR I THE PALMS DINE AND DANCE Phone: West 1286 2433 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VANCOUVER, B. C Best of the New Year to Organized Labor S. Lanktree Thompson / RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR Phone: N. V. 2658-R3 .3326 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hazel Bros. — Construction Co. Phone: N. V. 2255 67 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR! i West Van Electric Co. Ltd. RECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Phone: West 108 1356 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VANCOUVER, B.C. Happy New Year! Potter Construction Co. Ltd. EXCAVATING, BULLDOZING, CONTRACTING, LAND CLEARING Phone: West 831 1480 Marine Drive West Vancouver, B. C. ' HAPPY NEW YEAR! Dukes & Bradshaw Heating ' and Sheet Metal Phone: North 2759-L-l Residence Phone: AL. 0774 . 1928 Marine, North Vancouver, B.C. Compliments of the Season ! Dave's Snappy Service CARTAGE 1362 Haywood Phone: West 1373 : Devaluation Hikes Living Costs For Britain's Workers By ARTHUR DEAKIN General Secretary of Britain's Largest Trade Union, the Transport and General Workers' Union. London.—Once again, in time of crisis, Britain's Trades Union Congress was called upon by the United Kingdom government to advise on the best way.of reaching an agreement on wages policy with industry. The TUC general council's decision recommending a still stricter policy of voluntary wage restraint, marks a courageous attempt to give an authoritative lead to Britain's trade union movement in the critical economic situation. This decision resulted from TUC decisions, which ha-e, been taking place' shrce-the pound sterling was devalued in September, 1949. The changed value of the pound created a new situation. The cost of living was bound to rise a few points — automatically raising those wage rates linked to the cost of living by sliding scale agreements. It was also bound to increase rank and file pressure on other unions to urge new wage claims. Any general rise in wages, salaries, or profits, however, would raise labor costs and so defeat the main object of the currency change,, making Britain's goods more competitive in North American markets. Britain's government, therefore, approached the TUC with a1 view to ensuring wage stability through voluntary trade union co-operation. As a result, the TUC's general council has announced a 7-point policy statement, recommending wages stabilization in relation to the cost of living. At present, the cost of living index in Britain is 112. It is proposed that all agreed wages in industry should remain fixed for 12 months up to January 1, 1951, provided that during that time the cost of living figure does not rise as high as 118 or fall below 106. If either of these contingencies should arise collective bargaining machineiycould be set in motion so that union?could claim increased wages in relation to the increased cost of living, and unions having sliding-scale agreements relating wages to the cost of living should also be entitled to claim increments due. A 6-point rise in the cost of living would be equivalent to a 5 per cent reduction in wages. However, the object of this policy is to stabilize prices and to prevent a rapid rise in the cost of living. At the same time, this policy preserves intact existing voluntary negotiation machinery for use in the event of a 6-point cost-of-living rise. Indeed, the policy statement insists that the existing machinery must be preserved as the only method of governing the adjustment of wages and working conditions, and maintaining the authority of the trade unions.. THE OLD MULE SKINNER Contributed by Max Donsmor. of South Wilmington, 111., the following verse* were inspired by —B aging miner, "Davey Dye," now past 80, who lives alone in a cottage in Sparland, UL, and loves to pass the time swapping mine stories with "all the other boys". Way back in '90, even after and ere, There was a mine mule skinner without a peer. Davey Dye was the "skinner" arid in many a mine He drove any mule and pulled his -•"•trips on time. —---*■ His deep bass voice blared out "Gee!" and then "Haw!" Through "miners and puddlers" tucked deep in his jaw. Carried a driver's whip for only a bluff, 'Cause he loved mules and to them never was rough. Daye Dye pulled coal when it wasn't a snap, Yet always had a smile with his cheery "Giddy-apl" Though every day brought troubles and pains anew He was the life of the party after the whistle blew. * Compliments of » FRASER RIVER PILE DRIVING CO. LTD. Established over 30 years Phone N.W. 1013 Foot of 20th St., New Westminster THE TAXPAYERS' LAMENT Tax hi. head and tax his hide (let him walk while taxes ride). Tax his house and tax his lands; Tax the blisters on his hands. Tax his auto, tax his gas; ' Tax the road that he must pass. Tax the payroll, tax the sale, Tax his hard-earned paper kale. Tax his pipe, tax his smoke, IHqjU. find government i» no Tax the water, tax the air, Tax the sunlight, if you dare. Tax the living, tax the dead; Tax the unborn ere they're fed. Tax their coffins, tax their shrouds. Tax their souls beyond the clouds. Tax them all and tax them well— Tax them to the gates of hell. —Author Unknown. FLING'S FINISH A newspaperman named Fling Could make "copy" from any old thing. But the copy he wrote Of a five-dollar note Was so good he ia now in Sing Singt A KILLING JOB I "Do you mean to tell me," said the judge, "that you murdered that poor old woman for a paltry three dollars?" j... "Well, judge you know how it is. [Three bucks here and three bucks there. It soon adds up." "Think you could slip a few clause* into a contract I'm negotiating whit the union?" Green-Meany See World-Wide Fight On Poverty, Reds By ARNOLD BEICHMAN New York Correspondent AFL News Service New York.—Pres. William Green said that organization of the International Coniederation of Free Trade Unions in London will eventually mean "the lifting of standards of wages and working conditions in all democratic countries and therefore will be of great benefit to American workers." He made his statement in a shipboard press conference on the Queen Mary, which brought back the AFL president as well as George Meany, secretary-treasurer; Charles J. Mc- Gowan, president of the Boilermakers Union; W. C. Doherty, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, and George Harrison, president ot the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, all AFL vice-presidents. It was a triumphant return for the AFL leaders whose negotiations with other national trade union movements had averted any calamitous rifts and had led to the establishment of a democratic world labor federation with representation in 53 nations and able to speak in the name of 49,760,- 000 workers. Working in close harmony with the AFL officials were the spokesmen for the Congress of Industrial Organizations, 'iwo of their delegates, CIO Vice President Allan Haywood and David MacDonald, secretary-treasurer of the United Steelworkers of America, returned on the same boat and participated in the joint press conference with the AFL spokesmen. "The two delegations acted, unitedly," said President Green. "I can truthfully say that there is real international unity betwen both groups bcause we agreed so thoroughly on all proposals. We are both satisfied with the work done, and the sound actions taken." Secretary Meany stated that "the kind of unity we have achieved on the international front should help achieve unity between the AFL and CIO on the domestic front." Secretary Meany saidTmrt the international cbnfederation would make possible " a real fight against communist influence the world over." He said: "The fight against communism wiJI go on, through the international confederation of free trade unions, right inside the iron curtain countries. There were many delegates at the London conference from Soviet-occupied lands and we intend to maintain liaison with the democratic elements that remain in those iron curtain countries." Secretary Meany also declared that one of the most important steps taken by the conference was "the action against dictator Franco which should be of great encouragement to Spanish workers who are fighting fascism." The delegation agreed that the biggest job would be to initiate real support for tho "point four," bold new program, to aid foreign countries raise their living standards with II. S. help and know-how, and it was President Green who disclosed that wide co-operation had been pledged in the international confederation to a program to implement point four. A meeting of the confederation's executive board is to be convened In the next few months when application for consultative status will be made to the United Nations. __-y PAPA KNOWS BEST A farmer whose clock had run down was sending his boy to town to get the correct time. But, Pa, I can't bring the correct time. I have no watch. "What do you want a watch for? If you can't remember, write it down on a piece of paper." LIKE A BARGAIN SALE A young couple asked the parson to marry them immediately following the Sunday morning service. When the time came, the minister arose to say: * "Will those who wish to be united in the holy bonds of matrimony please come forward?" There was a great stir as 13 women and one man approached the altar. PRINTING LESSON Doctor: "Why do you have A-68446 tattooed on your back?" Patient: "That's not tattooed, that is where my wife ran into me while I was opening the garage doors." The Ingrate—An old gentleman tumbled over a five-barred gate just in time to save himself from an angry bull in the pasture.. "Yon brute)'' he spluttered, shaking his fist at the infuriated animal, "and I've been a vegetarian all my life!" LOOKING BACKWARD Enoch had invited Joe for a ride on the back of his new motorcycle. After they had gone a few miles, Enoch asked Joe how he liked it. "All right," said Joe, "but the wind is catching my chest" - ' So Enoch stopped. "Take your overcoat off, Joe and put it on back to front; that will protect your chest a bit. and I'll button it up at the back." They restarted, and after a while Enoch asked Joe if he was warmer. No reply. Joe wasn't there. Enoch turned the machine around and went back until he saw,.* "crowd, and there was Joe, lying motionless. Anxiously Enoch asked one of the crowd, "How is he?", "I can't make it out," said the bystander, "He ain't spoke since we twisted his head the right way around." Happy New Year! John Hess & Sons INDUSTRIAL BRICK WORK t '.. Phone: N.W. 2446 "1 „*-, 418 First Street;New Westminster, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Manson Bros. Ltd. CONTRACTORS GENERAL CONSTRUCTION Phone: DE. 3950 • 1871 Waverley, BurrVaby, B.C. Compliments of the Season ! C. A. LANGFORD SHEET METAL and HEATING Phone: N.W. 3288 Night Calls—N.W. II7-L — N.W. 1535 R 720 12th Street New Westminster, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR! C. H. Ingham Co. Ltd. MACHINERY INSTALLATIONS Phone: West 168-M 1872 Fulton, West Vancouver, B. C. _£? :1- H. LANCASTER^ GENERAL CONTRACTOR t Phone: N.W. 826-M 1121 Dublin Street, New Westminster, B.C. Happy New Year! Ed. Walsh & Co., Ltd. | CONTRACTORS Phone: N.W. 4733 900 23rd New Westminster, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I W. H. MUIRHEAD Bricklaying Contractor • Phone: DE 0747-F 3648 RUMBLE BURNABY, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I John T. Bonneau GENERAL CONTRACTOR SPECIALIZING IN HOME BUILDING Phone: DE. 051 l-R 3219 NEVILLE Burnaby, New Westminster, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I . ,-. • W. E. Ternan Contractor Custom Built Homes et Fair Prices Phone: DE. 3270 2512 Wellington Avenue ~~~— ' Burnaby, B.C. s o .iff*\ January; 1950 THE LABOR STATESMAN ■ J Robert Walker & Sons Ltd. BRICKLAYING CONTRACTORS Building Trades Council Notes By H. W. WATTS , ,.„_ Bradshaw Plumbing and Heating Brother Guthrie of the Carpenters' M<?mpany,-of„North Vancouver, and union reports the following firms are I f".nneaP°«s-Honeywell Regulator Co. signed up with the union: C. B. Riley i ?__.• n01 WPWature control work. Construction Co., Thrift Construction ESS Uown»nJf. Asbestos Coverers, has Company and D. M. Dixon. n rem°ved from their list, , J ( I ._;.-.-•_ Page Nine The Best for the Year „ GIL BRADNER •-. CONTRACTOR KE. 2538 Vancouver, B.C. - - - Newly elected officers for the Tile Setters Helpers Union No. 78 are James Urqubart, president; Robert Murphy, vice-president; Jack Marshall, recording sec'y.; Geo. Didsbury, financial secretary, and K. S. Kennedy, treasurer and business agent. * • ' * A. J. Allen, secretary of the Glaziers and Glass Workers Union, reports the Model Glass Co. and the Belluz Structural Glass Co. are now signed up with the union. • * * Reporting for the recently organized Terrazzo Mechanics Union No. 4, Secretary G. R. Chappell says that the Darli-uitgn, Haskms Co. Ltd., Hingley CoTLt-., The O'Neil Co. Ltd., and the Kingsway Tile and Terazzo Co. employees are all in the union. * * • Painters and Decorators union reports the following new firms are now under agreement: A. Greenall, Insul- Mastic £ Building Products Ltd., and E. S. Longman. . * - * .* ' Sheet Metal Workers Union reports that the Pacific Heating and Sheet Metal Co. of 1120 Kingsway "have changed .their name to the Curtis Heating and Sheet Metal Company. * • • — — — Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union report the signing up of the Dukes Collingwood Construction GENERAL CONTRACTORS Repairs and Alterations Brother J. Bannon, business agent of the New Westminster Carpenters Union, says that Ward and Son operates under a union agreement. * ... - * * Business agent Ernie Cook of the Structural Ironworkers Union reports A. W. Lundy of Victoria has signed up with the union. Pip. Lin. Work Union Gas and Oil Pipe line work from Alberta to the Great Lakes will be done by union labor. Agreements have already been signed by the Plumbers Union, the Engineers Union and the Building Laborers Union. Negotiations with the other trades who will be on the job is also taking place. The line coming to Vancouver will also be done by our trades, as negotiations for this work are almost completed. • • « Geo. Bengough, reporting for the Resilient Section of the Floorlayers' Union, reports the following now firms signed up: Hippo Finishers and Floor Sanding Co., Lay-Rite Floors, J. W. Hussey and the Durra-Foam Rug Service. * * - * Secretary Finlayson of the Lathers' Union reports C. Brundage of North Happy New Year! w Eveready Fuel & Cartage Co. . Phones: DE. 0665 — DE. 3970 Foot Cromwell Vancouver, B.C J Compliments of the Season, All Union Boys! * FORtJM TAXI LTD. i Phone: DExter 4622 5492 JOYCE ROAD VANCOUVER, B.C. HAPPY-NEW YEAR H. R. Harrison LATHING CONTRACTOR Phone: FR. 2675 2261 East Thirty-ninth Avenue, Vancouver, B. C. Happy New Year! ■ • RALPH H. FULTON CONTRACTOR Commercial, Industrial end Home Building - Phone: CH. 6030 3681 W. 2nd Avenue Vancouver, B.C. Vancouver and R. G. Champion of Vancouver signed up. G. Evoy has changed his address to 4045 Cambridge St., North Burnaby. Alex Dorland of Electrical Workers reports the following firms signed UP with the union: Cassidy Electric Co., Domino Electric, and Ace Electric have changed their address to 546 Powell St. Monarch Electric are no longer on the union list. * • • Brother A. W. Scott of the Engineers' Union reports the Le Beau Cartage Contracting Ltd. and Coast . Quarries Ltd. signed up. i Reporting for the Building Material Truck Drivers' Union, Brother Bonnell says the following firms have been signed up: B.C. Concrete Co., Fleetway Trucking Service, Midland Construction Co. The B. and H. Cartage Co. are no longer listed. HA. 2151 412 S. Renfrew HA. 2151 Vancouver, B.C. Building Trades Hold Meet in Bellingham (By Delegate H. W., WATTS) In spite of traffic tie-ups on account of snow drifts created by a TO mile an hour gale, one hundred and twenty eight delegates attended the semi-annual meeting of the Washington State Building and Construction Trades convention held in Bel lingham, January 14th and 16th. Harry J. Ames, the Executive Secretary, acted as chairman of the meeting and the business was conducted in fast time. The delegates stood in silence for one minute in memory of Brother Jack Hurley, International Representative of the ...... Structural Ironworkers' Union, who James Walker, business agent of died recently. the Sheet Metal Workers' Union, re- s» ■ »• -j . _ ports that the following firms now Resolution. Adopted operate under the Built-up Roofers, Among the resolutions adopted was Damp and Waterproof Section of the one asking for the complete coverage union; Albion Roofing and Insulation; of all workers in the state, for unem-1H. D. Bristowe; Central Ssheet Metal; ployment insurance and workmen's, Campbell '& Grill; Empire Sheet compensation. Metal; Hingley Lea & Meagher Ltd.; Coverage of all workers for work- Hudson Heating and Sheet Metal; men's compensation before and after | Seaboard Sheet Metal; Smith Sheet working hours while on the project, Metal; Westminster Sheet Metal; or on their way to and from work. Westeel Sheet Metal; Woodwards' Asking that' the Industrial Insur- Roofing. ance Appeal Board be invited to meet with the Executive Board of the Wash- f* ----- r. ^» inKton State Federation of Labor to _J-TVin KeDOIlS UD discuss vital points in policy. _ *, Asking that Industrial Insurance lilhlPM Mpi payments be speeded up to workers mummumm -T--X-.,.g-> who were employed on jobs in Alaska Two meetings have been held under and have moved to other locations. the auspices of the Canadian Legion Asking that Industrial Insurance' and Vancouver Trades and Labor and Unemployment Insurance be ex- Council with local M.P.'s and M.L.A.'s. tended to include work done for char- Secretary Gervin reported to the dele- itable organi-ation* - ~- fa-tea* -_>__-- -»~ Happy New Year! *• Industrial Construction Phone: TA. 1932 193 E. Hastings Street Vancouver, B. C. * Happy New Year! N. FREDERICK CONTRACTOR 25 Wert 49th Avenue Phone: FR. 6822 Vancouver, B.C. S-JKHWOi™ Happy Netv Year to the Trade Union Movement from HAWKEN & CO. Manufacturing Jewelers — Diamond Setters and Engravers Telephones PAcific 2714 Room 37, 144 W Hasting Street, Vancouver, B. C. McNary Dan Project The fraternal delegate from the Oregon Building Trades Section reported that a committee had been successful in having the workers on the McNary Dam covered by compensation while being ferried across the Columbia River. The ferry is owned by the federal government and workers who cross the river (free) in this ferry either from the Washington or Oregon side of the river are now covered by insurance while crossing the river. This r. tion was taken because this same ferry turned over some years ago with a loss of lives. Housing for Low Wage Worker* Delegates reported that there are some other large dam projects contemplated in Washington, Oregon and Montana; a tremendous amount of work also contemplated in Alaska and some large housing projects also in the offing. There is still a serious housing shortage in Washington and -0'/> of the existing houses are slums lie han*ini*n-nt~~*- Happy New Year! EDVIN HOGLUND BUILDING CONTRACTOR SPECIALIZING IN HOME BUILDING Phone: FA. 9386 205 W. 15th Avenue Vancouver, B.C. ————■ ii In ...... a o-llUUB in Washington and _, .... dieting houses are slums and public housingprojects are needed to remove them. The federal government has agreed to take up the loss on houses that will be built for low wage workers under state, city or municipal government projects. It is also agreed that the prevailing wages must he paid on these jobs. Nine , Washington cities have already made application for Federal assistance on housing projects, but it was also reported that in one city real estate companies were paying ten cents per name to persons getting names on a petition against such housingprojects. Work Prospects Good Reports from delegates from differ-1 nt parts of th« «♦»»- -< ■ gates. . —-_j Some of the elected members had expressed disagreement with the procedure suggested to deal with the growing crisis in unemployment. A third meeting will be held if government action is not forthcoming soon as a result of representations which have been made arising out of the meeings held to date. Wires were sent to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Labor and Premier Byron Johnson. The Executive Director of the Community Chest, Mr. Allen, had attended the second of the unemployment meetings. Bro. Jacob Phillips, Civic Workers, spoke very crticially of """ ment in failing to deal wiin unemployment, particularly in that it had not sought more markets in the East "More markets and more exports SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM THE MANAGEMENT Princeton Hotel 1901 POWELL STREET VANCOUVER. B. C. SEASON'S GREETINGS from THOMPSON & (0. SHEET METAL LTD. Furnace Specialists r^r^4kConditiotnitg:^'«a» Automatic Heating 2725 Main Street, Vancouver, B.C. Phone: FA. 5773 HAPPY NEW YEAR Happy New Year! AXEL T. HENDRICKSON GENERAL CONTRACTOR 3259 Welt 10th Avenue Phone: CE. 4521 Vancouver, B.C. Happy New Year! THE SAMOAN ROOM Specializing in Fine Food Phone: PA. 9000 ....-», -UK pPO! | very good in all sections. Workers were advised to stay away from the Hanford Atomic project because so many workers are flocking to that construction job. It was also reported that a church was being built in Spokane on the day labor basis, and that the trustees refused to get workmen's compensation coverage for. the workers. (Churches are exempt.) Divide aad Rule It was also reported that in one district where thet rades are covered by the usual master agreement, contractors are now rrvi-™ < are necessary to create jobs and help solve unemployment," he said. Delegate T. Parkin said that unemployment is growing so serious that men have been asking for the privilege of sleeping in union halls. "The situation is serious," he said. "Nobody in this country wants to see a return to the soup kitchens." He felt that if the present meeting of the Advisory Employment Committee in Ottawa does not take action we should immediately call further meetings..,, CITY PUBLIC WORKS UNION FAVORS CITY HANDLING OWN PUBLIC WORKS Civic Employees!, Union, Local 28, have requested support from the labor movement in efforts to have all public works done by the City Engineering Department where possible, and that "no contracts be let out except to Fred J. Archer »ic workers, II the govern-f 4027 Eton Electrical Contractor Phone: GL. 0212 Vancouver, B.C. Gordon L. Williams Cement Contractor __^_ <_—__/_-__> ,.___— PK°",: FA- '**'"' «**""* Avenue ' Vancouv*. B.C. 1 —-*■-•■- Hum ueiegates from differ ent parts of the «*_♦=._ j la""" """•"•_■»»■ «e let out e v0e,rvh_ooWdenth.,V._-lEr.<»P-t» *«• .j—jurp union laoor. The resolution was approved by the delegates of Vancouver, New West- 900 West PandW'sw Vancouver, B.C. .... ...-.urn 'piaster agreement tractors are now trying to segregate the crafts and negotiate separately. In Pasco the unions have entered into an agreement with the school , board to pay a minimum wage of 1 14200 a year to construction trade i workers, as well as two weeks' holi- ! day with pay. A report from a representative of the Federal Bureau of Apprentices stated that last year • 23.1,000 apprentices were being trained under the direction of 65,000 joint apprenticeship committers . -■--._._ .» __lU ___' ship committees. . „..._, ut .ancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council. "Labor Statesman" In Good Condition Chairman Hugh Bird of the Press Committee reporting on the "Labor Statesman" said that the paper finances are in good condition and better than at any time in the past 25 years. Deficits incurred during the depression have been paid off. There has been some increase in circulation. The difficulty of obtaining news from local unions still exists, the report said. To Receive Audited Financial Statement After its third reading, the motion instrucing the officers to provide all affiliates with a mimeographed copy of the semi-annual report of> th* sec- cretary-treasurer was passed with the necessary two-thirds majority. HAPPY NEW YEAR I Don Wilson Painting Contractor Phona: FA. 8066 3958 Gladstone „ Vancouver, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I Walsh Construction Ltd. Phone: MA. 4464 Granville Island Vancouver, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I H. K. Stange General Contractor Specializing in Houiei and Inexpensive Homes Phone1: DE. 3073 3255 East 20th Avenue Vancouver, B.C. Page Ten rL-i THE -LABOR STATES.MAN January, 1950 WE SPECIALIZE IN . . . INDUSTRIAL BRICKWORK — PARTITION TILE GLASS BLOCKS — CEMENT BLOCKS and ALL TYPES OF BRICKWORK PhonTOTOay or Night - GL. 1460-M A. 8C A. MASONRY CONTRACTORS 1270 GOVERNMENT ROAD BURNABY, B.C. New DominionRecord Set By Building Trades Happy New Year! J. ELLIGOTT BRICK and STONE CONTRACTOR Phone: HA. 6388 » 2241 Williams Street Vancouver, B.C. Happy New Year! -**_ JOSEF F. FOISEY CONTRACTOR GENERAL BUILDING AND REPAIRS Phone: DE. 4390 2306 East 45th Avenue Vancouver, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I Hull Construction Co. Phone: TA. 1*13 10*4 JERV1S STREET VANCOUVER, B.C. 8L. Compliments of JOHN BEADELL 8C SONS GENERAL CONTRACTORS Phone: CH. 5010 1995 WEST SIXTEENTH AVENUE VANCOUVER, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR Harry Bird GENERAL CONTRACTOR „_.,„„.„_ - ■ ,,fb°m J-4-^-C-S7~.. -:.. _"J-,_-_«-- 2970VEhlABLES VANCOUVER, B. C. J. H. McGUIRE —Contractor Ornamental Brick — Glass Blocks — Cement Blocks Phone: FR. 6285 2176 WAVERLY AVENUE VANCOUVER, B. C. L. N. Desrochers & Sons PLASTERING CONTRACTORS Phone: FA. 7347 184 East Nineteenth Avenue Vancouver, B. C. PANABODE CO. LTD. Manufacturers of "WOODLAND HOMES" Phone: HA. 6766 Foot of McLean Drive Vancouver, B. C. Kirkpatrick Construction Ltd. S. P. Kirkpatrick, President KIIILDINU CONTRACTOR Artistic Homi-i _ Specialty — Estimates and Plans Furnished Phone: PAlrmont 217* MS WEST SIXTEENTH AVENUE, VANCOUVER, B.C. Happy New Year! HUGO DAVIS CONTRACTOR—SPECIALIZING IN CEMENT WORK Phone: GL 2020 df ■ 3360 E. Pender Street Vancouver, B. C. T8 Carpenters, bricklayers and a variety of other workers combined to add $1,665,561,000 worth of new building to Canada in 1948—an all- time high. This .wast reported recently in a review (of 1948 building activities by the Bureau of Statistics. All provinces joined in creating the construction industry's record, ranging from a low increase over 1947 of 25 per cent in Quebec to a high of 43 per cent on the prairies. Transport In addition, private building done by Canada's railways and telegraph companies added up to another $414,- 934,000—bringing total construction to $2 billion. Construction—houses, apartments, warehouses, garages, grain elevators _nd other kindred structures — contributed 65 per cent of the total work undertaken by an army of more than 280,000 workers. n They surpassed the previous record of construction, established in 1947, when the industry did $1,256,536,000 worth of work and doubled the value of construction undertaken in 1946. Building construction waa valued at $1,088,000,000 —up 30 per cent from 1947. Engineering works were valued at $577,673,000—up 38 per cent Ontario Loads As in other years, Ontario led the field in the 1948 record. The province did $682,466,000 worth of construction—41 per cent of the total; Quebec second with $421,476,000,. and British Columbia third -with, $190,- 040,000. ] Other provinces: Prince Edward Island, $5,424,000; Nova Scotia, $73,607,000; New Brunswick, $51,590,000; Manitoba, $82,- 230,000; Saskatchewan, $49,380,000: Alberta, $109,448,000. — 1949 '■,*• '.* The Teamsters' Joint Council paid out the following benefits during 1949: ----.. "~~~" Paid Doctors on account of sickness of members in our Medical Aid Fund: $35,916.95. , Paid members who were off work through non-occupational accident or sickness: $9,340.27. Paid beneficiaries of members who died: $15,300.00. Our members received in wages: $12,211,695.00. The Teamsters' Locals are trade unions only, not affiliated with any "ism" party, and none of the officers are members of any political party or follow any "isms", just Trade Unionists working on behalf of all the members. t T Happy New Year TEAMSTER COUNCIL OFFICES: FAirmont 8714 - 8716; 307 West Broadway HOLD IT HIGH-TOGETHER.' '*mL HAPPY NEW YEAR I Gartshore Coffee Cafes Ltd. No. 1—In the MARINE BUILDING No. 2—In the MEDICAL-DENTAL BUILDING. No. 3—At PENDER and HOWE. No. 4^-At "COFFEE: TIME", 1163 Robson at Bute'.<".' 1 Easy Parking Vancouver, B. C. Our New Year's Message! Canadian Labor Reports HE_6E>fc-> III Safe Construction, Prevention of Fire Hazards Upheld Chicago and Cook County Building and Construction Trades Council desires to express its grateful thanks and appreciation for the splendid support we received in the contest for sale,. tttttsptructicu. Jn Chicago,, Aa* a re<Wltr"tn-"_nro»«ctdn_-le effort of a group of manufacturers to degrade uilding standards and exploit the ?eople of Chicago has been completely rustrated. The plan to divest local communities of their inherent legislative power and authority over local building regulations was conceived in Wall Street and promoted by an organization financed for this purpose with an initial contribution of $650,000 from a small group of national manufacturers of building products. Building codes in the past have always been the prerogative of the communities they affected because the type of buildings erected in a community affects the entire community. Flimsy construction even re motely removed from good neighborhoods will nevertheless cause increased Are insurance rates for the entire community because of the resulting fire losses and will cause higher .toss*, foe-.tbe. -entire community because of the necessity of maintaining more fire equipment to safeguard against conflagration. The effort to remove fire protection requirements from small homes would have subjected the working people of Chicago, the greatest segment of whom are members of the Chicago Federation of Labor, to unbridled exploitation by the manufacturers of hazardous building materials. National Fire Protection Association figures show that most of the 600,000 fires that occur annually in the United States occur in single family dwellings and yet these manufacturers, acting through organizations under their control, desired to remove all fire resistive protection from small homes. Denham Snarls Building Trades in United States The National Labor Relations Board and General Counsel Robert N. Denham have now snarled labor relations in the building and construction trades industry beyond any hope of repair under the Taft-Hartley law. With the bo'ard and Denham hopelessly at odds over administration of the law in the industry, various federal courts have compounded the chaos with a series of conflicting opinions. Must Repeal Act Richard J. Gray, president of the AFL Building and Construction Trades Department, said that the only certain way to end this snafu and prevent the industry from grinding to a halt in reams of red tape is to repeal the Taft-Hartley law outright. "It's the greatest mesa of legalistic confusion ever perpetrated, Mr. Gray said. The AFL unions and principal contractors had asked Mr. Denham and the National Labor Relatione Board to issue a blanket administrative order exempting the industry from the Taft-Hartley law. AFL pointed out' that Mr. Denham and the board had been unable to conduct the union shop elections which they had requested and to which they were entitled. Yet, the AFL said Mr. Denham and the board are prosecuting the unions for alleged violations of portions of the act which Mr. Denham and th. board have failed to administer. Fare* or Low? Denham anounced at a December publ'c hearing that he would not hold any lion shop elections In the in- dustij. Board Chairman Paul M. Her- zog asked Mr. Denham how he could do that. Didn't Denham know, Her- zog asked, that the federal courts had 4 just ruled that the board cannot ignore or fail to enforce any portion of the lav? The next act in the farce is now being written. The only happy ending possible is for Congress to repeal outright the Taft-Hartley law which is daily becoming more expensive, onerous and futile than any statute since prohibition. - A BRIGHTER FUTURE THROUGHOUT WESTERN CANADA s.i m ix m _> 717 EAST HASTINGS STREET Phone: HA. 6411-12 METAL SIGNS — CUT OUT LETTERS — PUSH BARS KICK PLATES — DISPLAY FIXTURES GENERAL MACHINE SHOP WORK ADVANCE INDUSTRIES LIMITED 2034 West Twelfth Avenue, Vancouver, B. C. Phone: CH. 8444 HAPPY NEW YEAR C. W. GRAFTON SHEET METAL Phone: FA. 0971 • 790 East 14th Ave. Vancouver, B.C. — mmHARDWARE LTD." Specializing in All Types of Hardware and "STANLEY TOOLS" 1010 West Ninth Avenue, Vancouver, B. C. Phone: CE. 7227 1950 To Be Boom Building Year in U. S. The year 1960 will be a boom year in construction with the record $19 billion figure of 1949 being equaled this year, according to forecasts by government construction experts. Basing their estimates on incom- Jlete figures for 1949 arid plans for 950, the Departments of Commerce and Labor issued a joint prediction near the end of the year saying that 196p would be another record breaker, The year will be another period of high level construction in housing, with starts topping the 900,000 mark, which will be 37,000 less than the figure for 1949 and 31,000 less than 1948, which was another record year. Under trie new National Hospital Program there will be a sharp increase in institutional building. Private construction will show definite increases, government statisticians say. Utility companies, except gas works, will build fewer new buildings or additions. Highway building will reach $1,900,000,000 in 1960, it is predicted. The 'couples most likely to succeed are on the homely side. 1949 a Record Year For Construction in U.S. AH returns are not in, but 1949 was a record year in building, a joint statement from the Departments of Commerce and Labor issued in December said. The record year in dollar volume in construction was assured when final returns for November were compiled. The December figure will be announced some time this month. By the end of November new construction put in place totaled $17.7 billion which was 2 per cent higher than the figure for the same period in 1948. The November construction total was more than $1.7 billion and while it waa less by 8 per cent than the October 1949 figure, it was 6 per cent above the November figure for the previous year. The general firmness of construction activity so late in the building season was "one of the strong point- in the national' economy," the joint government report said. While private construction was down by 6 per cent, public building was 26 per cent above for the period. Non farm residential building for the period was down and this brought the total for the year under the corresponding total for 1948. Construction activity on most types of private non-residential structures equalled or exceeded October levels which is a contrast to the usual seasonal decline in the fall. Wednesday Law Breakers Criticized In a strongly worded resolution, delegates to the Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council denounced the action of the Hudson's Bay Company in opening their store on Wednesday during the Christmas period, in flagrant dcfinance of provincial and civic bylaws. Thexrtbtion was unanimonsly carried. ,' BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT In the Ozarks there are some strange ideas as to just what Intoxication really is. In a village one Sunday, a man lay hi the middle of the street in the broiling sun. "He's drunk, I'd better lock him up," the sheriff said, sympathetically. "No. he ain't drunk," a woman interrupted, "I just seen his fingers morel" ^comfort snd JBRAND RIMI in wort clothes. For w« -cither, gel BONE-DRY wster rtpel-nt clothing. Pulp, Sulphite Workers Get Wage Increases Reporting on behalf of Pulp and Sulphite Workers, Local 433, Delegate O. Braaten reported that a Con- cilittion Board had awarded his union 7c an hour for male employees and tie an hour for female employees, retroactive to August 1, 1949. The union had accepted this award but at the time of his report the company had not made its reply. J- N4Wp-MRHI|H_|s|w|-HNM^^ ."--*_*♦ £b&**<i J^WKri)^"***^ January; 1950 a THE LABOR STATESMAN Page Eleven Happy New Year! MACAUIiY, NICOLLS, MAITUND & CO. UNITED INSURANCE BROKERS AND REAL ESTATE AGENTS A Generation of Experience in Vancouver 435 Howe St., Vancouver, B.C. - Phone: PAcific 4111 Happy New Year! J. SAXON SLEDDING operating . Robertson Sash ancHDoor Co. Manufacturers of SASH, DOORS and GENERAL MILL WORK Phone: HAstings 5600 1758 Fifteenth Avenue East Vancouver, B.C. • HAPPY NEW YEAR! Alma Heating and Furnace Works ■ ■, SHEET METAL Phone: CH. 8910 3514 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, B. C Season's Greetings! The Esther Bakery Phone: GL. 0711 3728 EAST HASTINGS STREET VANCOUVER, B.C. Season's Greetings! The Family Bakery Phone: FA. 2338 4128 FRASER AVENUE VANCOUVER, B.C. rti »t>tt_n\_<»ft_:_V*M a; u,\iM,miU***tUm*iii»iiJ T-ii.ti-t ■■■'*> k-Hii_ SHIRLEY'S BAKERY Phone: FR. 1628 6470 MAIN STREET VANCOUVER, B.C. ■ Season's Greetings! \ Montreal Bakery Ltd. Phone: HA. 6067 REAR, 800 KEEFER STREET, VANCOUVER, B. C. Happy New Year! PHIL WHITLOCK GENERAL CONTRACTOR Phone: N.W. 2649-R 1924 London Street New Westminster, B. C. Season's Greetings! ALFRED CELLI CONTRACTOR Phone: HA. 6326 2592 KITCHEN-R VANCOUVER. B.C. SEASON'S GREETINGS SUNSET BAKERY T-l.p_--.t CEdar 7021 2313 GRANVILLE STREET VANCOUVER, B. C SEASON'S GREETINGS ATRILL'S BAKERY Telephone: KErris-.lV 0134 3584 WEST 4Lt AVENUE VANCOUVER, B.C. W^^B&m UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS AND JOINERS OF AMERICA "^By GEO. R. BENGOUGH ine but red cedar shingle work, and others who are equally qualified and who do the patent shingle work. The members of Local No. 2346 are employed on practically all jobs where th« contractors and the builders want a good job, but there is still lots of work being performed in a cheap manner. The next time you see a shingler ask him if he belongs to the union. Lumber anil Sawmill Local No. 2968 This local recently completed their negotiations with Sweeney Cooperage Ltd. The Shop Stewards participated in all the meetings with the Company along with representatives of the Brotherhood. Three unusually long sessions-resulted in the employer finally agreeing to the Union Shop Clause and is to. the effect that all employees after 30 days must be members of Local No. 2§68. . The work week is now definitely set out as of Monday to Friday for 8 hours per day and all other time worked to be on an overtime basis. Any statutory holidays worked shall be on the basis of double time. Also Christmas Day shall be recognized aa a holiday and paid for at the prevailing rate to the employees. The bargaining committee made every effort to obtain the full requests of the local, and while the committee was not satisfied with the fintl offers made, nevertheless felt that they had obtained all they could ut this time. .. ., We can not help but note: Two-.news items published simultaneously in Vancouver papers on Monday, January 16th, 1950, were not missed by members of the United Brotherhood. One item was pleasing to read and concerned the three day session of the Canadian Construction Association held in Montreal. This Association at the close of their conference predicted "That 1950 will be a good year for building in Canada." The reader is aware that as long as construction in Canada tends to maintain a high level the conditions of the country as a whole are fairly good; not only the building trade workers benefit, but everyone participates in the benefits of this activity. We would just like to mention in passing that the winters slow up, and, in some places, stop construction activity, which of course is reflected in many places. The building trades workers wage is still not adequate to carry bim over a period of two or three months' of idleness and the carpenters, being the greatest number, suffer the most. It is not reasonable to expect a man with a trade to be placed on a shelf until the winter is over, then to expect him to work for a wage that will not allow him to save anything for the winter months or the periods between jobs. In the meanttime we trust the prediction of the Canadian Construction Association is a correct one for 1950 and that in the estimates they tender they are allowing for a better remuneration to the men who perform the work and have to live the year around. The other news item has made more than the building mechanics stop.and think. - We are quoting from the press of January 16th, 1950, headed "Lumber Prices Jump". The item deals with the common lumber prices increased by $5.00 and $6.00 per thousand board feet. We quote again: "The increase is a levelling off with the U.S. prices; it should have gone into effect two months ago" (end of quote). Now that is the way to obtain an increase. No bargaining with anyone. No Government Boards to hamstring you. No concern as to where the money wil come from. Just announce, the increase now takes effect. Bang! What happens to the contractors' story of fixed prices already given for work six months hence. Nothing. The builder and the contractor pay it and say nothing; they were not consulted anyway. The lumber kings know what they are doing or at least how to "ride it through. There is no doubt that when the carpenters ask for an increase in wages to help compensate for time lost, and a desire for a better living, they will be told not to raise the building costs any higher. Maybe we should mention the carpenters also desire to "level" their "prices" with their brothers in the United States. The B.C. Carpenters are practical peaols-Md -U*> yadtty ?^rt«»;WjJti%^Plp-_Mij_-.nge~g hive 'been' mailed' willing to reach their goal step Dy step; the step this year is only 15c increase. Furniture and Fixture Workers No. 2533 Four out of five furniture firms that the assistance of the Labor Relations Board has been applied for, have jtigned the 1950 agreement. ^411 the five firms agreed to the simplified classification plan as proposed by Mr. J. Muirhead, Conciliation Officer. In as much as it now establishes uniformity of classifications based on the highest prevailing rates previously in effect, this was acceptable to. Local No. 2533. This was good work on the part of the Conciliation Officer, Mr. J. Muirhead, and we believe it is appreciated both by the employers and the union. The four firms signing the agreement were: Crane Furniture Ltd., Monarch Furniture Ltd., Monterey Furniture Ltd., and Sturdybilt Furniture. One firm has refused to sign, the Fail crest Furniture Ltd., and while they agree to the uniform classification plan, they have taken exception to the Maintenance of Membe: ship clause. This stand on the part of Faircrest Furniture has necessitated the appointment of a Conciliation Board. This Board has nqt been able to get started owing to the employers' nominee, Mr. J. H. Ruddock, being ill at the present time. On the fixture and millwork side a full report will be ready for the members at their next meeting in February. Shinglers and Roofers No. 2348 The January meeting, held Thursday the 19th, decided that the policy of Local No. 2346 will be that all members are to strictly observe the hourly rate. This will mean that no member can quote prices of so much a square for laying shingles unless he is a bona fide , contractor and employs only members of the Local. Local. No. 2346 has appealed to the carpenter locals to ask their Shop Stewards to check every shingler on their job and make sure he is wearing the current union button. Local No. 2346 Shinglers & Roofers is a small local and at present is faced with many obstacles in the effort to obtain complete organization. Patent roofing has made it so that a great number of unreliable people are attempting to do roof work and will do this work for any price. The only way the public can be sure of a good job is by employing those who have the experience and are in a position to state that a good job will be done. Members of Local No. 2346 are all experienced men and are proud of the good work they accomplish. They have qualified members who do noth- Interior Carpenters Hold Joint Meeting Delegates representing Kimberley Local No. 1719, Trail No. 2474, Nelson No. 2458, Penticton No. 1696, Kelowna No. 1370, Vernon No. 1346, Kamloops No. 1540 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (A.F.L.) met in joint session in the Incola Hotel, Eenticton, on Saturday, Jan. 7th, to review past activities and to unify their future policy and program. The meeting recorded a phenomenal growth in union membership in the Interior, as well as a considerable improvement in wages and working conditions, resulting from a combination of intensive organizational work, and a high level of employment in the construction industry in the war and post-war years., It was pointed out, however, that wages are still from 15c to 20c per hour less than Coas,t rates, and the delegates were emphatic in the opinion that no justifiable economic or moral grounds exist for such situation. In view of the fact that all existing collective agreements entered into by the carpenters are due to expire on March 1st, the meeting registered its -nanimous determination to standardize wages, hours, and working conditions of all carpenters in B.C. during forthcoming negotiations.. In line withM.hu. policy, pro- . . . _ to the scores of construction firms involved, and a standard agreement, based on these desired changes, is now being drafted. The delegates also gave their attention to the future prospects in the construction industry, and concern was expressed regarding the critical unemployment situation which - has developed in recent months, all of which cannot be attributed to reasons of a seasonal nature. Keen disappointment was felt at the failure to implement the much-publicized government "shelf" of useful public works projects to cushion any serious falling-off in the level of private employment, and it was further felt that the tremendous backlog of vitally necessary construction of improved school and hospital facilities, as well as the nation-wide need for housing, made widespreal unemployment in the construction industry unnecessary and unjustifiable. Confidence was registered, nevertheless, by the delegates, in the essential vitality and soundness of the feMj^V«&SJB-«-! «-*-*■ pessimistic IWewraiBns regarding the inevitability of the "boom-and bust" pattern of pre-war years, now prevalent in some quarters, were categorically repudiated. It was the unanimous opinion of the meeting that the greatest disservice which could be rendered by any group in respect to national morale, the possibilities of future growth, and an expanding and prosperous economy, was an attitude of defeatisnuiand a lack of faith in the potentiar greatness of Canada and its people. Delegates present included: J. Ogbourne, W. Timms, W. Langmead, G. Ross, C. L. Beagle, E. Olson, N. Willychuk, W. F. Mahoney, and B. Sauder. W. J. Baker, District Representative of the Brotherhood, who had arranged the meeting was also present, J. Og.ourne occupied the chair, and W. F. Mahoney acted as recording secretary. WM. F. MAHONEY, District Representative, Trades-c- Labor Congress of Canada. SAT A DIZZY PACE Maintenance superintendent: "How long have you worked in the garage?" Mechanic: "Sixty-five year.." - Maint. SupL: "How old are you?" Mech.: "I'm 40 years old." M. Supt: "How could you work for 65 years when you are only 40 years old?" Mech.: "Lots of overtime!" Hotel clerk (haughtily): "Are you a guest of the house?" $20P_t^d_y:!»"HeCk• n°! rm Payin* HAPPY NEW YEAR! Ace Electric Service Co. Ltd. Phone: TA. 2023 144 East Cordova Street, Vancouver, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Le Beau Cartage & Contracting Ltd. Phone: KE. 5270 2736 West 32nd Avenue, Vancouver, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR! White Spot Chimney Service _.- Phone: HA. 5820 3061 Graveley Street, Vancouver, B.C. Happy New Year! HUMPHREY SHEET METAL WORKS LTD. Phone: MA. 9437 132 Powell Street Vancouver, B.C. Happy New Year! Seaforth Candy Company (WHOLESALE) 2954 Commercial Drive Phone: HA. 5916 Happy New Year! B.C. DISTRICT TELEGRAPH AND DELIVERY CO. LTD. VANCOUVER, B. C. Happy New Year! HODGSON, KING & MARBLE CONTRACTORS Telephone: MA. 0751 1401 Main Street Vancouver, B. C. Season's Greetings! A. H. Davies Home Bakeries Phone: FA. 4977 536 WEST BROADWAY VANCOUVER. B.C. Happy New Year! T. Davies PLUMBING CONTRACTOR Phone: GL. 1626 3642 Eton Street Vancouver. B.C. Happy New Year! I T. DEVLIN & CO. PAINTING CONTRACTORS Phone: FA. 3953 924 Eart Twelfth Avenue Vancouver, B. C. • t Page Twelve THE LABOR STATESMAN January, 1950 HAPPY NEW YEAR! Canadian Fairbanks-Morse Co. Ltd. \%. Phone: MA. 6321 " 78j5 BEATTY STREET VANCOUVER, B. C. Pacific Coast District Metal Trades Council Convention HAPPY 1VEW YEAR! Fred JMf. Beatty Ltd. FLOORtAYING CONTRACTORS Phone: CH. 2525 2046 WEST BROADWAY. VANCOUVER, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR! B. & H. Cartage Co. TRUCKING CONTRACTORS Phone: FR. 3142 177 WEST FORTIETH AVENUE, VANCOUVER, B. C. I HAPPY NEW YEAR! Alexander Nelson General Contractor Phone: FA. 0800 438 East 10th Avenue Vancouver, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR ! R. H. Neven Co. LW. Painting Contractor Phone: PA. 5821 854 HORNBY STREET VANCOUVER, B.C. • COMPLIMENTS Or^THE S&KSpNjj'.' "'"■ ' '"?,"" Poulsen & Klein General Contractors _s~ Phone: HA. 2339 2416 RUPERT STREET VANCOUVER, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I T. L. Montgomery Plastering Contractor Phone: KE. 1403 8560 ADERA VANCOUVER, B.C. (By Delegate H. W. WATTS) The Tenth Annual Convention of the Pacific Coast District Metal Trades Council opened in Portland, Oregon, January 16th and continued in session for three days. There were one hundred and seven delegates present at the convention, representing unions and councils in California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. Among the people who addressed the convention was Mrs. Lee, the Mayor of Portland, the County Sheriff, who is a member of the Fire Fighters Union, the Secretary of the Central Labor Council and others. Sbip Building and Repairs The executive recommended that three panels be set up by the convention to handle the following subjects: Shipbuilding and Repairs, Uptown Shops, Navy Yards. These panels were set up and reports were made. Among the reports made by the Shipbuilding and Repairs Panel, it was pointed out that from a Bill authorizing the expenditure of 25 million dollars on ship repairs and renovation on the Coast, that only 16 million may be passed. There is no new construction of large vessels being carried out on the Pacific. Const, and even boats that are to be used on the Pacific Coast are being built in the East. The Bethlehem Company, which has a yard in California, is building 13 boats on the east coast. On the question of the opening up of the Master Agreement, the panel recommended that this matter be left in the hands of the executive and international officers, who will have a better picture: of the situation when the time comes to open up the agreement. Among the resolutions adopted by the convention were: one that failing to secure allocation of shipbuilding to the Pacific Coast by the Maritime Commission, that legislation be initiated before the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee of the House of Representatives to compel the allocation of work to the West Coast yards. That all future negotiators be instructed to insist that all future contracts provide that every journeyman shipfitter shall be supplied with a helper from the Boilermakers Union. That the seven hour day be negotiated by all crafts for uptown work, field work or shipyards. That employees starting a shift, or called to start work after the starting time of a shift, shall receive not less than eight hours' pay, and that employees required to report for work not continuous with their regularly assigned shift hours, or on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, shall receive not less than four hours' pay at the specified overtime rate. Social Security Benefits There were other resolutions passed favoring support of a Bill to increase Social Security benefits; overtime pay for work performed during regular lunch periods. Among resolutions referred to the Negotiating Committee was one from the Electricians asking that the wage schedules be revised to provide that the electrical workers' wage equal that of the highest paid mechanics in the shipyard industries, to compensate increased qualifications required of the electrician. That wage increases be asked for in line with the recommendations made by the Executive Board of thc American Federation of Labor. That a committee be set up to ascertain from each craft what their com'mrr >iEJma__fiwil} ■heyfbrfMA ww*; shipyards or uptown shotr'work, and that this data be supplied to the Negotiating Committee. Reports from Delegate* Among the reports made by delegates it was found that there has been an increase in. Workmen's Compensation in Oregon. That there is a great shortage of power in Oregon, which is holding back industry. That new power plants are being built in Washington and Oregon and that the population in all three Pacific Coast states has grown tremendously. An injunction has been asked for by a sand and gravel company to prohibit the unions from placing the firm on the unfair list. Shipyard work has gone down considerably in all yards on the coast, but the councils are stil carrying on an active campaign, along with buii ness associations- to get more ship building on the coast. Japanese Competition A confidential report from a government official in Japan discloses that the U.S. government is getting ship repairs done in Japan, that there are now 6,500 shipyard workers in Japan and that the wages are around twenty five (25c) cents per hour; that Happy New Year! Vancouver Tug Boat Co. Ltd. Phone: MA. 2244 Office: 407 West Cordova Vancouver, B. C. COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON Gordon Kane Co. Ltd. ROOFING CONTRACTORS Phone: CE. S115 _.„..._ . 3151 West Broadway,'Vancouver, B.C. TOM ROTELL Executive Secretary Pacific Coast District Metal Trades Council. HAPPY NEW YEAR ! Nelson & Holding General Contractors Phone: HA. 2644 1638 East Georgia Vancouver, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR DE BRINCAT PLUMBING AND SHEET METAL LTD. Phone: FR. 2923 6560 Victoria Drive Vancouver, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR JYank Fenk Contract Plumbing and Heating Steam ami Hot Water Phone: DE. 3071 3505 East 45th Avenue -, Vancouver, B. C. while the Japanese are not able to turn out the same amount of work as American workers that the work can be done for about 30'/ less than in the United States. San Francisco reported that unions have been able to negotiate for welfare plans, one of which is that the employer will take care of hospital costs of employees while in hospitaj. California has also taken the sale's tax off shipbuilding and repairs. An organizing campaign being carried out in Southern California in various industries has been fairly successful and is continuing, The Navy Yard there has closed down but the employees have been absorbed by other industries. In Portland the uptown shop workers have been able to obtain six paid holidays in their agreements. Portland also Inis the best agreement in the U.S. for Chemical Workers. There is to be a big drydock built in Portland and the Metal Trades and Building Trades there work in close cooperation. The Navy Yard in Bremerton is co-operating with organized labor and there appears to be a more liberalized policy than there used to be. Unions now have the right of way for organizing purposes and stations are provided for the holding of union meetings. Political'Activity There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm towards the new political activities of the unions in all three states. Strong committees are operating and donations to the political funds are coming in from every union. The-T»ft»H__Uej>..A*t,,hs* certainly, increased the workers desire to take more active interest in political subjects. Tom Rotell was re-elected unanimously to the office of Executive Secretary, and Brother Jack Hollings- worth was elected to the office of president in place of Brother O'Neill of the Boilermakers Union, who resigned because he has become an International Officer. The vote was: Jack Hollingsworth, Sheet Metal Workers, Bremerton, 155 votes. John Stender, Boilermakers, SeRttle, 127 votes. -Sv -SS HAPPY NEW YEAR! Forbes & Rayen Floor Co. FLOORtAYING CONTRACTORS Phone: CH. 6141 1955 West Broadway, Vancouver, B. C. __:■ In Mortal Danger The task of assuring the survival of western civilization cannot be accomplished by America alone, any more than by Europe without America's assistance. We need each other, since what we call western civilization is the synthesis of American and European civilizations. Both have their peculiar genius and their peculiar creative spirit. And they certainly complete each other. American civilization, with its conception of a people's democracy, is more technological minded. European civilization, with its conception of a democratic elite, is more intellectual minded. Each has its strong and weak points. Each has its advantages and shortcomings. Separate they are in mortal danger. United they can, and I am convinced they will, win the present struggle for man's most precious possessions —dignity and freedom.—Andre Vis- son In "As Others Rec Us." FRESH COP Say, Sister, I've got a little behind Traffic cop: "Listen, lady, didn't —in my dues, bat the president says you hear my whistleT" that I've made up for it in th. front Young thing: "Yes, but you're —office. wasting your time; I'm engaged." 1950 To Be Record Year For U.S.Hospital Building This year will be a record one for completion of Veterans' Administration hospital units, the government agency reports. An addition of 11,212 beds will be made during 1960, the present construction schedules indicate. These will be in 28 new VA hospitals. I There are 67 hospitals in the current VA building progranw_Flve have been completed, 41 are under construction and contracts are pending on thc remainder. The entire VA hospital program will have a total of 131,000 beds with some reductions to be made on the basis of Army and Navy facilities to be turned back. One of the largest of all tvc VA hospital projects is the Franklin I>. j Roosevelt hospital near Peeksklll, N.Y., a 36-buildlng layout planned for neuropsychistric patients. It will be finished this month. , HAPPY NEW YEAR Haskins Bros. Bulldozing Contractor Phone: DE. 3680 3139 KINGSWAY VANCOUVER, B. C. HAPPY NEW YEAR Modern Fixtures Building Alterations and Repairs Store Fixturei, Kitchen Cabinets, Recreation Rooms, Garages Phone: HA. 5560 514 KEEFER STREET VANCOUVER, B.C. HAPPY NEW'YEAR I Newson & Merritt General Contractor — Alterations Phone: FA. 7S25 1349 Eait 13th Avenue Vancouver, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I Steve Strobel & Son Contractor Specializing in Home Building, Alteration* and Repairs Phone: BA. 1511 3890 Eait Boulevard Vancouver, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I Sharpe Electric Ltd. Industrial Maintenance and Repair Motor Rewinding — Marine Installations and Repairs Phones: HA. 4400 — HA. 0104 985 East Haitingi Street Vancouver, B.C. HAPPY NEW YEAR I Velden Construction Specializing in Home Building Phone: DE. 4660 3520 Eait 24th Avenue Burnaby, B.C. Season's ('•reelings! ( MRS. M. DRAKE Nurse administering Dr. Wm. F. Koch's Glyoxylide Treatment Phone: TA. 4254 1168 Davie Street Vancouver, B.C. -. • W ..-.,- l! ' - .'-. ■ '. • ■'
Title changes in chronological order: The Labor Statesman (1924-04-25 to 1965-03), The Labour Statesman (1965-05 to 1969-09). From 1924-04-25 to 1965-03 The Labour Statesman was owned and published by the Vancouver and District Labour Council. From 1965-05 to 1967-07 it was published jointly by the B.C. Federation of Labour and the Vancouver and District Labour Council. From 1967-08 to 1969-09 it was published by the B.C. Federation of Labour.
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