CONTENTdm
[The Labour Statesman]
BC Historical Newspapers
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TOEACH UNION MEMBER rjnjfOUTICAL PARTY or his CHOICE a - B^tStatesflian jy^y^gWNED AND OOWTDniJTn m^^mWm WvCOUVER TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL Kl SUPPORTED BY SEVENTY-TWO LOCAL UNIONS BUILD STRONG UNIONS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY MBER 504. VANCOUVER, CANADA, DECEMBER, 1940. Price, 5 Cents Strine Warns Nazism Seeks Destruction of Democracy r Orleans, La.—Scathing denunciation of Narlsm aa a menace to jy throughout the world, the determination of the British people to sly retUt the Nasi attempt to destroy them, and the appreciation (or the important assistance given by America in the struggle of Sir Welter Citrine, general to the annual convention I totalitarianism, featured the address . r of the British Tradea Union Congri jatriean Federationa of Labor. I highlights of Sir Walter'a address follow: "Only s month ago in our Congress at home we passed with the com- ttjpport of the delegates a resolution pledging our determination to joe tht struggle until victory ia won. i »Wi understand what it meana if dictatorship prevails. We know that .basic principle upon which the dictatorship rests is that there can be no l form of organization within the community that will challenge the tf tht dictatorship. "Ia Germany every vestige of organized religion, organised politics, mixed trade unionism waa crushed with a ruthlessness that belongs to .Kiddle Ages. When the dictator* marched into Holland and Norway (■Denmark and found labor organization, they immediately disbanded the iiintions and confiscated the funds. Oraaniaed Ubor Abolished Under Dletatorthlp "Cat anybody doubt that if Hitlerlsm and Fascism becomes triumphant t oar movement can survive? When I say our movement I mean our r movement Our movement is not some soulless organization, it is a gent of a band of people trying to express themselves in some organ- form to raise the standard of life of the community as a whole. Thou- i of our people have sacrificed in order to make this movement func- l 1 ask what will be the fate of that movement if the dictators triumph. Trade Unionism la Built on Democracy "Trade unionism is both a cause and a product of democracy. It can tr function in an atmosphere of free expression. It can not function in i or behind closed doors. It must impress the public mind and it e given facilities to do that. Trade unionism basically is the assertion i rights of the common man, of the principle that it is not ordained by tint any community should be ruled by aristocracies, whether these amies are of birth or wealth. In pursuit of that principle of volun- [ organization you will find they have developed until they are in every r of the land meeting to promote some laudable purpose. Heavy War Taaoe in Britain "In our country we have used the instrument of taxation to effect a j extensive redistribution of the wealth of the country. We have Jtteded in putting the burdens on the backs of those the broadest to bear I Cot of every five dollars of income of the richest people of our country |li is taken in taxation. "Another restriction we put upon the employer was this. We said that is was a war to defend democracy, it was not going to be a war to Da plutocracy. Employers are not going to make extensive profits out ii war. And so we induced the government to impose a 100 per cent t profits tax so that no employer now can make greater profit out of r than he did in the yeara preceding it All Are Subject to Rationing I "We then insisted upon a system of rationing, and I do hope that you [observe that these proposals originated with us and not with the gov- pent. We are the people who ask for this system and we must take Jiwponsibility for their consequences. Nowadays everybody is rationed "i country, no matter who they may be, and although there are sub- t commodities which people may have, every class of the community " e same level so far a* basic commodities are concerned. Ubor Aide la Shaping Policiea I want to make it plain to you that the trade union congress is repre- K on every form of administration which deals with these problems. Iiinocratic machinery, in other words, from a trade union point of fi■»fully in operation. ^»r principal claim, that we should be consulted in every form of •j, has been accepted by both of the governments that have to far i in this war. We are helping by this means to shape policies. We jug to take some of the square pegs out of the round Jioles, because ■ that once these men of great reputation, these marvelous business "»rs, get into a different environment in government service, they net act with a stupidity that ia incomprehensible. Britain Standa Between Nazism and Civilisation . i future rests upon the outcome of the war. Britain is supposed to furrier, and I believe she is that barrier between our civilization and Itaocracy and the invading forces of the Nazi hordes. We have a Wont task in front of us. Indeed, I think someone here, some very ™nt statesman has willingly said that the British Navy was the first ''defense of American democracy. „.,„ British Morale It Bomb Proof . Hitler is seeking to crush the morale of our people, to destroy their 1 to put their factories in ruins. Day after day and night after night I exposed to bombs from the air. aome tiny apeck in the sky" so small • earcely be seen, only identified by a wiap of smoke behind it. It may '"t of the blue, drop its bombs, and before any plane can get near it, r. You or I or any other person may be near that bomb when It HI may fall upon a humble cottage or upon a government building. T»t, night after night our people from dusk to dawn are experiencing We which we have not aa yet found the answer to. [Thousands of our people are sleeping under the staircases of their ^ their only protection in case the house collapses over them. Others "Ping under the pianos in their dining rooms, the more fortunate ones ~all shelter about six feet long maximum and four feet wide, with i women lying head to foot, two people to a camp bed on each side «shelter. I myself am sleeping in my own made shelter that I made lite war'with four otner adult"' and our »helter *• only 8x8'3' by Multitude. Killed and Injured by Air Ralda i is the life of the British people day in and day out, every night, ™ one sees no indications of a Blackening of the national will, one sees Station even now, despite the loss of life, of the people's readiness to "•that which they have obtained. Five thousand of our people have JJ been slaughtered in these ralda. Nearly 30,000 of them have been "J or injured in a most serious fashion, and there is still worse to come. ., Abund.nc. of Plane. Needed . *e want planes, planes and more planes. Our need is urgent but ex- _, It may be true that the first line of defense of American demo- B the British Navy. I want you to make the flrat line of defense of Bjeraoy the American work shop. This battle may be fought out in Cf l8ho>)- Depending upon the resources, the capacity, the expedition l"»ich you can produce munitions, depending upon that will be depend- ™l fate of the whole of Europe, including the British Isles. it«, . Appreciate. America. Assistant. '*ant to repeat how grateful we are for the generous help we have 'W/rom you. I want you to realise that speed is the essence, now as Plumbers' Union Seeb Old Rate of Wages Plumbers Union, Local 170. held a very succeaaful and enjoyable Banquet and Dance In the Georgia Hotel in which old acquaintances were again renewed among the women folk of the members. The Union is nearing the close of another successful year and ia looking forward to the restoration, at a very early date, of the old 1929 rate of pay, which they lost during the depression. Negotiations are under way for that at the present time, with the contractors. All the big responsible contractors in this district employ members of Local 170, under an agreement. Members in the shipyards are look ing forward to the 21/a cents increase in their pay envelope, which is retroactive to the first of October. The order for this increase only awaits the government's instructions for the payment Painters'Union Ends Successful Year Painters Union, Local 138 of Van couver and vicinity reports having a fairly successful year. Quite a number of new members have been enrolled, and fairly good employment during the period. The membership are employed by all the large contractors in the district and all the big jobs have been manned by members of the Union. Work in the shipyards has in creased this year, the Burrard Dry Dock Company and the North Vancouver Shipyards, Ltd., employing Local 138 men exclusively. Considerable work has also been done around the Airports. Prospects look good for the coming year. The Union extends fraternal greetings for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous year to its members and all Organized Ubor. CONGRESS SEEKS EXTRA PAY FOR MILITARY TRAINING Replying to a communication from the Vancouver Trades Council in respect to a resolution from Division 101 of the Street Railwaymen's Union, asking that the Congress make every effort to get the Federal Government to have employers make up the difference between wages and army pay for men who have to undergo military training, President Moore states that the Congress has already adopted resolutions along these lines and that the matter is being taken care of by the Executive Council. Carpenters Are Making Good Progress Local 462, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Jotnera of America continues to register progress. The year 1940 haa aeen a considerable increase in membership, over 300 new members having been enrolled during the year. On All Big Jobs The principle Jobt in Vancouver and vicinity are manned by members of the United Brotherhood. Such joba aa the Shaughnetsy Hospital, V. M. C. A., Vogue Theatre, Safeway Stores (16), Dr. Worthington's block at Homer, alterations to Beer Parlors, Boeing Factory at Sea Island and several others are 100 per cent International and the prospects for building and maintaining these conditions are very good. The Local is still maintaining good relations with the employers and there is reason to believe that the inefficient method of trying to get satisfactory work done with two organizations on the job, is at last beginning to be realized by most of the employers. It has been many years since the conditions were as favorable as at present in respect to employment, and prospects are that unemployment will be reduced to a minimum for an indefinite period. Progress in Province The United Brotherhood is proving now, as in the past that it is the only organization capable of welding the carpenters of the Province into an organization able to obtain results. Its growth in other parts of the Province bears this out. We can cite the growth of the Victoria Local which has taken In 150 new members this year; a newly organized Local in Nanaimo took in over 200 new members last month; New Westminster Local has doubled ite membership and so has Prince Rupert. Other Locals in the Province are also meeting with success. BUILDING LABORERS OF PRINCE RUPERT ORGANIZE Word has been received from J. S. Black, Secretary of the Carpenters' Union in Prince Rupert, that Building Uborers in that city have been organized and a charter applied for from the International Hod Carriers, Building and Common Laborers' Union of America. Eight-hour Day Must Not Be Scrapped Government proposal! to scrap th* eight-hour day and to abolish overtime rates of pay were outlined "in the House of Commons by Hon. Norman McUrty, federal Minister ot Ubonr. Canadian workera cannot fail to recognise in this policy a determination to uae the war aa an excuse for breaking down hard-won tradea union standards in this country. British workers, carrying on under enemy Are, have not been asked by their Government to give up overtime rates which are 50 per cent higher for usual overtime and 100 per cent higher for Sundays. Canada is probably the only member of the British Commonwealth whose Government plans to win the war by forcing down the living standards of its own people. The Government seems to be taking advantage of Ubor's determination to do ita utmost to win the war. Mr. McUrty instanced two union locals, one in Toronto, the other in Retina, who had voluntarily agreed to accept longer hours and lower pay rates for the duration of the war. On the strength of such willingness to sacrifice, the Government, apparently, is considering taking away the 48-hour week and the overtime rates. Mr. McLarty referred to the latter as "punitive" and stated that war conditions had practically eliminated the reasons which necessitated their in traduction. The Minister emphasized that these hard-won rights would be set aside only temporarily, but when Angus Maclnnis (Vancouver East) asked if the Government intended to safe guard this decision by definite legisla tion, Mr. McUrty replied that so far as he knew the Government had no such intention. I. There Neceseity for Longer Houra? Why the hours of labor should be lengthened at this juncture it is hard to say. The Minister said that the margin of reserve of skilled and semi-skilled workers is growing steadily less. On the other hand, he referred to the "strange phenomenon" of 52,500 employables still receiving relief. And there have always been thousands of unemployed still receiving relief. To insist on proper training for these people would appear to be one way to keep labor standards up. The Union Label, Shop Card and Button are the emblems that designate workera' progress. •beft i Intent ,Sjore, that the bombing is getting so int—. . *hen I came int0 tnj, nom j i00\ed Bt the emblem here and I aaw *°fds. 'Labor Omnia Vincit—Ubor All Conquers,' and I said to my- American labor can conquer th* Nasi* without firing a ahot li J« have a great opportunity. Not only our people but the people of W are looking to you with anxiety, almost with **«n?i fcV VtaKt »nation of you™ waa engaged in a struggle.to establish itti right self government your Patrick Henry, in an hlttorie utterance **W '■life so dear or peace so sweet ss to be purchased at ft* P*1*«« w sayery? Forbid it, Almighty God! f know not what course "V take, but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death. jfe ^trV^^Mo^t^^ry «< W-ft 5 k s,,ntme<* i» implanted in the souls of millions of People. TBe h H1' Eur»P«. writhing under the FaecUt and Na*l ftmnny, are It i„ their prayen. It rise! from th. herniate and village! *£**&* Plickea British Isles. It goes over the mountains *nd aero*, th* are» neighbor Canada. It comes in increaeing volume, from the ise »»ue .w>le Briti"h commonwealth of nation*. Ojttonet cry Mm the roar of Niagara, .weeping away in ita path ell the ob- K**ltt!i tyranny that characterises dictatorship, and ^^HXSJ »tPffhway «* m*nklnd. Men and woman of the American labor »t, the power to hasten that day lie* in no tm«il meesure with you. Christinas Cjleetincsl FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE VANCOUVER, NEW WESTMINSTER AND DISTRICT TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL 'HE most pleasing feature associated with the Christmas season is the exchange, between friends, of kindly greetings of goodwill and cheer. Throughout the length and breadth of Christendom, this happy custom prevails, and, in common with others, it is our sincere desire to take this opportunity of extending to all our friends and associates the season's most cordial greetings and good wishes. It is timely on this festive occasion to remember that the same lowly Nazarene, who inspired that greatest of all commands, "Peace on earth, goodwill toward men", was also responsible for the equally inspiring injunction that reads: "Be ye not weary in well-doing". The thought of these words comes uppermost in our minds in inditing this message. The Labor movement is a humanitarian movement. It seeks to protect the weak and to help the needy. It is a movement of men and women banded together, not for personal and individual gain, but rather for the attainment of justice for all mankind. May our message therefore inspire you with greater faith, hope and courage, conscious in the righteousness of our mutual endeavors and convinced of the ultimate achievement, and may your efforts during the coming year be filled with the desire for greater accomplishment in the task of uplifting humanity. P. R. BENGOUGH, Secretery-Treesurer DAN MACPHERSON. Executive Member C. E. HERRETT, E. A. JAMIESON, President. IIRT SHOWIER. Vtee-PreiicJent. R. H. NEELANDS, Executive Member. EDWIN SMITH, Eaecutive Member. W, GEORGE GERRARD, Executive Member P. COUPER, Baa a. i ** - H^mL.s Wage Abuses Checkmated By Govt. The following communication hat been received by the Vancouver, New Westminster and Dittrict Tradea and Ubor Council, from Ernest Ingles, Canadian representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker*, who in hi* capacity aa secretary of the Awclation of International Trade Union Repretenta- tivet, haa obtained thlt legislation from the government The letter says: In the operation of the Dominion Fair Wagea and Hours Act, whenever it was definitely determined that an employer in the execution of Government work waa paying or had paid to any of his employees a rate of wages lower than prescribed by the Fair Wages Schedule for the job, then the to the employer had to pay Building Laborers To Celebrate Progress Building Uborers and Plasterers Helpers' Union, Local No. 602, is winding up a very successful year with a Smoker in Ubor Headquarters (tonight) Friday, December 20. All members and former members are invited. Tickets 25 cents, which includes refreshments, eats, smokes and a drawing. Bill James has been elected Business Agent for the next year on a full time basis, membership and funds having increased sufficiently to provide for this. Plasterers' Helpers are being assured of the $6.00 wage scale commencing January 1 and Building Uborers are seeking 60 cents per hour commencing April 1, and an adjustment of overtime rates from January 1. Officers elected for the first six months of 1941 are: President, R. L. Maaon; Vice-President, S. Burnley; Recording Secretary, J. Chealey; Financial Secretary and Business Agent, W. James (Fraser 1510R); Sergeant at Arms, Vic. Swartz; Executive, Joe Johnson, Arthur Ucroix, H. W. Watts; Delegatea to Building Trades Council, W. James, S. Burnley; Delegates to Trades and Ubor Council, R. L. Mason, J. F. O'Brien. Another Union Buys Non-Interest Bonds Another B. C. Union ha* purchased non-interest bearing Dominion of Canada Bonds. This time it is the International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers, Local 312 of Ocean Falls. This union's purchase was for one thousand dollars. No union in Csnada has duplicated the amount subscribed by the Vancouver Ucal of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 213, whose subscription was for 110,000 of Non-interest Bearing Bonds. CANADIAN INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY INSURANCE Warning haa been sent out by the Tradea and Ubor Congress of Canada to the effect that the recent convention of the Congress held in Vancouver, non-concurred in a resolution endoning th* Canadian Social Security organisation. The convention agreed that it had no control over the policies of auch an organisation and that the Congress has its own policies and machinery for social legislation. Trade* union organisation* are advised to refrain from making any contribution or endortatlon of inch an organisation. ie worker so underpaid the difference. However, the employer paid the employee direct and, in many cases, this was abused. The employer could secure in cases a return of the cheque and in other cases employees had left the service of the employer and, of course, could not be located and the amount due the workman remained in the coffers of the employer. The Organized Ubor Movement has urged that this situation be changed so that such abuses could not occur. We have urged that in such cases the employer pay to the Receiver General for Canada an amount equal to the aggregate sum of the shortage and the Department of Ubor be charged with the responsibility of paying the underpaid employees and in the case of employees who could not be found, the money due them would remain the property of the Government. Our efforts in this direction have now been crowned with success and an Order-in-Council haB recently been passed correcting this situation. It is quite possible that there will still be abuses although it will be more difficult. Your co-operation is needed to make this Order-in-Council fully effective. A copy of the order is here enclosed for the guidance of your Council and it will be greatly appreciated if, when a violation is noted to forward the details to the undersigned. Thanking you for your co-operation, I am, Fraternally yours, E. INGLES, Secretary. NEW REGULATIONS The new Order-in-Council, No, 6801, made to Section 6 of the Fair Wages and Hours of Ubor Act, provides in part for the following regulations: 1. The Deputy Minister of Ubour shall be responsible for the investigation of all claims for the payment of wages at the rates set out in the fair wage schedule embodied in Government contracts and in any case where the actual rates have been less than the rates so set out in the fair wage schedule he shall ascertain the difference between the amounts actually paid to employees and the amounts which they would have received had they been paid at the rates set out tn the fair wage schedule. 2. The contractor shall deliver to the Deputy Minister of Ubour a cheque payable to the Receiver General of Canada for the total amount of differences ascertained under Regulation No. 1, or if settlement haa not yet been made with the contractor concerned, then the Department of Government concerned with the contractor shall withhold payment of such amount from the contractor and shall deliver to the Deputy Minister of Labour a cheque in the required amount payable to the Receiver General of Canada. 3. The amount* so collected or deducted from contractor* and/or other Departmenta of Government shall be paid to the Receiver General of Canada to be deposited in an account, known as the Fair Wages Suspense Account. In settlement of all claims of individual workera the Deputy Minister of Ubour shall authorize the issue of cheques in the appropriate amount in the name of the worker concerned, these cheque* to be charged to the Fair Wages Suspense Account 4. The Deputy Minister of Ubour shall endeavor to ensure the safe delivery of these cheques to the workers concerned. 5. In eases where departments other than that of Ubour have occa- aion, through default by th* contractor, to seise his security and pay off claims direct for wage*, then any unclaimed cheque* for payment of such wagea shall be delivered to the Deputy Minister of Labour with all relevant information concerning each case to be deposited in the Feir Wagea Suspente Account 6. It shall be the responsibility of the Deputy Minister of Ubonr to maintain adequate record* of receipt* and disbursements connected with both fund* referred to above. A. D. P. HEENEY, Clerk of the Privy Council. "Practice what yon preach!" Par. chase* of Union Ubel prodi loader than ipeechet about taeml December, 1940 I v: THE friendly sparkle and mellow, wholesome good- nee. el thee, two euperb beer, will make your Christmas gathering, complete. Each haa a distinctive d.Uclous flavor — both will lend cm exhilarating tang to your holiday letUiWea. ORDER EARLY! rnonr. kuhm m;« roa rarx delivery PRODUCTS OF AttOCIATED SRIWERIES OP CANADA LIMITED CAPILAMO BREWING CO LTD Thit »dv«fii»tmeot is not published w displayed by tht Liquor Control Board or by i Govtrnmtnt of British Columbia. CANADA HITS HER STRIDE! With grim determination this young and virile nation dons her armour . . . buckles on her sword. From coast to coast the tempo of Canada's war effort accelerates. Tanks, planes, shells, foodstuffs and equipment of every kind are being rushed and massed for victory. Canada means business. Personal sacrifice mutt match this national effort. Yours is the duty of providing the dollars so vital to Canada's war needs. Yours is the duty to save . . . that you may be ready and able to lend your money to the nation when the call for money comes. Money, no less than men and machines, is a decisive factor in this war. Thrift is a national necessity. Save for Victory! THE ROYAL BANK OF CANADA RED ARROW BISCUITS Made in Vancouver by National Biscuit 8C Confection Co. Ltd. Center & Jmmta Ift. (Established 1893) DISTINCTIVE FUNERAL SERVICE • Vancouver North Vancouver, Powell River, and Ladner, B. C. WHEN ORDERING YOUR TOILET TISSUE ALWAYS SPECIFY SOVEREIGN" M It is SOFT, SANITARY and SOLUBLE SMITH. DAVIDSON & WRIGHT LTD. "Serenity" Calmness of mind It one of the beautiful jewelt of Wisdom. It ia the result of long and patient effort in self-control. Ita preaence ia an indication of ripened experience, and of more than ordinary knowledge of the Laws and operation* of Thought. A man become! calm in the measure that he understand! himself aa a thought-evolved being; for tucb knowledge necessitates the understanding of others aa the result of thought; and aa he develop* a right understanding and eeea more and more clearly the internal relations of thinga by the action ot Cause and Effect, he ceases to fuss and fume and worry and grieve but remaina poised, steadfast and serene. The calm man, having learned how to govern himself, knows how to adapt himself to others; and they in turn reverence his spiritual strength and feel that they can learn of him and rely upon him. The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, hit influence, hit power for good. Even the ordinary trader will find his business prosperity increase at he develops a greater self- control and equanimity, for people will always prefer to deal with a man whose demeanour is strongly equable. The strong man is alwaya loved and revered. He is like a shade- giving-tree in a thirsty land, or a sheltering rock in a storm, Who does not love a tranquil heart, a sweet- tempered balanced life? It does not matter whether it rains or shines, or what changes come to those possess- ing these blessings, for they are always sweet, calm and serene. That exquisite poise of character which we call serenity is the last lesson of culture—it is the flowering of life— the fruitage of the soul—it is as precious as Wisdom, more to be desired than gold. How insignificant mere money-seeking looks in comparison with a serene life—a life that dwells in the ocean of TRUTH, beneath the waves, beyond the reach of the tempests—in the ETERNAL CALM. How many people we know who sour their lives, who ruin all that is sweet and beautiful by explosive tempers, who destroy their poise of character and make bad blood. It is a question whether the majority of people do not ruin their lives and mar their happiness by lack of self control and lack of Truth. How few people we meet in life are really well balanced and who have that exquisite poise which is characteristic of the finished character! Yes, humanity surges with uncontrolled passion, is tumultous with un. governed grief, is blown about by anxiety and doubt. Only the wise man—only he whose thoughts are controlled and purified, makes the winds and the storms of the soul obey him. Tempest-tossed souls, wherever ye may be, under whatever condition ye may live—KNOW THIS—in the ocean of life the isles of blessedness are smiling, and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits your coming. Keep your hand firmly upon the helm of Thought. In the bark of your soul reclines the commanding Master—He does not sleep, Wake him. Self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power. Say unto your heart—"PEACE BE STILL."—Kabalarian Mirror. Serenity, Health, Material Progress, Self Advancement can be obtained through the "Wisdom" us taught by the Kabalarian Philosophy, under the leadership of Professor Alfred J. Parker, 1376 West llth, Phone BAyview 4500-R. Lights of Christmai Father Christmas it lighting hla candles again. They begin to gleam along the horiiont of the mind and to illumine the heart Candle* that symboliie the ancient Christmaa joy will flame on altar* and shine through storied window*, staining with ruby and gold and purple the drifted mow outside. Candlea of eager expectancy, dancing and sparkling in the eye* of little children. And love'* own candle* of sweetly solemn memory for those it knew in Chrittmaaes long gone. He is very courteous, Father Christmas — with friendly hand leading ua all, young and old, the hurt and the gay, into the warm and glowing circle of hit genial hospitality. But the greatest Christmas light of all is a song. Heard first by shepherds who watched their flocks by night, it has been called the Angel's Song. It is more than that, for "suddenly there waa with the angel a multitude of heavenly soldiers . . . saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, good will toward men." "Peace on earth to men of good will." Who can have peace aave men of good will? How can nations have peace except as good will makes good neighbors? Ill will, whenever harbored, destroys the peace of those who hold it. And so, in one version the song would eeem to say that, as heaven is the abode of glory, earth will become the abode of peace when humankind becomes the abode of good will. Vapors veil our vision and vex our souls, but time was when these vapors were thick clouds, sullen with thunder and terrible with lightnings; see them now, attenuated to a translucent mist. Something is dissolving them, something is ahining through. The universal Christmas is nearer than we think. Its nearness accents every contrast, as light makes dark ness visible. The Lights of Christmas!—morning stars of a dawn before which even now the shadows flee away. Increasing Hours of Work Is Uneconomical Dr. J. C. Bridge, H.M. Senior Medical Inspector of Factories, in an article in the January, 1940, issue of "Industrial Welfare and Personn- nel Management," referring to the extension of hours of labour and the consequent effect on output, stated that: "I would, however, make the point very emphatically that this measure of fatigue by output will not be immediate apparent. Output will undoubtedly be increased, to begin with, by longer hours, but as time goes on fatigue will manifest itself in the course of time by an output even below the figure of that of the shorter hours of work." He further stated: "It is often, I fear, thought, when considering hours of work, that this almost entirely concerns women and young persons between the ages of 16 and 18. Let there be no mistake about it, men are just as much affected by over-long hours, and I say without hesitation that it is as uneconomical to overwork a man as it is a woman. Personally, I see no difference, granting that the woman is employed upon work she is physically capable of undertaking. Let Either of These Stores Serve You with Your Christmas Requirements! GIFT BOXES of STATIONERY, FOUNTS PEN SETS, DESK SETS. GENTS' LEATHER BRIEF CASES, CASBS and WALLBTS. SNAPSHOT and AUTOGRAPH ALNul ENGLISH LEATHER WRITING PORTP0U«| PICTURES and MOTTOES, CALENDARS J Hundreds of Other Items to Choose From. PERSONAL CHRISTMAS CARDS, 23 fotji 1 (Printed with your name). I Counter Cerd* for every member of the bad Union Printing, Book Binding and Paper Rulkt Mitchell-Foley Ltd. Willson Stationery _. CO. LTD. HELPFUL HINTS FOR THE HOUSEWIFE Do not patch a hole in a blanket. Darn with a thick matching wool, then brush with a teazle brush, when the darn will almost disappear. If a little water is boiled in the saucepan before boiling milk, it will not burn. Parsley, mint and herbs remain fresh much longer if placed in an airtight jar than if put in water. To clean a vacuum flask, fill it three-quarters full of warm water, drop in a half teaspoon of baking soda, and shake the corked flask well for a few minutes. Lace curtains will iron up like new and will be sufficiently stiff to hang nicely if a generous supply of borax is added to the last rinsing water. A little flawed oatmeal It a nourishing substitute for flour for thickening soups, and stews. When washing silver, stand it in a jug of very hot water to which a little ammonia has been added, and it will remain bright much longer. Wring out your polishing cloth in a pint of whitening, about the site of a walnut, has been diasolved. Use when dry. This gives a splendid polish to mirrors, brass, chromium. Burn a little sulphur in the garbage tin, and flies will not look at it. GROCERY CLERKS WIN WAGE-BOOST STRIKE Washington, D. C.—A week's strike of nearly 1,000 clerks and managers employed by the Sanitary Grocery Company in 226 stores in the Washington area was settled through an agreement between company representatives and officials of Local 639-A, Retail Clerks International Protective Association, A. F. of L. affiliate. The provisions of the agreement carried a wage raise of $1 a week for many clerks; one additional holiday —Washington's birthday; a two-year experience rating recognition for clerks employed after service with another company. All of the 225 stores were closed during the strike. More than 500 members of the Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen's Union refuted to walk through the picket linea. CHAMPION & WHITE LTD. READY-MIX CONCRETE BUILDERS' SUPPLIES - COAL ■aa*. Orai.l, Onuhed Book, Cunt. Blatter, Urn. Bate*, a.w.r Blpa, Biala *Ue, eta. I07S MAIN STREET PHONE: SEYMOUR 9570-71 * Creaked Bock aaa Oravel Meat, ■HUM., Howe Bowa*. 1 aa* Til. FUuTt, bum?, B.C. •rlek i HAM SHANK WITH BEANS Ham shank, 1 pound navy beans, 'i teaspoon mustard, % cup brown sugar, H cup maple syrup. Salt and pepper. Soak the beans in water overnight. Drain. Put in heavy kettle with sugar, mustard, syrup, aalt and pepper. Place the meat on top of this. Cover with water. Cook in a moderate oven until the meat is tender, adding water when necessary. NOTE FOR HERR GOCBBELS If a lot of Naii leaden had to eat their promises they'd die of indigestion, e Oh, yes, and Mister Goering might just jot down in his memorandum book that when thieves fall out it'* time for honest men to fall In. • THE MAN WHO'S SQUARE There it something in the twinkle Of an honest fellow's eye That can never be mistaken And can never be pasted by I Be hi* station high or lowly There'* that dauntlesa upright air That convinces all beholder*. That th* msn they see it "square." Heaven gives tuch men influence Over thote they dally meet; If they see a fallen Brother They will help him on hla feet. Mike the "sneaks" e bit uneasy. Make the "false" act kind of fair, For the greatest rogue on record Will respect the man who's "square." LABOR TO GIVE BEDS TO RED CROSS HOSPITAL Discussing the proposal of the Red Cross to build a convalescent hospital in Winnipeg, the Trades and Labor Council recently decided to assist in equipping the proposed institution by donating a number of beds, IGNORANCE WAS BUSS Uncle Hehpeck: "You boys of today want too much money. Do yon know what I was getting when I married your aunt?" Nephew: "No, and 111 bet yon didn't either." 322 Hasting. Street West (Opposite Spencer"*) CO. LTD. 830 Pender Street Wot (1% Blocks Wert ol One*) iwi MVS it IM * MMIM Votr'U ho dellshtad with th. wide Mixtion ,i w.lry. ellver and ehlna. QUE A WITCH: QIFT FN ILL TIME FOR A SOLDIER! Sturdy—Model, that an shock-proof *)* E m and water-proof. An uoeptloata value Ilil* at— FOR A LADY! Beautiful gold-filled ORUBM MODBL em- model with amort cord bodlea all the beuut> Htrap. Reliable move- and reliability of thl: intuit f "B aK*i nationally famous ■ ".eBV maker. «Q ym From sfBJaaTR) Diamond ensaeement eenn rlnga from awetawv Beautiful diamond A\9 BUt, .■nsemblea, from ^ata««Ft# GIVE ENOUI1 CHINA TOD & 574 GRANVILLE >IA.\M\(i CONVENIENT TERM'' WISHING ALL OUR FRIENDS AND PATRONS A MERRY ] CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR from The Huntting Merritt Shingle| Company Ltd. 9110 MILTON STREET, VANCOUVER, B.C. PHONE: LAngara 0500 DRI-HOME HAND-DIPPED STAINED SHINOLB FOR BETTER SIDE WALLS AND BETTER ROOM Macaulay, Nicolls, Maitland & Go. Limited • ESTATE. INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL AGENTS A Generation of Experience In Vancouver 43S HOWE STREET VANCOUVER, IX | W. A. Thorn Sheet Metal WorJ MARINE SHEET METAL WORK ELECTRIC WELDED TANKS - GALVANIZED - WVE1 WE STOCK FLEXIBLE EXHAUST PIPES FOR DIESEL ENGIJ HEAVY PORTABLE ELECTRIC AND ACETYLENE Guaranteed All Union Labor Work MArlne 27* 177* QEOROIA ST. W. I For First .Aid and Home Nursing It Phone: TRinity 2227 St. John Ambulance Association 710 Davie Street Vancouver. 11 SEASON'S GREETINGS TO ALLI HEALTH FOOTWEAR fee the Whele Ferr.ny-Re.ion.bly I Pierre Paris Foot Clinic 51 West Hastings Street Vancouver. l« AMBIGUOUS, WHAT? It, a gal marries a doctor the can be well for nothing; but if she marries a minister she can be good for nothing. t GLACE BAY RAILWAY MACHINISTS ORGANIZE Following a plebiscite taken among railway machinist* in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, * new loeal of the International Association of Machinists haa been organised by George E. Murphy, Montreal grand lodge rep- resentetive of As Association. The new Union will become e pert of Division No. 4 of th* railway employee*' department of the American Federation^ of labor. e TORONTO LABOR AStt FOR 4C-MP»3 Toronto.—The Toroat*' Labor Council recently * resolution for * «<r*°*n 1 labor in Canada. Coplt*". Llution were lent to rrn". ntackensie King and I***' rMeUrty. At Ottawa, offlcUl t,A , dicated th* 40-hour eeHJ would not receive I prove! at this tan*. This house is 100 per cent Union! WISHING ALL OUR «»»$ A WHY MBMY CHIISTMASI • Hotel Pennsylvania "Meet Your Friends at the Penn!' Kenneth Campbell, K. J. Campbell and C. C. Campbell, Proprietors • 412 Carrall St., Opp. B. C. Electric Phone*: Seymour 9401-9402 COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON I HOTEL WEST F. R. Marchese, Manager Th* Hotel with Over 100 Roomi, Every One Outside With Hot and Cold Water and Telephone. VERY MODERATE RATES 4(4 CARRALL STREET VANCOUVER, S.C. LOTUS HOTEL PARLOR coBttBB or nraas in amor Mill* Night Right—Com* with the Bunch After the Meeting) tso feet from ■eadqtuut.r. (Btaaafar, W. U. Olatsr) Compliments of ... THE MANITOBA HOTEL NEW MODERN PARLORS 150 ROOMS — HOT AND COLD WATER ELEVATOR SERVICE AND PHONES RATES REASONABLE SO Cordova St. W. Phone: Sey. 8580 111 GRANVILLE STREET PHONE MArlne 7236 LET US DO YOUR BAKING! CHRISTMAS CAKES AND PUDDINGS <P**JL Bti. These Christmas Specials contain only the very choicest ingredients, fresh btter and eggs, choice fruits, rich spices, peels and nuts. Packed in gay Christmas wrap- Pings, they make lovely gifts. See your 4X grocer or dcliveryman today- Order early to avoid disappointment. CANADIAN BAKERIES Ltd. VANCOUVER VICTORIA NEW WESTMINSTER NANAIMO THE LABOR STATESMAN December, 1940 N. Y. Electric Union Wins Pty.Booit Strike New York, N. Y.—Fifteen hundred worker*, employed by 120 electric*! supply concerns in greater New York, who were on strike a week, are back at work aa the result of a settlement, it waa announced by Samuel Dobbins, business representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workera, Local 3. The walkout affected clerks, managers, aalesmen and buyers in ninety- five per cent of wholesale and jobbing concerns which supply retail stores with electrical equipment and appliances. The terms of the contract agreed upon were hailed by Mr. Dobbins as a clear-cut victory for the union and include an average ten per cent increase for all employees, a forty hour week with time and a half for overtime, one week's vacation with pay, seven holidayi with pay and a union ahop. The new contract will be in effect for two years and will expire on November SO, 1942. However after it has been in effect for one year, wages will be subject to an upward adjustment. Philip Morris Co. Helps Union Cause Philip Morris & Co., well known manufacturers of cigarettes and pipe tobacco, has withdrawn its advertising from the two non-union sports magazines known as National Sportsman and Hunting & Fishing. The company has requested the Organization Committee of Chicago Printing Trades Unions to advise the labor press of the country of ita action. National Sportsman and Hunting & Fishing magazines are printed by the notoriously anti-union printing concern of R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company (Lakeside Press), Chicago. We Welcome Our Old and New Friends to the AUSTIN HOTEL 08 GOOD FELLOWSHIP AND CHEER, COME TO THE AUSTIN —THERE'S A DIFFERENCE. Attention! We have 200 Rooms and Suites. Our Winter Rates at Most Reasonable Prices Are Now in EffectI AUSTIN HOTEL AVE AT FRITHS STORES! ~*MBva*is.,we,*i>oB antra tnas «**. **>. "a **MtBA«r» AST* BUBBBBBBat BBM Me t. (MB Bra*PB TIBBBB MOTBS BM* MB* «M* sMUNM aocata ue, Me, Ma, n* MB VO Wtm WOSK BOOH 4JTB UIMM ARTHUR FRITH & CO. (Bstabllshe* lilt) Men's and Boys' Wear, Hats and Shoes " Main Street Phone FAir. 0014 2025 Granville Street ■*§"*« AU Our Friends and Patrons the Compliment* of the s'eson and a Prosperous and Happy Nam Year from The • ^ Columbia Hardwood Floor Co. Ltd. PHONE: BAyvtaw 0127 The Good Union Man Well meaning men sometimes have a very wrong idea of what constitutes a good union man. A good union man is not the one who al ways boasts of his undying hatred of all employers and that he has sacrificed many good positions through his hatred. He is not the jealous individual who rails against the union, threaten ing to pull away and smash it to pieces and have no more to do with it because So-and-so made a better suggestion in the meeting, which was adopted instead of his. He is not the one who goes around abusing everybody and everything and saying by his every act that there is no good in anything or anybody but himself and his own doings. He is not the selfish man who wants to keep others out of the union lest they might get his job, hold their jobs on their merits as workmen. He also willfully mistreats his employer, expecting to be reinstated by force of the union when discharged, imposes on the usefulness of the union and is not a good union man. He is not one who acqaints hit employer with all the private affain of the union. He is not one who tries to obtain another's job by any false or unfair meana. He is not one who absents himself from meetings of his local and criticises those who do not attend for what they do. He is not one who is always behind with hit duet. He it not one who promotes disorder at the meetings of the union and who persists in showing disrespects to the presiding officers and others who address the meeting. The good union man is he who, while insisting on just wages and working conditions, also has respect for the right of his employer and does not regard him necessarily in the light of an enemy. He who is charitably disposed toward the faults of others and tries to live up to the true conception of a true union man. He is not so selfish but that he can give due credit to the conscientious work and utterances of others. He who recognizes that the union is for all workers who avail themselves of no benefits. He who has the good sense to know that the success of the union depends upon getting others to join it. He who does not devulge the business of the union to outsiders. He who loves peace, preferring not to fight employer, yet who is sensitive to unjust treatment and who ia no coward. He who is not afraid to go to hit employer and in a straightforward manner point out injustice and intist upon having tame righted. He who opposes strike* and con tents to them only when *11 other meant...of righting wrongs ha utterly fatted. . He who when be t**» out on strike and stay* oat until th* wrong is rwrhted. H« who** e*rd it »lw*jrt etaar. Ht who I* not « kaock*r, but by fore* of logic opposes all foolish motioas and Iniltts upon the passage of all good one*. ., He who is mentally broad enough to admit that ther* ar* other* be tides himself.—EXCHANGE. 650,000 Back Wages Paid Lumber Workers Washington, D. C—At the completion of the first four months campaign of the Wage and Hour Division of the U. 8. Department of Labor to enforce the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 in logging campt, sawmills, lumber manufacturing planta, and associated establishments, Colonel Philip B. Fleming, Wage and Hour Administrator, announced that in 965 concerns back wagea totaling $660,- 097 were found due employees to bring their wages or overtime compensation up to the figure required by the law, Benefiting by this amount, a large part of which has already been paid, were 20,051, Many of these had been receiving wages averaging about 10 cents per hour and some were getting as low as a nickel. Colonel Fleming said that in addition to the restitution already paid or computed, additional thousands of dollars are payable under investigations still under way. N.Y. Painters Get Three-Year Agreement New York, N.Y.—Mayor La Guar- dia appointed Louis S. Posner, as impartial chairman for the painting industry to serve under a three-year agreement, covering painters and decorators in Manhattan and the Bronx, signed by the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhan- gers, Council 9, A. F. of L. affiliate, and the Association of Master Painters and Decorators. The agreement which ended a recent strike provides a wage increase of ten cents an hour for painting work, includes a provision that all disputes be submitted to arbitration and prohibits strikes during the life of the contract Secretary-Treasurer Louis Wein- stock of the painters union said his membership of 12,000 was grateful for arbitration machinery to handle their grievances. He exressed the hope that the new arrangement would eliminate the evils of "kickback, underpayment of wages and unemploy ment. Humanitarian Science The world of tomorrow will, after all, contain people whose happiness and welfare constitute the sole intelligible criterion of progress. This point seems often to be lost sight of in the books on the wonders of science, humanity being almost oi wholly obscured by the gadgets, equa- tions, diagrams, chemical substances and other scientific apparatus. Dr. Wendt, in his new book, is constantly pre-occupied by humanity, the ways in which science in its present state affects people and can improve the lot of man. He regards the use of human intelligence to improve the environment ("this is science") as the aspect of social evolution in which progress is clear; and he is not unduly impressed either by the recurrent barbarism of war on the one hand or by the rosy Utopias of mere social re-organisation on the other. The totalitarian states bestow freedom from economic responsibility upon the individual and recognize the modern fact of economic interdependence, but tragically ignore or deny the increase in personal freedom made possible when co-operative and scientific production removed the pioneer necessity of each man's working all day long to make a bare living. The democracies have erred in the opposite direction, fostering this personal freedom but often ignoring the matter of fundamental economic interdependence and losing some of science's benefits in the effort to maintain complete or "rugged" individualism. It is a strange anomaly, that in spite of our prodigal use of science we still look on life and our problems with the eyes of yesterday. To change this it is not necessary to wrestle with technicalities; it is necessary only to appreciate the creative power of man (using science) and to understand that science is a social force of prime importance. Proverbs "There was nav.r bat on. man who never committed . fault." Comfort for those who are making an effort to accomplish something worthwhile and make mistakes. will "Three belpi.g on. anotb. do .a much .a aim men aiagt*. No greater argument can be advanced for the value of co-operation than this old proverb. It it through its application that the union movement records its progress. "T. bias that wills, ways are act WMtiBg." If memben .re sufficiently interested in the future of their union which should mean, in their own future betterment, they can and will prepare themselves to bring in additional member*. According to * German radio newscast, Mr. Hitler Promises that some terrible thing, will h*pt*n to the Britiah N*vy beftre the Yuletlde bells ring out Just a few mort shocking days to Christmas? to to tpeafc. • "To preach well yarn aa.at (ret practice what yeas teach others." This means that if we can hope to make good unionist* out of those taken into our unions, its leadens must be good onion memben themselves. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied, there'* one thing that G*amany fa scheduled soon to discover and that is that you cat learn more from defeat than victory. LUCKY LAGER Your guests will enjoy thia golden brew. Sparkling, invigorating . . . a beer of distinctive quality and taate —sold at the aame price .a ordinary beers. COAST BREWERIES LTD. V.ncouver Victoria New WealmlnMci This advertisement is not published or displayed by the Liquor Control Board or by the Government of British Columbia. FISH AND OYSTER BAR STRICTLY SEAFOODS — FISH and CHIPS 766 Granville Street (Opp. Love's Cafe) Tel. TRin 3521 LOVE'S CAFE (Across the Street) For STEAKS and CHOPS I The Two Best Restaurants in Town Wish You a Merry Xmas j OPEN ALL NIGHT TELEPHONE: SEymour ONI Compliments of MELROSE CAFE 71* HASTINGS ST. W. (Opp. Post Office) VANCOUVER, I.C. Seed Thlaejs S°ta U?9' THE COMPtlMENTS 0F THE SEASON 2 8,^J jJJ1 LEONARD'S CAFE 111 GRANVILLE STREET PHONES: MArls* le» ead SEymour 0114 Established Over 25 Years EXCELSIOR LAUNDRY LIMITED Convenient Downtown Office at 584 Richards St. Seymour 0670 SAWDUST! THE MODERN ECONOMICAL FUEL FOR ALL PURPOSES Retail and Wholesale — Phone: SEymour 1522 Robertson & Hackett Sawmill Co. Ltd. US* O.RANVILLE STREET, VANCOUVER, B.C. Season's Greetings! ZEO Neon Products of Western Canada Ltd. 260 Terminal Avenue Phone: SEymour 1595 PHONE: MArin* 5377 135 CAMME STREET Coast Paper Co., Ltd. PRINTERS'SUPPLIES QUALITY . • SERVICE t • * 1 Ej r. I1: • HI 1*4 I ;i >i S December, 1940 THE LABOR Featuring Union-Made SUITS AND TOPCOATS 301 West Hastings St. and 2561 South Granville QUALITY COALS Delivered by UNION DRIVERS Coal Oil Wood Sawdust LESLIE COAL CO. Ltd. 929 Main SEy. 6421 Von Af ust be Satisfied at.. TOMMY'S LUNCHES • TOBACCO Across from Sun Building 121 Wert Pender Street V.neouv.r, B.C. 100 per cent Union help! "No competition for the neceuitiei of lifel . . . Youri for the Brotherhood of Man" Ryan's Messengers Telephone: MArine 3321 606 Homer Street, Vancouver, B. C. rt ah ASK FOR . . . Comox Cobble Coal Equally good and economical reaatt. In furnace or grate. PHONE TODAY I MArine 7331 MARPOLE'S DENTIST D" R Douglas The Labor Statesman Pubkihed third Ttmriay In reck month tS Labor HeoitMrurt, Vomomvor, B. C. Owned by the Vancouver, New Weitmimter a..d District Trade* and Labor Council. H. W. WATTS. Subscription Sate*: f 1.00 per Y*at; I* Union*, 4* pee ■•■ber per moath. a Vancouver, Canada, December, 1940 "ON EARTH, PEACE, GOODWILL TOWARD MEN" Oh, when the day *h*U break O'er realm* unlearned tn war- fare'e cruel arte, And all their million* wake, To peaceful tasks performed with loving hearts, On such a blessed morn, Well may the nations say that Christ is born, —Bryant. THE NEW ORDER-IN-COUNCIL The Order-in-Council just passed by the Government relative to the adjustment of wages in war industries is not altogether unwelcome in the ranks of organized labor. Some of us may feel that we are going to be restricted in our efforts to increase wage scales, but we should try to visualise the demands that would be made upon the Government by employers' associations to peg wages, and to even reduce wages, should we obtain enough power to demand unreasonable wages. The Government has taken action on profits and on rents, and will undoubtedly take action on prices of commodities should any of these become prohibitive. In this respect, however, wage scales are protected in the new Order-in-Council by a cost- of-living adjustment clause. Prices of commodities cannot be controlled very easily, because, in most cases, the finished article, or the raw material, comes from countries outside of Canada. The 1926-29 wage levels are high enough, in most cases, to be acceptable so far as organised labor is concerned. Trades that were not organised at that time and are not organized now, will probably not be so well off, but this should be an incentive for them to get organized. Representatives of organized labor have been consulted by the Government in connection with this Order- in-Council, and have been able to avert what could have been a more drastic measure on the subject. As it now stands, wages are not pegged and the hours of labor and other working conditions are still applicable to adjustments through conciliation boards. AS YE HAVE SOWN Because of world war conditions the "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" salutation is not given as enthusiastically as it otherwise would be given. "Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward all men" becomes just a hackneyed phrase, while war is going on all around us, and we and our neighbors are feverously engaged in making munitions and engines of war. But after all we are just reaping what we have sown, and until we all learn to sow seeds of truth, justice, brotherhood and goodwill, we will ever be reaping war, intolerance, chaos and disease. Our governments, our schools and our churches, not only in this country but in every country, have been sowing seeds of discontent, of frenzied competition, of profit grabbing economy, of misinterpreted religion, and we are reaping the harvest of war, poverty and disease. Perhaps, as this war drags on year after year, we will strive to find the remedy for preventing the recurrence of this catastrophe. There are already moves being made; in this direction, but most of our present-day institutions of learning and religion will have to undergo a complete change, and our form of government will have to be based on an entirely new principle. The present conflict is too drastic, too complicated and too ferocious to expect an early settlement. As a matter of fact, it will undoubtedly grow in intensity and will become so chaotic that neither side will be able to say with certainty that they are winning. Neither prayers nor resolutions will end it nor even weaken it, for, like all other things on this planet, it must continue through its cycle of chaos until it ha* harvested the conditions which were sown yeara ago. Then the world may have come to realise that if war and pestilence, poverty and siekneas are to be avoided in the future, it must completely change ita distribution of wealth; its institutions of learning must undergo a complete change, and its citadels of religion must be places of science, of Kabalarian philosophy, instead of tombs of superstition and misinformation. Trades Comal Notes Upon request the Depsrtment of National Health at Ottawa vriUjsupply copies of a pamphlet dealing with We dangers of benzol, a* Information for employers and employees in line* of industry using th* product. The Council endorsed a reeom- mendition of the Executive to donat* an electric floor polisher to the Vancouver Preventorium in appreciation of the valuable work being done by the Prevetorlum. Aeronautical Union expressed appreciation for the action taken by the Council in protesting the lay-off of employee* at the Boeing Aircraft factory and the publicity given the spatter by the Council secretary. The men have since been put back to W°Sign Painters' Union reported thst the David Hall Sign Company and the Signcraft Company are non-union concerns. _ .. , Protest by the Street Railwaymen a Union on the floor of the Trades Council againat the lay-off of SO extra men and nine track men, and the newspaper publicity given to the aub- ject, resulted in the company making an adjustment of the condition. The Secretary of the Council was instructed to forward a communication to the City Council deploring the delay in the restoration of salaries for employeea of the City. Burns & Company have been re moved from the "We Do Not Patronize" list of the Trades and Labor Council. This, however, does not mean that they should have any preferential treatment. Bartlett Appointed To Rentals Committee W. J. Bartlett, a former president and still an active member of the Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council, has been appointed a member of Vancouver's Rental Committee. The appointment was made by Mr. Justice W. M. Martin of the Saskatchewan Court of Appeals, who is now Canada's Rental Administrator. All applications from landlords for permission to increase rents above the level of last January 2 and complaints by tenants against increases must be lodged by December 31. Freezing of rents at last January's level in a number of Canadian cities has been ordered by the Wartime Prices and Trade Board, under whose authority the local committee is set up. The Vancouver committee will start sittings as soon as the necessary forms arrive from Ottawa. It will have authority over rentals in the city of Vancouver and the city of North Vancouver. The district municipality of North Vancouver and the municipalities of West Vancouver and Burnaby have, not yet been declared pegged-rental zones. McLarty Is Against Labor Regimentation Disclosing that pressure is being exerted on the Government to adopt drastic regulation of hours and wagea of labor, Labor Minister Norman McLarty declared on the floor of Parliament that organized labor had cooperated cheerfully in the war effort. "There might be conceived some circumstances in which the government might be required to take such action," McLarty said, but he added that "those circumstances do not exist today." "What Labor is looking for is not regimentation, but direction. It has made that abundantly clear. Dealing as we are with a co-operative body, why should such action be necessary? That is the wrong way." Classified Ads. Biieesi Meats, «** aa* *•,, f*kae. Ma »r. W. A. Talk of increasing the hours of labor in Canada at the present time by government officials, is not very good for the morale of the workera, which the government should be encouraging. While some industrialists back East may be talking about labor shortages in order to short change the workers, we find plenty of labor available in the West. There is plenty of room for extension of factories on this coast and there seems to be plenty of idle hand* to man these factories. And what is also very noticeable is the large number of people who are working on short time, a phase of indastrial Hfe which is undoubtedly duplicated in Eastern provinces. Put these men to work on full time, before talking about increasing the hours of labor, "Best Wishes Everybody" Programme To Help Speed War Production A suggested program to obtain the maximum production in war industry was outlined in Parliament by Labor Minister Norman McLarty. The pro posals are: Transfer of available workers to points where they can be placed in war industries. Lengthening the standard working week from 44 to 48 hours or higher as a new basis for calculating when overtime rates shall be payable. Determination of the number of employees in "the scarce tradea" not attached to non-essential or de- firessed industries who can be drawn nto war work. Control of Workers Setting up of a liat of non-essential industriea which employ labor in scarce trades. McLarty said it may be necessary to deny such industries the right to hire additional workers and to transfer aome of their present employee* to war work. Recruiting of women for industry snd for war auxiliary service*. Th* suggestion is they might be used to replace skilled men who would be freed from non-essential industries for war work. Trade Unions are being asked to furnish the National Labor Supply Council with lists of members In the scarce trades who are unemployed, partially employed or at work in nonessential industries. for quick delivery phone MArine 6474 Ads for "PILSENER" advertisement is not published or displayed by the Liquor Control Board ot by the Government of British Columbia. Wishing All Our Friends and Patrons the Compliments of the Season! Call and see our HANDICRAFT DISPLAY, which includes TEA TRAYS, SEWING BASKETS, FERNEMf LEATHER GOODS, AND MANY OTHER ATTRACTIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS. aTehbUyrg Corn Brooms ttfiki "BLINDCRAFT" BRAND SKfa | "Help the Blind to Help ThemselveT" Canadian National Institute For the Blint PHONE: BAyview 8841 (l0| WEST BROADWAY LAUNDRY WAGON DRIVERS GET WAGE AGREEMENT The General Truck Drivers' Union of Vancouver reports having obtained of 10 per cent increase in wages and one week's holiday with pay for the Laundry Wagon Driven of the Imperial Laundry Co. of Nanaimo. The employees are members of the General Truck Drivers' Union, Local No. 31, of Vancouver and vicinity. MONEY TO LOsAN ON MODERN HON! Easy Terms of Repayment Canada Permanent Mortgage CorporatM H. G. Forson, Manager 432 Richards Street TRinityl* Warehousemen Win increase In Par ABERDEEN.—P.y raises of from 13 to $5.40 per week have been negotiated for warehousemen employed by Sears, Roebuck, according to See- retary William Bonallo of Teamsters' Union No. 699. Through these negotiations, wage* have also been raised |8 weekly by Aberdeen furniture houses, MERRY CHRISTMAS! Good friends, wherever you may be And be it east or weat, Upon the plain, beside the sea, Whatever place the place may be, Some place you love the bert, Across the silence let uc call To each of yon, and wish you all A MERRY CHRISTMAS! ef Bevan Urges Arms and Money 1 To Aid In Britain's Fighting . t,Aotf Annpnlino1 to thnaa i——_^_^_ *^ . Bt* YORK.—Appealing to those LTsra equally determined with us T^totoin the great principle, of Sett rf thou*M tal3. ■■fMon'a S Bevin, British Minister of Sand Secretary of the Transport JoVneral Workers' Union, ad- Ktti a message to "all who accept ^Tprinclple* as their way of llf*» £fi» to the fullest possible extent ■Sport of those who are actually Si battle-line," in a communlca- »to Matthew Woll, President of Jusbu tor Human Rights, Free- „ and Democracy. Hit message expressed the nrm de- riaiuon of the British people to Soe their struggle in the face of Irir terrible sufferings. It reads aa "Present struggle for the mainten- ,-, of democracy and the right to • reason as against force in the •fact of human affairs should not ,,e to be borne by one nation or moawMlth. It involves the fund*. islil rights and liberties of the oui being, and all who accept these principle* a* their way of life ehould rally to th* fuU.rtpos.iol* •**•»* «} lupport of those who art "tSjUyta th* battle-line. . i Pi* 'utur« P*ogr*»* of Ubor *b- solutely depend* upon the success of British arms. W* arc willingly .tending np to the terror of th* ruthless £ kl*!k $! ^"oeytfc ipWt within us by the murder of our women and in tMe fighting lines but who are equally determined with u* to maintain the great principle* of liberty of thought and action to determine how best they can help, and they must satisfy their consciences as to whether they are withholding anything in money, material, or sympathy. At the moment of this great crisis my message would be therefore to every lover of liberty throughout the world: Pour in your arm*, your money, your effort to support those who willingly risk their lives to preserve the soul of mankind." /mger Work Week Looms For Workers in Canada THE LABOR STATESMAN December, 1940 w\\\\\U^likm, UNSURPASSED THE WORLD OVER (1^5 \«*«i it**!*1 .PfS •MM 13-oi. 85-01. 40-o*. THOROWHBREB*l"«2"«8» 16-oi. JJ-oi. 40-01. IDL SPECIAL - <1,"2,"4N 16-ei. 85-ei. 40-oi. JOCKEY MP .«1M,2'"4» This idvertisement is not published or displayed by the Liquor Control Board or by the Government of British ColumbU (IK I id VAY ft us *■ I ^vr linsthening of the standard work ; nek from 44 to 48 hour* "or » higher" now must be considered Canada since wartime industrial (taction has reached the point lire a general labor shortage ap- ucbes, the Labor Minister, Hon. A. McLarty, told the House of mom at Ottawa. We have reached the point at rich. Instead of planning to spread i vork, we are actually seeking tiers to man our rapidly-expand- isr industries," he said. "fith the distressing news con ling havoc wrought by the enemy jnch centres as Coventry, Birming- Bristol and Southampton still ing in our ears and with the in) Minister of Shipping admit- that sinkings are going on at a "» rate than replacements, I that this is no time for us to thinking of maintaining standards " i do not take into account the icy of the situation." "Mast Win the War" aid the only excuse for asking temporary relinquishing of cer- itindards which labor established tie years was that "we must the war—and sacrifice is unliable." He promised that undue ie in the cost of living would rented. iployers had their sacrificing to », despite a popular belief that nrtime contractor made fabu- !»ms--l,belief fostered by ex- W in the last war." If (the employer) has no pro- Hi against the risk but plenty Itoitrol on profits," 1V "'■ ' ' peacetime, he is only allowed to keen IBVs per cent of it; the balance is taken from him by taxation, It had been urged upon the government that it should order labor to do certain things in the matter of wages or hours. "There might be conceived some circumstancea in which the government might be required to take such action," Mr. McLarty said. "But those circumstances did not exist to day. What labor is looking for is not regimentation but direction. It haa made that abundantly clear." The fact that there were still unemployed in Canada did not mean that the future could be faced with complacency, he continued. The de gree of empioyabllity of the employable on relief "must be seriously questioned." While the shortage of labor generally is not yet acute, a shortage of tool and die makers and mechanics generally is imminent, if not already at hand in some occupations," he said. Government and industry were both acting to insure the maximum use of available labor and the training of additional skilled labor. He reviewed what had been and was being done in this regard, through the youth training plan, use of technical schools and training in industry itself. A survey was being made of plant facilities for training in the required occupations, instructors available and how their number could be increased. The extent to which women might be substituted for men in war indus- ... the Minister j tries, should the need arise, was also If an Ontario manufacturer being studied, with a view to provi- « a year more profit than in' sion for their training, he added. Japanese Federation Of Labor Dissolved TOKIO, Japan—A* always when it is necessary to remove the last remaining bulwark of democracy, freedom and liberty, the Japanese Federation of Labor, the largest and oldest labor organization in Japan, has been ordered dissolved, according to latest advicea from Japanese labor officials, By order of the highest authority in order to better facilitate the totalitarian form of government operation, the Central Exeeutive Committee of the Japanese Federation of Labor meeting in extraordinary session terminated the operations of the organization in preparation for the participation by ita members in the national movement for industrial service to the state. Hailed by Japanese military as another step by the Japanese people to assist the government in pushing the China incident to a successful conclusion, the dissolution of the federation which was established in 1911 waa pointed to by American Federation of Labor officials as similar to the destruction of the labor movement in Russia, Germany and France, thus removing the last vestiges of freedom and individual rights, not alone of the workers but of the entire people as a whole. In Lighter Vein The Bad Egg from Burnaby just dropped in to tell us that a career for a woman is any kind of a job that doesn't require being married to the boss. He's wrong, old top, he's wrong. No, woman ever was married to the BOSS.—Wally, the Incurable bach. by HAPPY NEW YEAR! FROM THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE TRADES AND LABOR CONGRESS OF CANADA ISNT IT THE TRUTH Love-sickness can be cured marriage. A hick town is one where every man is a leading citizen. t 'O WISH You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year—no more kindly thought was ever uttered than this age-old greeting handed down through the generations. It still retains its humane appeal, unchanged by the vagaries of time and unspoilt by the materialism of the modern skeptic. It remains, as of yore, the sincere expression of good fellowship and goodwill among Mankind on this festive occasion. We know of no occasion that lends itself more than this to the practical demonstration of the principles upon which our movement is founded, 'he commemoration of the birth of the lowly car- Ptnter of Nazareth, the prophet and preacher of the brotherhood of man. Living as we do in an age when social inequalities «nd consequent injustice* predominate, it is safe to Uv that no occasion gives rise to greater rejoicing, *Wle, paradoxically, no day gives cause for more Poignant sorrow and regret. " is to the elimination of social injustice that our ■wvement is dedicated. It is to this task that our fWhbers are pledged. Ours is the duty of protect- "* 'he fatherless, strengthening the weak and ■"'Ping the needy. Our* the obligation of making *»» grand old message, "A Merry Christmas and a H»PPy New Year" something more than mere words. ^MOOIE. Pntsldent. **CY R. BENIOUSH, VWrV**W*rr». J-A.WHITBOURNE, VWrwident. ARTHUR D'AOUST, S*er*t*ry-Tr**Mir*r. E. W. SINFIELD, Vlc*.Pr**ld*itt. Some gals are the pieture of health, and by golly, they know how to paint the picture. London woman told the magistrate that her husband struck her in the eye with a plate because his supper was cold. Just practicing a "black out" we suppose. Even at Christmas time down on the farm the whey of the transgressor is sour. Crusty Bill rises to remark that he doesn't care what kind of a car you own, you can't have a blow-out unle you have something to blow in. HOLLY-DAY THOUGHT A kiss under the mistletoe isn't alwaya the berries. In spite of the war a' lot of people Si on living peacefully, but out in ollywood they continue to get married and divorced. GET BUSY, FOLKS If you didn't do your Chrietmaa shopping early, now ia the time to read the advertisements In thl* lira* of "Th* Labor Statotmui" and get busy. WHY TEACHERS CRT GREY "Halo 1* what you aay when yon meet *omeon*." Boy, quick, gimme a sentence uiing th* word antidote. Unci* doean't Ilk* Christmas turkey, but antidotes on it LOGIC Discovering yet another mietake In hi* letter*, th* Boston employer turn- moned his new typlrt. "You came here with good testimonials, Ml** Smith," h* shouted, "and do yon mean to tell me you don't know the King's English?" "Of course, I know It," ah* reel indignantly. "Otherwise he wouldn't WASTING NO TIME Billy—Uncle, a Scotsman fell over, board into th* Black Sea, and when they found him, what do you think he wa* doing? , Uncle—I don't know. Billy—Filling hi* fountain pen. AS USUAL „ Mr. Black—I never knew Green had twin*! - „ * . Mr*. Bl«ck-rMy dear, he married a telephone girl, «»nd, of coum, she gav* him th* wrong nttmber. a . •• •* . Labor Supports the Sirois Recommendations Organized Labor in Canada I* strongly behind the move to implement the recommendations in the Sirois Report. The Tradea and Labor Congress of Canada haa sought for a readjustment of government jurisdiction over labor legislation. The report ia contained in three volumes, but the following summarization of two of the recommendations, closely affecting organized labor, are published for information. I.—Social Services 1. Unemployment relief—I.e. relief or aid to the unemployed employables—should be a Dominion function, but provinces to remain responsible for other welfare services. (a) The Dominion to define empioyabllity for purposes of administering relief, (b) The Dominion to have full control of aministration of unemployment aid. (c) National employment service to be established, without prejudice to rights of provinces to have service of their own. (d) Dominion be empowered to establish system of compulsory unemployment insurance. (e) Local branch boards on rulings of Dominion service as to employ- ability of individuals. 2. Relief to primary industries: where whole area involved in economic disaster—e.g. the wheat industry—situation to be met by Dominion emergency grants. 3. Poor relief, widows' pensions, mothers' allowances and child welfare to remain provincial. 4. Health services; need co-operation between Dominion, province and municipality, much as at present. 5. Old age pensions; non-contributory, as at present. Dominion pays 75 per cent, provinces administer. 6. Social insurance; Dominion jurisdiction: contributory old age ensions, unemployment insurance. 'rovincial jurisdiction: health insurance, workmen's compensation. II Labor Legislation 1. Dominion to have jurisdiction to establish: basic minimum wages, basic maximum hours, minimum age of employment; the provinces being free to do better, but not worse. 2. Provinces empowered to delegate jurisdiction over categories of industrial disputes to Dominion. 3. Dominion to have power to enact conventions of International Labor Organization (other treaties outside commission's terms of reference). 4. Frequent conferences between Dominion and provincial departments of lsbor. D. C. MEAT CUTTERS GAIN PAY INCREASES WASHINGTON, D. C—The Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of America, A. F. of L. affiliate, signed an agreement with the Sanitary Grocery Company, large chain store concern in thl* area, railed th* wages of journeymen butcher* from $32.60 to $35 a week, apprentices with let* than one year'* experience from $21 to $22 and apprentice* with lea* than three y*»r» from $28 to $30. Th* contract »lso Include* time and one-half paid for overtime work, a week'* vacation with pay and full holiday* on Wellington'* Birthday and Armistice Day. NO PAYMENT..m^ ... TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS CONVENIENCE Buy Your Christmas Gift ON CREDIT NO FUSS-NO RED TAPE-NO INTEREST-NO CARRYING CHARGES- JUST COME IN AND SELECT YOUR GIFTS AND WE'LL CHARGE THEM AND YOU CAN FAY NEXT YEARI PLAIN or FURRED Coat* HOSIERY She never has tee manyl Sheers aad pure silt. All daintily baaed. 69c to $1.13 LINGERIE Give her lingerie. It is always a welcome gift. We have an eliciting collection in every price. PANTIES 39c to $1.39 SLIPS $1jOO to $1.98 DANCE SETS $1jOO to $1.98 PYJAMAS —GOWNS $1.29 to $2.98 HOUSECOATS Glamor housecoats . . . Just what she wants for Christmas! . . . Luiuriousl Perfect! f 2.95 to $12.95 £weet Sixteen (UNION FACTORY! 927 QRANVILLE STREET Plain tailored end luxuriantly furred coats. Expertly designed In the newest silhouettes. $13.93 to $39.30 DRESSES Stunning dresses from the most casual to glamorous "dressy styles". |2.95 to $25.00 BLOUSES Gift Blouses from $1.93 SKIRTS In a large variety $2.95 SWEATERS Wide choice of newest colors from $1.95 JACKETS Smart sport models from $4.95 137 WEST HASTINOS STREET (Next to Woodward's) 2142 MAIN STREET 2431 EAST HASTINOS VICTORIA UNION NOTES Carpenters' Union report* 149 new applications for membenhip received during th* ye»r. Electrical Workera' Union report* 20 new member* and further application* being received. Holders' Union reports organisation almost 100 per cent in Victoria. Painter*' Union seeking adjustment of wan* and working conditions through the Board ol Industrial Relations. A dual Labor Council having been formed in Victoria by the C.I.O., the Victoria Tradea and Labor CouneU decided to inform union* chartered by the C.I.O. that they could no longer have seat* on th* CouneU. POINTED WANNING A city chap wa* craning ■ pasture. Say. there,*rhe (hooted to the farmer, "ia thl* bull Mf*T" -T „ "Well,"' answered th* farmer, "I reckon.he'* a lot *af*r than you at* Ju»f now." A Toast to You... And Yours To all our Friend*—To you and you—from all of ui—We with all th* joyi and happiness that can possibly be conveyed In then age-old wordi A Merry Christmas and a Healthful, Prosperous New Year FROM YOUR GENIAL HOSTS ERNIE CLARK ANDY GILLIS — AND STAFF — Grand Union Hotel 74 WEST HASTINGS STREET Smmm'i aG — aaaUaa aaaaa *Va W$) L*tbOf*K9 •? Vfltltfl wOMlflabfet 45 Calf* HtjYlfiftft 5tfe)#t Hw MOit lt?*M *••» UnfO*VflSsM# M#fwi4Mt9e) PJ&S "WILD ROSE" USE THE BIST FOR Christmas Baking r "COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON" TO OUR UNION FRIENDS AND PATRONSI Richmond Milk Producer! Ltd. 1 Phone Highland 0062 1308 Bart Hastings Street Women who buy collectively lendi Union Label buying . a helping hand to workn* who •bar- keep our Prosperity motor hi gain collectively. ^ spejai 8Wptftb*f**t wtll l:'i » m December, 1940 THE LABOR STATESMAN IN "The telephone brings pleasure to our home" "I often wonder how we'd get along without our telephone", uid Mn. Drainey, "Besides being to handy for shopping and other errands, it keeps ui in touch with our friendl. Moat of our invitations coma by telephone and whan wa want someone in for bridge, a telephone call usually find* some willing opponents. Although the telephone brings pleasure and companionship I realize that iti most important asset ii iti value in case of an emergency. For I know that the quickest way to get help in a hurry ii by telephone". B. C. TELEPHONE CO. Wishing All Labor Unions the Compliments of the Season! • The Owl Drug Co. Ltd. (100 per cent Vancouver-owned and operated) HARVEY LOGGING BOOTS! The Home of the "Original" Hand-made Boot* for LOGGERS, MINERS, CRUISERS and PROSPECTORS. Quick Service for Ratjalr* Established 1897 58 Cordova Street Waal HEADQUARTERS for IMPORTED TOBACCOS, CIGARETTES, CIGARS, PIPES and SMOKERS' SUNDRIES Come and See Our Stock—Largest in Canada E. A. MORRIS LIMITED 433 Weat Hatting* Stmt 53J Granville Street Season's Greetings . . . Boyles Bros. Drilling Co. Ltd. CONTRACTORS and MANUFACTURERS 1291 Parker St., Vancouver, B. C. Phone: High. 2881 "The Need of The Hour" Talk over the C.B.C. National Network in the Serie*/'The Need of the Hour," delivered by Tom Moore, President. Trades and Labor Congress of Canada. Ubor has an important part to play in this titanic »*"J^c»n8dT" »n0d. Great Britain and the rest of the Conunonw.alth.are)«*«•*»* ltg*l pose that's why the joint committee of the Senate, which arrange, the** broadcasts, ssked me to take part _.«„.. And so the purpose will be best served if I confine W mtmHoaa to the "ubject I know most about. Roughly it ml* ****** J»*£ the need for sound industrial relations if we are to fulffll our duty to provide *n uninterrupted flow of munitions and auppliei.to those now *o gallantly defending our liberties againat the barbaric attacka of the Nasi and Fascist force*. . .. The Chief of the General Staff. Major G«neraiCrerar. strewed the importance of this flow of munitions and aupplles when he spoke to tne Ottawa Canadian Club just over a week ago. He directed attention several times to the importance of obtaining from the industry of this nation, the military machlnea and weapons essential to the future success of the fighting forces in battle. And he went on—"I speak for the army when I say thatiWewe ognUe that the provision of adequate manpower for industry is essential « we are to make that army fully effective." In these words the highest authority in the military councils of Csnada makea clear that the civilian producers on the 'home front cannot, in a mechanized war such aa this is, be considered as separate and unconnected with our uniformed fighting forces. Just As Important This being so, it is just as important to maintain the health and morale of the industrial worker as that of the army. The need to keep an army well fed and contented has long been recognized, and human nature being what it is,—the same consideration is essential for industrial workers if production is to be raised to its highest point. There are two ways of approaching this question. One, the old paternalistic and often autocratic method of telling the workers what they must do and what is good for them, and the other, the sounder and more British method, of seeking to attain the same ends by voluntary cooperation. Where opportunity for voluntary cooperation is offered, there need be no doubt as to a willing and enthusiastic response on the part of the workers. In fact, failure to adopt this voluntary method remains one of the most common causes of labor unrest We of the Labor Movement know only too well what has befallen the workers of countries overrun by the Nazi hordes, and therefore we have no illusions as to our fate if victory over them is not complete. Slavery would take the place of freedom and all we have accomplished in the past would be ruthlessly wiped out. Our existence as independent, liberty-loving citizens would be brought to an end. This conflict—this total war, is one in which our whole civilization as we have come to know it, is at stake. Therefore there can be no spectators on the side lines. If democracy is to survive, everyone must play their part to the fullest extent of their ability. In the determination to achieve victory, Canada is a united nation and must remain so. Of course it is inevitable that there should be differences of opinion as to the methods to be pursued. No doubt, it was a recognition of this fact, especially so far as industrial relations were concerned, that caused the Government of Canada last June to issue, by Order in Council, a declaration of principles for the regulation of labor conditions during the war. Their acceptance to quote the Order, "by employers and work people, would make for avoidance of industrial strife and the utmost acceptance possible in the production which is so essential in present circumstances." Industrial Harmony Is Imperative One of our needs now is that all concerned,—workers, employers and Government alike, should refresh their memories and seek to give practical effect to both the letter and spirit of the principles enunciated in the Order I refer to. Failure to do this only makes the task of those seeking to maintain industrial harmony more difficult. If there were time, it would be worthwhile to read the complete text of this important Government order, but I can refer only briefly to a few of the things it says. First it says that fair and reasonable standards of wages and working conditions should be recognized. How opposite this is to the policy of those who keep insisting that wages workers were forced to accept during the past ten years of depression should be accepted without change for the duration of the war I It is not lack of patriotism if workers seek by lawful means to establish wages and conditions which will enable them to maintain a decent standard of living for themselves and their dependents: and, wages that will allow of their making a contribution to Canada's war effort through j the purchase of War Savings Certificates and Bonds; and wages that make it possible for them to participate in the various appeals made from time to time for community and auxiliary war services. As Ernie Bevin said in a public address shortly after he became Minister of Labor in Great Britain: "The war will not be won by mucking about with the workers' pennies." This has remained the guide to British policy on wage questions to thia day. Excessive Fatigue and Reduced Output Now next, the Order says that hours of work should not be unduly extended, but, so far as practical, increased output should be obtained by the adoption of additional shifts. And the Order adds the significant statement that experience throughout the last war showed that undue lengthening of hours results in excessive fatigue and reduced output. Because of the truth of this, every effort should be made to find a place in productive industry for all employable unemployed workers. Lengthening of hour should' only be resorted to when and where an actual labor shortage exists, and then only for the period of emergency. Recently there has been a gratifying reduction in unemployment figures and considerable has been done in fitting workers for jobs through youth training and similar schemes. But still we have it on authority of the Minister of Labor, the Honourable Mr. McLarty, that what is being done is not yet sufficient if the labor requirements of war industries rapidly approaching production stage are to be met. So there is a pressing need for more training facilities not only for youth but also for those older men who only require refresher courses to restore their skill partially lost through long years of unemployment. Here is another point. The Order declares that any suspension of labor conditions established by law, agreement, or usage, requisite to the speeding up of war time production, should be brought about by mutual agreement, and should be understood as applying only for the period of emergency. Fraw From Control of Employer* To facilitate the carrying out of these principles, the Order states that employees should be free to organize in trade unions—free from any control of employers or their agents, and that employees, through such organziations, should be free to negotiate with employers concerning rates of pay, hours of labor, and other working conditions, with a view to the conclusiion of a collective agreement It further provides that where differences arise that cannot be settled by negotiations between the parties, the assistance of Government conciliation should be sought. To this end organized labor suggested, and the Government readily accepted the proposal, that the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Investigation Act be extended to all war Industrie*. This gives an aditional means of avoiding interruption in productive or distributive operations on account of strikes or lockouts. While all these things are important as the basis for sound industrial relations, the outstanding need is for the more effective national mobilization of our present and potential labor forces. To meet this challenge, the National Labor Supply Council has been created. The Chairman of the Council is Mr. A. J. Hills, for many years Chief of Personnel of the Canadian National Railways. Its members are drawn equally from the major organizations of employers and trade unions who have unreservedly placed their industrial knowledge and experienced the service of the Government The functions of this body as set out in the Order in Council under which it was established, are "to advise on any matters touching labor supply for industry which may be referred to it by the Minister of Labor." Aided by a reorganised employment service under Federal Government administration, and the information now being compiled from the recent Naticna! Registration, there is -every-ieason for confidence that this Council' can fulfill the duties assigned to it and the objective of a proper co-ordination of labor for war industries can be achieved. Recogniae Equality of Partnership In short, there already exists in Canada adequate machinery for dealing with the important phases of Canada's war effort to which I have referred, through the democratic procedure of recognising equality of nart- nership between employer and employee in industrial activities. The need of the hour ia to persist with tolerance and patience to ret smooth teamwork between organized labor, employe™ and government, an that all can pull the load equally. aovernmear. K Another aeed, even in time of war, is to give thought and attention to condition* under which th* transference back from war tJm* to mm. time economy can be carried out. Unless some arrangement* for thl* are planned ahead, after winning the w«r w* might yet lose th* peace While the Prime Minister'* proposal to set up a special Parliaments Committee was withdrawn at the last session of P*iUament"It U"to™ ho?J5 that the matter wil be taken up when Parliament meets again. Such a atari can In no way be considered aa detracting from our war effort Quite the The knowledge that steps are being taken to prevent the sacrifices of war from being in vain, will serve only to strengthen the conviction Sat Democracy is worth fighting for. ° *"" Times like these provide a happy hunting ground tot theorists ,r.A Move To Ban Strikes Spiked By Roosevelt Waahlngton. D. C.-P t • • I dent Roosevelt *pik«d th* gone of anti- labor employere and «w«°n*J&S05; gressmen clamoringfor restrictive Fegislation against defense workers when he declared emphatically at a press conference th*t he will oppoie any move to pl*c* labor in a "•traight-jaekst." . The PrJ*ld*nf» itatement w*ii followed by a strong declaration from the Ubor Policy Adviwy Committee of th* N.tfon.1 Drfenw Commission exposing the falsity of th* anti-labor propaganda. The committee, which include* «ix American Federation of Labor representative*, "In thl* time of world crisis American labor ia »w«ke to the crucial need for a atrong national defense program. Labor recognizes fully that if the democratic way of life Is to be preserved and enlarged our country must prepare itself for total defense —morally and materially. "Labor knows that it is the first to be trampled under the march of dictatorship. Labor know that if workera are to remain free men and keep their free choices democracy— as a living faith, as a living reality- must be equipped to meet the threat of totalitariannism within and without. Labor haa been—and Is—cooperating wholeheartedly throughout the entire defense effort. "Until very recently no single serious interruption of production in defense industries had occurred; and then only two such work-stoppages took place—the first lasting six working days and the second four days. "This record Is ample evidence that labor recognizes the Importance of continuous production to meet defense needs. Labor again reaffirms its assurance of cooperation with the national defense program and further pledges itself to take no action which may in any way impede production before all conciliation facilities of the Federal government for resolving any existing controversy have been exhausted." Most of the crackpot suggestions from anti-labor spokesmen were aimed at depriving labor of the right to strike. A prompt survey by the American Federation of Labor's legislative bureau showed that such a proposal could command only a handful of votes in Congress and that sentiment was overwhelmingly against it. Administration leaders emphasized that it would be folly to sacrifice the democratic rights of labor as the first step in a program designed to safeguard American democracy. Nine Million Homes Needed by U.S. Poor Low Coat Building Impeded S High Interest Rates, Report Finda Washington, D. C.—Urgent need for vast extension of low-cost housing construction was stressed in a report by economists and housing experts on the staff of Senator Joseph C. O'Mahoney's Monopoly Investigating Committee. More than 9,000,000 American families with incomes below 11,500 a year need new homes, the report declared. If these homes were built, the depression would be cured to a "surprising" extent by "getting idle men back to work" and "finding an outlet for idle investment funds," it was found. The report is a reminder that the national defense program is not the only way to put men, money and machines to work, because this can be done by clearing slums and providing decent homes for the American people. "The difficulty, however," the report says, "la that under the present set-up the housing industry is geared to provide homes primarily for families earning $2,000 or more per year. "We build largely for this limited group because the home-building industry has followed traditional practices and failed to keep up with progressive methods that have enabled other industries to extend their markets to low-income groups. Moreover, many of the raw materials of the building industry are concentrated in a few hands, with a controlled and inflexible pricing system." It points out that construction costs are highest in some cities where building trades wage rates are lowest, and lowest where labor costs are highest. Other important facts disclosed at the O'Mahoney committee's hearings are cited to explode the idea that "high wages" are the cause of the high cost of housing. On the other hand, the report explains that high interest rates are a real obstacle to home construction, and that "rental housing for the lower half of the middle income PlM'i; »2.»<>0) might well be stimulated" by reducing the rate tovested charged on ">• "
social security should be the main motive of our national life.
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