CONTENTdm
[The Labor Statesman]
BC Historical Newspapers
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tyj THE LABOUR STATESMAN Vol. 45, No. 1 VANCOUVER, B.C. JANUARY, 1969 15 Cents \ -. o m Pi > ti o x C riif _i».,*■ o _„ _ \__ o i ' S O X" ~> *"* __ CD CP -I OJ O X) ■fr c > O XI *> I—- .ir r 3> C 03 PO X) ►-> > m x> x* ■< Bprtnt of Late RECEIVED .ian 16 1969 LIBRARY hairman onows Hand Trade unionists of late have been laughing at the misfortunes which have beset the Mediation Commission week after week. A recent speech by Chairman John Parker to the Vancouver Board of Trade may, however, have had a very sobering influence. They came back . . . Len Guy, left, was appointed third vice-president of. the Federation after Charles Stewart's resignation. Stewart was appointed a mediator with the Mediation Commission. Clive Lytle, right, takes over as director of public relations and editor of The Labour Statesman. He was the Federation's research director from 1962 to 1964. Scholarships Available Several scholarships are available again to trade union members. The B.C. Federation of Labour provides a $1400 scholarship (plus air fare) for .he Labour College of Canada in the period May 4 to June 27. Applicants must be members of unions affiliated with the Federation and apply before Jan. IS A number of CLC scholarships worth up to $1,000 each are also available for the Labour College in the same period. Applicants must be members of an affiliated union, and his local must have made a contribution to the Labour College Fund. He should submit a biography and short essay outlining why he or she wants to attend the college. Application forms are available from the regional CLC office. Letters of reference are required and applications must be accompanied by a $5 registration fee. Apply before Jan. 31. Two Nuffield Foundation scholarships are also available for six months travelling in England. They consist of air fare plus about $300 per month single, or plus $450 with wife, plus $250 travel allowance. The union must grant a six month., leave of absence on a half salary basis. A short essay must be submitted. Applications, can be obtained from the Federation, preferably before Jan. 31. In a loose-tongued moment the former Yukon judge revealed his real conception of the functions of the Commission. Responding to questions from management representatives who were concerned about the possibility of strikes being called on Fridays and becoming effective at the beginning of the following week before application for a mediator could be made, Mr. Parker stated: "We are not all that difficult to. And. Even if you came by bicycle from Prince George you should make it" WORK SUNDAYS He then assured the management representatives that Commission members would work Sundays if necessary to process applications for mediators and head off strikes. He went further and suggested he would be available in his own home on weekends to serve their needs. Similar reassurance was given by Chairman Parker on December 12 in a speech to the Amalgamated Construction Association. In that speech he pointed out that the appointment of mediators would head off strikes and "the mediation o(6o.r «llliUr.. fore be carrying on his work while the company is still in a strike-free situation." HAYNES STATED Federation Secretary Ray Haynes, commenting on the speeches by' the Commission Chairman, stated: "In both of these recent speeches Mr. Parker has gone to great lengths to assure management that the Commission could be used effectively by management to stop quickie strikes by unions. This, of course. means that the instant appointment of mediation officers will be even more effective than ex parte injunctions in preventing unions from going on strike. "I do not believe," Mr. Haynes __ continued, "that any other interpretation can, be placed on Mr. Parker's, remarks. This can be more effective than ex parte injunctions because they are limited in time, for all practical purposes. Appointment of a mediation officer to head off a strike can prevent the union from striking for a long, long time." DESTROY RIGHT The Federation Secretary added: "the imposition of these tactics to destroy the right to strike will be a tragedy for this province. Instead of improving collective bargaining procedures and labour relations, they are going to create the kind of climate which, in other countries, has led to massive slowdowns, work-to-rule campaigns and major industrial disruption. LEGALISTIC MANNER Increasing concern has been expressed in labour circles and from 4<*>^l^.nMMMaaMBip-_SsH-_a*_>'*<'° men over the indications that the Commission will function in a legalistic manner. At the time a judge was first appointed to head the Commission, Federation officers feared that a chairman with such a background would be likely to 7 take a legalistic approach rather than dealing with the social and economic issues involved. These recent developments have increased speculation that the Commission may be doomed even in its early stages. Anatomy of a Strike Union Picked on Vernon. Why? CUPE Members Solid To find out tbe reasons, of th* CUPE strike against Okanagan municipalities Tbe Labour Statesman, interviewed Mayor William Halina of Vernon, where tbe first strike started. Q: What is the background to the recently concluded strike? A: Up to the present time, we have been dealing with our lo- MAYOR WILLIAM HALINA cal unions, and we never had any problems. The agreement we had was possibly one of the best'in the area as far as the fringe benefits were concerned. In September, 1967, we got a letter from the regional representative of the union, stating that they were ready to negotiate on an area basis. Q: Well, originally the union wanted two things: area negotiations and parity with the coast A: Thafs right We felt that this whole area was not '.ipe because we got rural areas, communities that are just coming up, and we got larger communities. So what we could afford in Vernon, the outlying communities could not afford. To arrive at one agreement without doing some considerable groundwork would be very difficult And so this council refused to go along with the suggestion of the union. After about four months of this dickering the municipalities were forced, shall we say by circumstances, to accept this idea. As the unions created one bargaining body, and if we were to deal with that body, the 13 municipalities finally thought they might as well establish one committee. Q: We are talking about the cause of the strike. Why did Vernon come first? A: Negotiations carried on for _.wo months. It was impossible to get anywhere. So finally, with the assistance of the union, we applied to the conciliation board. The board came up with a completely new agreement. The union rejected it, the municipalities accepted it with certain reservations. The union would not use that award in any way, shape or form. A letter was sent to the union asking them to resume negotiations. There was no answer. The only answer came when Vernon was served with a 48-hour strike notice. We could not understand why Vernon was selected, and I don't think anyone would be able to explain that yet. If it was going to be a strike, it should have been against all 13 municipalities. The strike could have been avoided if the Vernon council (Turn to Page 2) To balance the opinions of Mayor Halina of Vernon about the recently concluded strike of CUPE members against 13 Oka- ' nagan municipalities, The Labour Statesman asked Don Crabbe, national representative of CUPE and a vice-president of the B.C. Federation of Labour, what his recollections about the strike were: _-Q: Was the decision to bargain on an area basis not a hasty one in retrospect? A: Our people in the Okanagan decided that area bargaining was best The municipalities banded together to form the OMMA (Okanagan Mainline Municipalities Association). They got advice from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, and that's how Wilson (the negotiator employed by the 13 municipalities) got involved. We can thank ourselves for this. Neither the union nor management gave sufficient thought to working out the procedures for regional bargaining. When you take a look at the existing agreements and try to combine them Into one at the snap of the finger —there's just no way this would have worked. Q: Did you have any difficulty speaking for all CUPE locals? A: No, none at all (Turn lo Page 6. CUPE's DON CRABBE »i.iiiii, I miii-wis8a>-_nai Page 2 THE LABOUR STATESMAN January, 1969 Anatomy of a Strike: Mayor Halina's Case (From Page 1) had dealt directly with the local union, and got an agreement on renewal. But that would h;ive meant that our commitment to the rest of the municipalities would have had to be broken. Q: I see. In your opinion it was CUPE that picked Vernon. A: That's right. We did get down to negotiations the day before the strike was to be called. Q: Was this the first strike in the history of Vernon? A: We don't remember anything like this before. Q: Why waPi. this year that there was a strike? A: Well, it's very difficult to say. All was based on the method of negotiations that were carried on. We couldn't come to any agreement The Union demanded an area agreement, but after running into various difficulties which they should have foreseen, as we did, they wanted to return to the individual bargaining. But there were considerable expenditures involved. The municipalities felt they should have someone with authority, an expert in negotiations. Therefore they engaged a particular individual . . . Q: Let me ask you. Why was R. S. S. Wilson hired at a reputed $150 a day . . . A: . . . when he was working on the case . . . Q: I see. Is it not true that when a man makes $150 a day, it is in his interest to prolong negotiations? A: This has been said a lot but Mr. Wilson has not prolonged the strike one single day further than the municipalities were able to agree upon. Q: Didn't you feel you had a man in any of the 13 municipalities who would haw been competent enough to deal with CUPE? A: Not with the necessary experience. You had to face the people of the union side who have been trained in negotiations. Dealing with the local union there is no difficulty at all. But when you begin to deal with experts you've got to have an expert yourself. Q: Did the conciliation board award help in the negotiations. Mr. Haynes (secretary-treasurer of the B.C. Federation of Labour) says it may have aggravated an earlier settlement A: The award wasn't as bad as it was made out. Trying to make one agreement out of 13 wasn't really their job. Q: An area contract would have lowered wages and conditions for some municipalities, such as Vernon, while raising them in other municipalities. Were you in favour of this? A: We have been in favour, because it also provided local supplements. Certain items (fringe benefits, ed.) would have had to be settled by local sup plements. These would continue until they all worked up to that master agreement. Q: De you feel'-the department of labour helped at all? Deputy minister Sands stepped in, didn't he? A: Mr. Sands was here two times. At first he came as an observer, and then he acted more or less as a mediator. He has been most helpful. ' Q: There was no outside conciliation officer here? A: No, no. Both CUPE and the mufiicipalities asked him (Sands) to sit in. It was CUPE who got him to act as mediator. Q: Did Mr. Sands achieve the settlement? A: Well, first he made some suggestions which were negotiable. Toward the end he made recommendations which were not negotiable. It was a question of take it or leave it. And both sides decided to'take it? Q: It did help? A: It did help. Q: Did Mr. Wilson recommend to you waiting for the implementation of the Mediation Act on December 22. And then to get the Mediation Commission to make a recommendation? /**" A: No, he did not make that recommendation, although h e did say if the thing did drag out it could land in the hands of the Mediation Commission. Q: Did some of the mayors want to wait for the implementation of the Act? A: Not me. Q: How about some of the other mayors? A: This was not considered as a method to settle their problem . . . Q: Was at any time the public interest and welfare jeopardized by the strike? A: No, I can't say that it was. There were some inconveniences in our case because the strike lasted a bit longer—68 days — than we expected, from September 24 to December 2. Q: Were you surprised that your employees stayed loyal to the union? A: I wasn't surprised. I didn't think they should (break ranks). We have done nothing to create a situation where strikebreaking would have had to take place. , We've operated essential services with our supervisory personnel. Q: Were you surprised at the overwhelming vote in favour of striking in the other municipalities although there was no sign of a settlement? A: I suppose you are referring to Penticton. Well, I wouldn't call that a true strike vote. Q: Do you feel the union m?de a mistake at any one time in their conduct? A: I wouldn't like to be quoted what I think of that. Q: Okay, thafs up to you. A: All I could say is that Mr. Crabbe is one of the most straightforward and most reasonable negotiators. I have quite a respect for him. Q: Was the strike conducted fairly and properly?* A: As far as Vernon is concerned I. say it was. Other than some of the open letters they sent out. I wouldn't consider those reasonable or proper, i think in the end they discovered themselves that they did more h?rm than good. Q: Is it not true that you lean toward the NDP? A: I am a member of the NDP. Q: Do you belong to the left- wing section? A: Not necessarily. I've got an open mind. < Q: Were you more radical in your younger days? *-' A: As far as I can remember I had been radical my whole life. It is possible that the change in economic conditions has made me more compromising or reasonable. Things for M.A-M. & S.I.R. Meet your ideal date or mate! Become a member and receive our superior personalized dating service. Send one dollar for your lifetime enrollment, complete details and interesting offers. Don't delay — write today. North America's largest and most respected computerized people-matching service. Meet - a - Match Program Tom Deugau, Director 3639 West 2nd Avenue Vancouver 8, B.C. which I fought in my younger days have been achieved. Q: I see. . A: I have spent my life working for the underdog, to bring the working man from under the table around the table. There is room for unions in this age because we live in this dog-eat-dog society. No one can deny that the unions have brought the better standards we enjoy today. I don't believe that at this time labour should continue with the same methods that were necessary times ago. I have proposed to establish a labour-management committee in this whole area. Such a committee could be a sort of policeman over the jtoreement we have reached. Eventually it would be an instrument by which the strikes could be completely prevented, become unnecessary. Q: How come the settlement was achieved on the very day Bill 33 came into effect? Did you or any other mayor feel it would be better to reach a set- lement before the Mediation Act was involved? A: No, the date was not in question at all. On November 16, the situation looked hopeless. Mr. Wilson went back home to Vancouver, wondering whether it was going to be jingle bells or springtime in the Rockies. I was completely surprised when a meeting was called by Mr. Sands. Finally we got down to real discussions and real bargaining. Bill 33 or December 2 was never in our minds. Q: Would you handle the situation in the same way next time? A: How do you mean? On an area .basis or on an individual basis? Q: On an individual basis. A: I don't think we'll ever go back to an individual basis. Q: You're going to stick to the area basis? A: That's right I think that's in the interest of the unions and in the interest of the municipalities. The next agreement, a year from now, could be an area agreement. We are making headway. We came to the conclusion we could not have an area agreement at this time, but we're not giving up the idea. If we discard it now, it's not going to come in for a long, long time. „ Q: Would you like these types of disputes handled by compulsory arbitration? A: Not unless it is absolutely impossible to come to an agreement. As a last resort. Compulsory arbitration is like a dictatorship. BROADWAY PRINTERS LIMITED printers and lithographers since 1911 Burnaby lawyer Jim Lorimer, 45, is the New Democratic Party candidate in the January 13 Burnaby-Willingdon by-election. The seat was held by New Democrat Fred Vulliamy until he died on October 20. Members React Following are some random comments by union members on the recently concluded strike of CUPE workers against the city of Vernon: .. ;ujmirii "It was lovely lying in bed until noon. I went to work from 2 to 5 p.m. in the strike office. Still, I got bored at home, it disorganized my system. I lost some SO per cent of my salary during the strike." "Was the strike necessary? We lost too much. Everything we went out on strike for we backed out on." "I'm happy with the settlement. The outside workers weren't satisfied but we inside workers were." "I didn't want to go on strike. I'm not a union peason. I only belong to the union because I have to." "I don't really think the strike achieved anything. The city achieved something, it balanced its budget." "A good thing was that the inside and the outside workers got to know each other. It is quite pleasant to know who picks up your garbage and who sweeps the streets." "I wouldn't care to comment. I still haven't got over the shock of being on strike." 'The other municipalities reaped the money where we lost money for." yV tx.ra De ^-v. Fast cla «2V Extra benefits Fast claims service CO-OPERATIVE INSURANCE SERVICES CO OPEMIIVE UFE IIISUIUCE ___»-_. • CO OPEfUTIVE fill - CASUAL!r ..HP-IT 1)5 EAST 8th AVENUE VANCOUVER 10, B.C. Telephone 876-2101 YOUR CO OP INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVE B.C. BRANCH, ME. BROADWAY, VANCOUVER, TR. 2-7464- OTHER OFFICES: VICTORIA, DUNCAN, NANAIMO, PORT ALBERNI, PARKSVILLE, CAMPBELL RIVER, LANGLEY, MISSION, CHILLIWACK, WILLIAMS LAKE, PRINCE GEORGE, DAWSON CREEK, FORT ST. JOHN, TERRACE and PRINCE RUPERT. y "■" January, 1969 HE LABOUR STATESMAN Page 3 A New Militancy Seeks Economic Not Social Goals ED FINN (Second of three articles) The outlook is not unrelieved- ly gloomy. There have been signs in recent years of a reawakening interest in the social aspect of unionism, and, although these have been sporadic and far from widespread, they do offer some hope for a renaissance. Specifiically, these developments have taken the form of some labour involvement with co-operatives and credit unions, with low-cost housing projects, with studies of poverty, and in a few cases with the establishment of medical care clinics and the provision of low-cost drugs. SOUL-SEARCHING In addition, there has been an upsurge in militancy within the labour movement, sparked chiefly by younger workers, and this has led to a great deal ot soul-searching and a growing recognition of the need for radical new policies. More voices are being heard within the movement advocating fresh approaches, a streamlining of structure, and other needed reforms to enable unionism to adapt to a rapidly changing world. It would be misleading, however, to suggest that the new militancy of labour reflects any great renewal of social purpose. ED FINN UNION MERGERS On the contrary, it seems to be directed almost exclusively to improving and modernizing the economic functions of the movement. This applies to the advocacy of, union mergers, the elimination of inter-union disputes, and indeed to the whole range of structural and policy changes advocated by the. CLC's special commission at the recent convention in Toronto. Nevertheless, the fact that some major changes are being suggested, and even adopted, signifies that cracks are opening up in the traditional conservative facade of the labour --"movement. A willingness to experiment with new ideas and methods in the economic sphere may create a climate of receptivity to a social rebirth later on. SECONDARY PURSUIT In the meantime, most union leaders and rank-and-filers will continue to look upon social and political action as, at best, a strictly secondary pursuit to be engaged in if there is any time, energy or resources left over from the economic struggle; or, at worst, an unimportant frill that properly should be left to the NDP, and to the inclination of the individual members. Once the average worker's income reaches. $7,000 to $9,000 a year—with or without the help of his working wife—he joins the middle class and tends to adopt middle-class values. His preoccupations are with his home, his car, his TV set and other possessions, not with the problems of the poor and needy. HIGHER INCOME Despite his higher income, ifs never enough to finance the living standard to which he aspires. He wants more money to pay off the mortgage, for payments on the car, the furniture, the appliances, and so he keeps exerting pressure on his union to concentrate on more wage gains instead of getting involved with such projects as minimum wage legislation, more social security, political action, etc. In fact, he may object to his union's campaigning for more welfare measures on the grounds that they would lead to an increase in his taxes. In short, his search for middle-class affluence turns him into a conservative. ACCESSORY ROLE And his union finds itself cast in the role of an accessory to this transformation. As Gerard Rancourt, the new executive vice-president of the CLC, put it in a recent speech, "unions are creating a class of privileged people who want to maintain the gap between their earnings and those of workers who are paid less." We should understand that most union leaders today are in no position to resist the never- ending pressures from their members for bigger and bigger wage increases and the relegation of all other union activities to an accessory status. ON TREADMILL They are on a treadmill, and they don't dare to get off. In a sense, they are the victims of their own emphasis on market unionism. Their members, having been imbued with this philosophy, now judge their leaders solely on their ability to produce more and more at the bargaining table,, and dismiss as irrelevant their efforts in the .broader realm of social betterment. The fundamental insecurity of most union leaders is a corollary factor. Having fought their way up from the ranks to the pinnacle of leadership, there is nowhere for them to go but down. NO PROTECTION They do. not enjoy — as do leaders in business, the professions, education, and most other fields—the protection of lateral mobility; 4hey cannot move to a similar high office in another union if defeated in a bid for re-election. Nor is there any equivalent of the board of directors or the senate in the labour movement, where they could be kicked upstairs. The resulting sense of insecurity makes union leaders (with few exceptions) intolerant of dissent, suspicious of change, fearful of talented younger people within the union, and very susceptible to rank-and- file pressures. At the same time, it tempts them to reduce genuine democratic processes to a minimum, and to develop powerful political machines dedicated to preserving the internal status quo. THE WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPAEDIA UNFAIR It is printed by KINGSPORT PRESS An Anti-Union U.S.A. Printing Firm DON'T BUY / Cover the Labour Front MARK EMARY Last month we said the top man in the B.C. Communist Party had secretly chewed out a few of his cronies who were attending the B.C. Federation of Labour convention as delegates when they refused to debate the Czechoslovakian issue. Since then, there's been a few unkind remarks and poo-pooing from the party peripheral. However since then, names of those in attendance at the time of the meeting and, last but not least, the room number in the Blue Horizon where the not-so-secret meeting was held, now seems to be public knowledge. * * * Everyone is still buzzing about the resignation of David Blajr as a member of the Mediation Commission. One only had to see the commission in action during the recent psychiatric nurses' hearing to see one of the reasons why Mr. Blah- was able to give up the $40,000 plum. Judge Parker, who may be an expert at mushing a dog team through the frozen north, is not exactly a whiz in the field of labour relations. However, because of Pen Baskin's rather overbearing approach, Parker seems to be continually turning to Penrod for assistance. So noticeable that Blah- was more and more getting the feeling he should switch to Ban. • * • The call that was prominent on the football field only a few years ago has now moved to the Department of Labour — "go, Parker, go." • * * Anyone who still feels there's no conflict between the labour department and the Mediation Commission should see what Deputy Minister Sands thinks about the Rand Report (the Rand Report encompasses all of Bills 43 and 33 and adds some innovations). An eastern paper covering the recent conference on the Rand report' said: "W. H. Sands, deputy minister of labour for British Columbia, who was a member of the audience,'was basically opposed to the report. He became disgusted after he had gone half-, way through it. MR. SANDS SAID HE DOES NOT BELIEVE IN GIVING SUPREME POWERS TO ANOTHER TRIBUNAL." * * * Geoff Hodgkinson, amiable office manager for the Plasterers Union, has tossed his hat in the ring for new leader of the NDP. In typical Pat Paulsen tongue-in-cheek campaigning, he was asked by his fellow workers for his views on strip mining. "I feel that these companies make enough profits that their employees should be paid enough to be able to afford adequate clothing," he answered seriously. * * * "The Barker", official organ of Local 1-217 of the IWA, is breathing fire and brimstone again after a brief pause following the defeat of Syd Thmompson's bid for regional president of the IWA. Latest edition had an editorial which kept referring to two vice-presidents of the Federation who had gone over the hill to work for the Mediation Commission. Nowhere did it concede that one of them, Charles Stewart, was a vice- president of the Vancouver Labour Council. However, in the first November issue, the "Barker" went to great lengths to praise the same Stewart for having defeated the Federation's slate, thus winning a spot on the Federation executive. More ironic was the fact that Charlie never did get to be a Federation vice-president. The first meeting of the Federation officers called after the convention took place on November 29. First item on the agenda was to deal with Charlie's resignation which had been requested one day earlier following the announcement of his appointment as a mediation officer. It's not surprising then that he is now referred to as the "fastest vice-president in the west." * * * B.C. Government Employees dealing withjhe matter of a replacement for retiring Secretary Ed O'Connor were quizzing applicant Max Pierotti. They wanted to know whether he had any references from labour leaders as to his qualifications, etc. First one was from Ed Law- son of the Teamsters and, no doubt, influenced no one. The second one, however, compounded the problem. It was a glowing letter of recommendation from Syd Thompson of IWA 1-217. • * * Delegate to the recent B.C. Federation convention, John Longmuir of the UPWA, summed it up very well in discussing the problem of pollution. "I wouldn't say pollution in Burnaby Lake is bad in the summer, but my kids come home looking like green monsters from outer space." The Workmen's Compensation Board,' a longtime arget for verbal abuse, particularly from labour, is attempting to improve its image. New head man Cyril White, in addition to taking a broom to dusty and antiquated administrative procedures, has also initiated a new symbol on all WCB letterhead, stationery, and other material coming •__-»___ _-.«, _.«■■--\ frk__* w_nw»to«A *«_ -*»*■» type art is the world being held in two hands. Although labour's attacks on the Board have subsided somewhat," attacks from companies could increase . . . the symbol is already on all Canadian Labour Congress letterhead and stationery. * • * The Mediation Commission is having difficulties selling itself to labour and management, what with resignations and other fumbles. Now it looks like the public is shaking its head at the comedy of errors. Grade 12 students at John Oliver High School in Vancouver who are studying the legislation were asked what they thought the chances were that the Mediation Commission would survive. In two of the classes opinion was evenly divided, in the third better than 75 per cent believed that the Commission would bomb out. COMING DOWN WITH A BIG THIRST? ..give yourself a LUCKY break F- Thi. advertisement is not published or displayed by the Liquor Control Board or by the Government of British Columbia. _hBH_____E_H___ ■_______■ Page 4 THE LABOUR STATESMAN January, 1969 THE LABOUR STATESMAN Published monthly by the B.C. FEDERATION OF LABOUR, and distributed throughout British Columbia to members of mope than 200 affiliated unions by computerized Mailing List. Editorial Board: E. T. Staley J. Moore G. Johnston CsGuy D. Crabbe D. Dunphy R. C. Haynes Editor: Clive Ivtle Enauiries and circulation: Write to The labour Statesman, 517 Eait Broadway, V- Vancouver 10, B.C. (879-3568*) Advertising.- Elizabeth Spencer Associates Authorized as second class mail, Post Office Dept., Ottawa, and for payment of poatage in cash. THIS PRINTING: 651,000 COPIES, attested by Publisher's sworn statement lodged with "CANADIAN ADVERTISING" T..--S mmS EDITORIAL JOHN HESTON What's this? Attorney-General Leslie Peterson is asking for a human rights act for the province? That's nice, that's really nice. But why doesn't he go ahead and enact legislation? What's to stop him? We must admit we get tired of hearing such colossal statements of hypocrisy emanating from Mr. Peterson. He is the one and only man in British Columbia who has both influence and power to draft human rights legislation, establish a permanent, human rights commission, and to appoint a provincial ombudsman. It is dishonest of him to go to the public and to throw the responsibility for human rights into its face. If Mr. Peterson is sb' concerned about < human rights as his recent proclamation would have us believe, and if the lack of such legislation has been bothering him so much, why hasn't he gone ahead and drafted the damn thing? • • • The B.C. Federation of Labour has repeatedly over the years asked the provincial government to improve human rights legislation. Some of the Federation's proposals: publicize the terms of the Public Accommodation Practices Act and the Fair Employment Practices Act: extend the accommodation act to include apartment houses and multiple dwelling units; establish a citizens advisory committee on both acts so the laws can be more effectively implemented. The government has consistently chosen to ignore these requests from the Federation. More specifically, the government defeated a private bill on rights submitted by NDP-MLA Tom Berger. But Mr. Peterson, along with other Socred government members, -Van". ttiinV. a. -tint time that'a bill on human Tights was needed. Instead, he spouts such inanities as entreating people "whether in the school or university, home, factory, farm or office" to do their best to eliminate discrimination. Mr. Peterson should know — and if he doesn't he has no business being a legislator and a minister of the crown — that asking people to be nice to each other hasn't worked and won't work. If there is discrimination, and, by god. we have our full share right here, then he should enact a law that forbids certain cretins to spit on their fellow human beings for reasons of religion, race or ethnic origin. tv It is not that Mr. Peterson would have to -Train his own grey cells to come up with a novel concept in legislative thinking. He has the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights to guide him. He can fashion such an act after many similar acts passed elsewhere. * • • What does he mean when he pontificates in urging "everyone to make an extra effort to reduce tension caused by discrimination and to promote better understanding among all people?" Will the people whom he addresses stop discriminating just because Leslie said so? Not bloody likely. Discrimination is an ugly trait of human nature. It's very much like war. You don't stop a nation from warring by telling its people that war is bad. You stop war by outlawing it, and by enforcing the law. So far it has not happened, but at least the UN is trying. Child labour wasn't ended when people said it wasn't nice to exploit children. It stopped only when tough and pertinent laws banning child labour were passed and enforced rigorously. * • • The same holds true for discrimination, in the negative sense, or for human rights, in the positive sense. When discriminators know they'll be sentenced to jail for certain discriminatory acts, the most overt acts are inhibited. Legislation does not necessarily change people's attitudes. There will remain a nucleus of discrimination whatever legislation is passed. But it is time to start protecting the innocent victims of discrimination via laws. No government has an excuse for not passing human rights legislation. Basic rights — and what is more basic than human rights — must be guaranteed to the citizens, and infractions or violations must be outlawed. From there on, the road to better understanding leads upwards. * • • Mr. Peterson has shown us that he doesn't care a fig for people or their rights. If he did care, he would have acted. Nothing is easier than to proclaim piously that he, Peterson, is in favour of human rights. Lets make this clear: Human rights legislation, a human rights commission and an ombudsman will not create in themselves the kind of human climate where discrimination is nonexistent. They are purely protective measures to ensure that human rights may not be violated without penalty. This Mr. Peterson is unable to recognize. Shame. _,<««-isS_?, Mauldin in Chicago Sun-Timei "My, the working man has com* a long way in thirty years" Mauldin In tha Chicago Sun-Times A Few Noted "law and Order" Enthusiasts R. HAOEMAN Wall Street Journal Sanders in The Milwaukee Journal "These profiteering charges i ridiculous! Why, we just lowered our prices by eighty per cent" Middle East Fable For a Nuclear 1969 FRANCES TELFORD Another country is reported to be manufacturing an atomic bomb, and is already enjoying the world's reaction to the news. The Communication Media: It was inevitable. After all, it's a modern country — highly scientific. Ordinary People: When's it ever going to stop? The Arabs: Allah be with us! Now that this Western-minded State in our midst is Joining the atomic club, we can know no peace. * • * Two old men on opposite sides of a stony boundary somewhere in-the Middle East. Arab: My old friend, why must your State insist on having an atom bomb? Jew: We must protect ourselves. Arab: But how can a bomb protect you? It would fly back in your faces — the fumes or what not. These things don't stop at boundaries — disputed boundaries or otherwise. Jew: The bomb, is intended as a deterrent. To stop your governments and the people behind your governments when they have mischief up their sleeves. Look what the bomb has done for Uncle Sam! Arab: Yes, but Uncle Sam has hundreds of them. He takes them with him wherever he goes. He has hundreds, perhaps thousands, not counting those that accidentally fall into the sea. Jew: Well, when we've perfected the latest process, we too can mass produce. Arab: You frighten me. Yet, you know, I don't really anticipate atomic war. But I do anticipate atomic accidents. So — please don't make too many. After all, it would be pleasant to leave our good earth uncontaminated, and a few of us ordinary people — to keep the species going. Jew: Don't worry, old friend. You know that our State's main concern is the welfare of human- lty* , Arab: That's what Uncle Sam used to say. But he discovered that even he didn't have enough money for humanity and military etceteras. It's a case of either/or. Next Day at Sunrise Arab: All night I've been thinking of your bomb — or bombs. I dislike the idea of there being any more. So I have an idea. If you must have them, why don't you just buy a couple? Or borrow them — at current rates of interest. And on condition that they be delivered non-stop. Then there'd be no chance of their falling into the Sea of Aqaba, or the Suez Canal. You could pawn something — the Dead Sea. for example — after .you've scooped out all. the potash. The Americans could convert the area ihto a tourist resort, or they could irrigate it as they irrigated California. Jew: We're in the hole already, so far as the Americans are concerned. Arab: Well, you're going to be much deeper in the hole if you insist on manufacturing your bomb. And just think how your women will scream when prices go up, and there's another sales tax! Jew: Don't let's face that music before we have to. Anyway, we've, got to make sacrifices for security. At Sunset Arab: All day I've been thinking about your confounded bomb! And now, my friend, I have the solution. When I visited the U.S.A. I saw a film which pleased me. It contained an idea which you could use. Since you won't buy or borrow a bomb, here's an alternative. You must pretend you have a bomb. Think of all the money you'd save, and all the danger and internal ructions you'd avoid. Jew: People couldn't keep secrets like that. Top, top secrets are always told — or sold. Arab: Ah, but this would be different. Don't you see, my friend, no one would believe you were only pretending. Such an idea would be altogether too ... too sensible, too simple, too unprofitable. Jew: My dear oid friend, you are too unworldly! Arab: But if we go on at this rate, there'll soon be no world to be worldly or unworldly about. Jew: We have no alternative but to play them at their own game. Arab: All right! So long as you only play. Pretend to have the bomb or any other gadget you fancy. But invest your money in talks, diplomacy, bribery and corruption — anything but a bomb. My friend, I speak from my heart. Jew: But the world is ruled by the heads of men — hard heads. Arab: That is true. And it saddens me to thinks that perhaps I would be like them if my feet were set in their shoes. (He rises slowly.) Same Place — A Week Later Jew: I told my wife of your — proposal. You remember? That we should pretend to have the bomb. Arab: And what did she say? Jew: A great deal. But also this — which you will like. She said, that for a man, you have remarkable common sense. Arab: Ah! Jew: She said that your idea appealed to her female instincts. ."„ X' Arab: Then perhaps there is something to be said for female instincts. Jew: Of course she .passed on the idea. As a result, it is more than like!..that the men in high places are already hard at work — fabricating the phantom, the bomb that never was — the cheapest, safest, most potent bomb that man could produce. i Arab: If this be so, then praise be to Allah, and to all concerned, and to all the human instincts involved. It seems to me that we should proceed to invent other ways of peaceful proliferation . . - Meantime, I shall go to our market-place at dusk and confide in whispers the nevys of your State's greatest wisdom. Farewell, old friend. ^\ ™ January, 1969 THE LABOUR STATESMAN Page 5 Bill 33 Condemned Force No Answer TOM BERGER NDP • MLA The Mediation Commission Act (Bill 33) is now the law of the province. That means we now have in B.C. compulsory arbitration by order-in-council. The act provides that the cabinet may, where "it is necessary in order to protect the public interest and welfare," refer any industrial dispute to the commission and the cabinet may make an order that the decision of the commission shall be final and binding on all parties. It is this section that destroys the usefulness of all that, has gone before. It is compulsory arbitration by order-in-council. When the cabinet makes such an order, the employees con-. cerned are forbidden to go on strike and, if already on strike, must return to work in 24 hours. An employee who violates an order made by the cabinet is liable to a fine of $1,000 — a trade union to a fine of $10,000. DRACONIAN PROVISIONS Where do these draconian provisions leave the right to strike? " If the cabinet does not make ah order for compulsory arbitration, employees may proceed to a strike vote and legal strike action. But the right to strike becomes illusory under the act, since the cabinet may intervene at any time, before or after a a strike has begun, and impose compulsory arbitration by order- in-council. But, the minister of labour says the act is based on the Nemetz report After all, the government sent Mr. Justice Nemetz to Sweden, and the act is based on his report. NO RESEMBLANCE In fact, there is no resemblance at all between the Nemetz Report and this act. And there is no resemblance between the Swedish system of labour- management relations and the system .which the government, by this act, has imposed on our province. Justice Nemetz recommended the establishment of an independent Mediation Commission. And this act does that; in fact, the act is called the "Mediation Commission Act." But the Mediation Commission under this act will not be independent; it will be a commission subject to political control Why do I say this? Simply because the Mediation Commission is not an independent tribunal. Any decision made by the commission may be sent back to the commission by the minister, and "The minister may direct tbe commission to reconsider and clarify or amplify the decision." The government obviously intends the commission shall be subject to direction by the Cabinet. THIS IS A COMMISSION SUBJECT TO POLITICAL CONTROL. REFER DISPUTES Under this act, the minister of labour may refer any dispute over wages and working conditions anywhere in the province to the Mediation Commission, and if he doesn't like the commission's decision, he can direct the commission to reconsider that decision. What is the point of the Mediation Commission in these circumstances? Why should there be a Mediation Commission? Why should it have a research staff? Why should it hold hearings? Why should it listen to the submissions of labour and management? Why, if the decision is going to be dictated by the cabinet in the last analysis? The idea of an independent Mediation Commission, free of political control, has b#en sabotaged by this act. What about compulsory arbitration? Didn't the Nemetz Report recommend compulsory arbitration? The answer, once again, is "NO." There is not a line in the Nemetz report about compulsory arbitration. In fact, Justice Nemetz pointed out that in Sweden there is no provision for compulsory arbitration of any labour dispute, whether the dispute involves the employees of a private company, or a government department. There is in fact in Sweden, specific provision under the law allowing even civil servants to go on strike. Justice Nemetz recommended a mediation commission, but, under this act, we have got, instead, an arbitration commission. TAKES RIGHTS All of us want to see improved labour-management relations in our province. All of us believe that there is a place for appropriate legislation. But each of us must know that legislation that takes away the right of the TOM BERGER working people of the province to withdraw their labour —.legislation which takes away their right to strike — will cause grave deterioration In the industrial life of the province. Had the government adopted the recommendations of Justice Nemetz, the foundations would have been laid for industrial peace. The Nemetz report makes it plain that the essence of the Swedish system is free collective bargaining. But this government has turned away from the path of co-operation, and has chosen the path of compulsion. NOT ABOLISH But, the minister of labour says, the act does not abolish the right to strike. It merely says that where the cabinet feels it necessary "to protect the public interest and welfare," it may require compulsory arbitration of any dispute. But think what this means! The cabinet is to be the judge as to when a dispute affects "the public interest and welfare." That means the cabinet can require compulsory arbitration of any dispute in any industry in any part of the province. This means that for any employee in any plant, in any industry, anywhere in the province, his right to strike is subject to the whim of the cabinet If they decide he shall have the right to strike, then he shall have it, — but EVEN IF HE OOES ON STRIKE, the cabinet CAN ORDER HIM BACK TO WORK; and if he doesn't go back, he will have to pay a fine of $1,000. And the cabinet may decide, even before a strike vote is taken, that he shall NOT go on strike. If they do, and if he does, he is liable to pay a fine of $1,000. What this boils down to is this: There is no longer any right to strike in British Columbia. The withdrawal of your labour — going on strike — these are privileges, which the cabinet may or may not grant you, as it pleases. Can anyone imagine a more severe restriction on the fundamental rights of any group of people in our provinces? - - . Under this act, the right to strike is subject to political control. The whole question of wages and working conditions is subject to political control. The cabinet can write your collective agreement for you. I say the cabinet, and not the Mediation Commission, because effective power under this act resides with the cabinet, not the Mediation Commission. VAST POWER The act gives to the cabinet vast power to require compulsory arbitration of industrial disputes. It means that the cabinet will be the final arbiter of wages and working conditions throughout the province in both the public sector and the private sector. It is true that the minister of labour has said the cabinet's power to require compulsory arbitration will be used sparingly, but if the government had intended that its power should be limited, that would have been spelled out in the legislation. As the act stands, it gives the cabinet a blank cheque. They will be making up the law as they go along. They will decide the scope of the legislation. But that is the function ot the legislature, not the cabinet. LONG STRUGGLE The history of parliamentary institutions is the history of the long struggle to secure for tbe people the right to decide their own affairs, the long struggle to ensure that the elected representatives of the people retain legislative power in their hands. The Mediation Commission Act sets that tradition at naught. It gives full power to the cabinet. By this act, the government would have the legislature abdicate its constitutional function. We in the opposition opposed such abdication, because we believe it is for the legislation, and not the cabinet to make the laws. The government under this act intends to force a showdown in any dispute where it feels that strike action is intolerable. What is the government going, to do? The cabinet will say that the decision of the Mediation Commission is to be final and binding. It will say that there cannot be a strike. It will say that anyone who goes on strike is liable to a fine of $1,000. MAY BE HEROIC This may be heroic, but it is not going to improve labour- management relations; it is going to put an end to collective bargaining as we know it, and it will result in a multitude of strikes that will undoubtedly be stigmatized as wildcat strikes or illegal strikes. But whatever you call them, they'll still be strikes, and there will likely be more of them than there used to be. We have a pioneering tradition in this province. That tradition has bred a spirit of independence in our people that will not lightly accept the idea of compulsion. I do not believe . that the people of the .province will submit to legislation that tears at the fabric of freedom itself. If this law is not obeyed, what will the government do? Will it put the men — and women — on strike, in jail? Because, if (Turn lo Page 6) '• Opportunity Lost A great opportunity to sweep the conservative N.P.A. out of office was lost in Vancouver's December 11 civic election. Division of the anti-N PA. vote between TEAM and COPE kept the old N.P.A. Aldermen in office. In most cases a did tion of the votes obtained by COPE candidates U> those obtained by TEAM candidates would have reversed the results and brought an entirely new City Council into office. There were, of course, a few individual breakthroughs; however, the conservative forces which have governed Vancouver for-many years will continue to enjoy an overwehlming majority. Clearly, progressive forces in the city must learn from this experience. If the N.P.A. is to be beaten and policies introduced to meet the needs of the people of Canada's third largest city, development of one solid slate of progressive candidates must be. achieved. It is obvious that, in line with resolutions passed at the last B.C. Federation of Labour convention, the Federation must meet as soon as possible with NDP officials to discuss the possibility of fielding candidates in the next civic election. IAYTONS CHAMPION INDUSTRIAL FOOTWEAR IS SPECIFIED ON ALL MAN-SUED JOBS <_. THROUGHOUT BRITISH COLUMBIA WATCH FOR THE NAME CREATED BY & FOR UNION MEN NJ-- BOOTS FOR LOGGERS MILL WORKERS ENGINEERS LINEMEN HUNTERS, ETC. DAYTON TOPS THEM ALL! DAYTON SHOE MANUFACTURING CO. (B.C.) LTD. 2249-50 East Hastings St. Vancouver 6, B.C. U Page 6 THE LABOUR STATESMAN January, 1969 X Berger on Bill 33 CUPE 'Solid' (From Page 5) they can't pay a $1,000 fine, they'll have to go to jail. REALLY BELIEVE? Does this government really believe that force is the answer to any strike? Does it believe that the state has the right to use force against its citizens when they go on strike? The answer must be "yes," because that is where this act leads. Strikes are the price of industrial freedom. Unless you are willing to chain the worker to his bench, or to his desk, you have to acknowledge his right to go on -strike. SURVIVAL QUESTION That is what is involved in this act. It is a question of the survival in this province of free collective bargaining. Whether unions are going to be able to bargain effectively on behalf of their members will depend on whether employers are obliged to take them seriously . Will they be obliged to do so if they know that their employees, and the union that represents them, cannot go on strike? Will they bargain in good faith with their employees if they know that they really do not have any right to withdraw their labour? The answer must be "NO." That is why I say that this act sabotages the principle of free collective bargaining. PATHETIC FAITH This act reflects a pathetic faith in what can be achieved by the mere passage of a law. You want to put an end to strikes? We'll pass a law. How about unemployment? Why not pass a law saying that unemployment is against the law? Alter aU, we had 60.000 men and women unemployed in B.C. last winter; what better way of getting them back to work than making unemployment an offence? The social and economic loss that 60,000 unemployed represent in B.C. is many times more serious than the strikes that go on. What about sickness? The loss of production in B.C. owing to sickness is far greater than the loss of production owing to strikes. Why not bring in a bill to outlaw sickness? EASY WAY OUT The government is taking the easy way out. It has passed an act that it thinks will be popular, an act that may well receive some public support, because the public doesn't tike strikes. None of us like strikes. Nobody WANTS a strike. And the government wants to capitalize on that fact. BHt has the government asked Czechs End Workers' Councils - taelf — why do strikes occur? Has the government asked if it is because of the fact we have a rate of unemployment in B.C. that is twice the Canadian average? Does this create uncertainty and unrest? Do strikes occur because our economy is still a natural resource economy, subject to seasonal and cyclical recessions? Is it because the men who work in the mines and the forests are often living in isolation? Is it because we are still a pioneering province and our people have a kind of independence that won't brook any compulsion, whether it is compul sion by employers or by government? This is a bad act. This act is not going to bring industrial peace — It is far more likely to generate industrial conflict. It is an act that denies the rights of the working people of the province — it is an act that flouts the principles of our constitution, and it is an act that exemplifies the fact that this government has neither the will nor the imagination to grapple with the real challenge that faces us in developing a system of free collective bargaining in a free society. Following is a time table showing the events that led to the ill-fated Mediation Commission. No further comments are needed: . ' Feb. 21, 1968, a.m.—B.C. Federation of Labour meets with Minister of Labour Peterson to present views on proposed labour legislation. Feb 21, p.m.—Bill 33 introduced in House. March 16—Federation withdraws its members from government's labour-management committee. April 4—Bill 33 passed by legislature. April 29—Portions, mainly dealing with establishing the Mediation Commission, are proclaimed. May 30—Appointments of Commission members announced by Minister of Labour Peterson: Justice John Parker, Yukon Territorial Court; David Blair, President of Pulp & Paper Industrial Relations Bureau; Penrod Baskin, area supervisor of the United Steelworkers of America. June 15—Mediation Commission officers take office. June 16—Justice Parker makes emphatic point that facts will be needed on which to base decisions and urges substantial research facilities for the commission. - July 12—John Drew, technical director of Canada Manpower & Immigration Dept., accepts position of Executive Secretary of Commission. July 23—Section 19 proclaimed by Order-In-Council, to deal with psychiatric nurses' dispute. Sept 11—First hearings on psychiatric nurses' dispute. Sept 11—Justice Parker rules out evidence collected by 1967 Fact Finding Panel established to investigate dispute originally. Sept 13—Justice Parker reverses his earlier decision and permits portions of Fact Finding Panel evidence to be admitted. Sept 21—Justice Parker makes statement that he is devoting only part time to mediation commission post. Sept £2—Minister of Labour Peterson says Justice Parker will have to quit one of two jobs, either Mediation Commission or judgeship. ( Sept 23—John Drew resigns to take job in Ottawa. Oct 2—Minister of Justice John Turner announces that Federal government informed Justice Parker in July that he could not get leave of absence from his judgeship to take Mediation post. Oct 2—Minister of Labour Peterson announces full law to become effective Dec. 2,1968. , Oct 2—Justice Parker announces search for mediators. Oct 8—Pen Baskin sends letter to all unions asking for copies of certifications and all agreements. Oct 16—Federation asks all locals to withhold information until Convention meets to consider action. < Oct 21—Pen Baskin sends second letter rescinding request for information. Oct 31—Justice Parker resigns judgeship in Yukon. Nov. 4—Federation convention votes for non-cooperation with Mediation Commission. Nov. IS—-Psychiatric nurses decision handed down by Commission. Nov. 16—Psychiatric nurses "bitterly disappointed" with the first effort of the Mediation Commission. Nov. 22—Ed Sims of the Brewery Workers appointed as Mediator. Clark Gilmour also appointed. Nov. 27—Charles Stewart of Amalgamated Transit Union appointed Mediator. Nov. 28—Psychiatric nurses vote overwhelmingly to reject Commission's recommendations. At same time, they present to provincial government their 1989 demands. ■ Nov. 29—Clie B. McKee, CBC director of Industrial Relations appointed Mediator. Dec. 2—Entire Bill 33 becomes effective. Dec. 2—David Blair resigns from Commission. **. The Czechoslovakian government has suspended the workers' councils which had been set up during the liberalization period in that country prior to the recent invasion by the Soviet Union. The disbanding of these semi-autonomous workers' councils was one of the conditions imposed by the Soviet Union during the recent negotiations between the two countries, in which it was concluded that it was "not useful to widen this experiment" regarding these councils. The short lived existence pf the Councils is another example of the fear expressed by the Soviet Union with regard to any program which tends to give workers rights or certain freedoms. 4 I CATERERS featuring 4 CATERING SALONS 25 TO 500 GUESTS Complete Facilities for . . . ir BUSINESS MEETINGS * DINNER DANCES PARKING FOR 150 CARS CALL 434-9171 for Complimentary >Red File Folder outlining J ic FACILITIES * MENUS * U^ION ORCHESTRA • BAR ARRANGEMENTS Sperling & Kingsway ^=-c__7. ' Burnaby 1, B.C. (Prom Page 1) Q: Did they accept your leadership? A: Yes, they did. Q: Why were you against Wilson? Doesn't that conflict with labour's position that it likes to deal with people experienced in labour relations? A: You misunderstand our objection. We were not opposed to Wilson per se. We were opposed to deal with someone who was not available all the time, who has his offlce in Vancouver, refused to meet on weekends, and only from 10 to 5 during the work days. Q: Why did CUPE pick Vernon for the first strike? A: Vernon came first because our members there were solid. We knew we would have an effective strike. Q: Is CUPE not a rather loose affiliation of local unions rather than a homogenous labour body? A: I can't buy that CUPE is a young union, only five years old after the merger. We haven't had enough experience as a completely national union such as other, larger unions have had. Before CUPE was formed all locals in the public employees field were nice little associations. Some were militant, other locals weren't sure about that. We are paying the price by leaning from our left foot to our right foot. Some want to retain their autonomy, but this won't work with regional bargaining. ( Now there is much more cohesion. Only time will tell. Q: Why did CUPE change back to individual bargaining? A: When we negotiated for one collective agreement we based it on the existing Vernon agreement which also resembled seven other existing agreements. But management said no. The key issue was not money, it was whether or not there would be an area agreement and what format it would take. The third factor was the collective agreement proposed by the conciliation board. Then the discussion was: what would be an area agreement- We said we were prepared to go back to local agreements. Q: What is going to happen next year? A: A joint committee, two from labour and two from management, will be established, charged with the responsibility to "explore ways and means to achieve a future area agreement." The recommendations of that committee may provide the nucleus of an area agreement Q: Why did the union send out open letters, and were they so-called hate letters? A: They were justified. We tried to pressure Halina and the (Vernon) council to get back to the bargaining table on a local basis, or to negotiate on an OMMA basis. First we gave a history of the strike. We asked, "Let's negotiate now," and we asked, "Is Mr. Wilson the Voice of Vernon?" Mind you, some of the letters were more pointed than that they took exception with what Halina had said. We made no bones about it. We asked, "Who's the mayor — Halina or Wilson?" But they were definitely not hate letters. Q: Are you satisfied with your CUPE representatives on the bargaining committee? A: Well, I wasn't.there in the early days of negotiations. I went in on October 23. I got the fullest co-operation from our people there. Q: When Halina said that he could have reached a local agreement does that mean your local is not tough enough? A: Halina is wrong on that point. If he's saying that he and his council could have reached an agreement over the OMMA's head, that was possible. If he means that we weren't prepared to negotiate locally, it's not true. We said we were prepared. Q: Wasn't there a buddy- buddy situation in Vernon between union and council? A: There is a natural tendency in such a small community to be more community-minded. A mayor of a small town has a close affinity to the working people. Halina is a well-known acquaintance of many municipal employees who don't say.v'How do you do, Mr. Mayor," they say, "Hi, Bill." You can't say that about (Mayor) Tom Campbell. All our people were concerned with what was going to be left after the strike was over. Those who are enlightened about labour relations will forget what happened. But I suspect people like Halina, and Halina himself, would like to harbour a grudge. There's one relevant section of the agreement that reads: "No action shall be taken against the union, it officers, members, or any employee of the cities of Vernon, Kelowna and Kamloops for participation in the strikes against the said cities, nor shall any disciplinary action be taken against any employee for conduct prior to the said strikes." This clause Mr. Halina objected to very much. Only later did he give in and sign, Q: What about regional bargaining in the future, and what about parity with the coast1? A: We should have learned from the experience of the IWA that regional bargaining is a difficult thing to achieve. We had more to overcome than the IWA. They at least had a nucleus of an area agreement. We will ask for parity with the coast. I get the impression that in the future, perhaps within two years, it might be possible to achieve parity. We didn't even have parity within the region. For example, the basic labour rate varied from $1.77 to $2.41. Q: Did CUPE make any mistakes during the strike? A: We made some significant errors In judgment because of our anxiety to achieve an area agreement. There were no ground rules laid, no rules for levelling out wages. It is hoped that the joint committee may find some common ground on which to base a future area agreement . DON'T BUY FORDS from DOMINION VANCOUVER MOTORS Car Salesmen ON STRIKE "Let's close ranks! Get the Union message across to your friends in unorganized operations!" HOTEL AND RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES UNION Local 835, 7726 Edmonds St., New Westminster, B.C. Telephone 522-6894 . ■ _ — -T-—- sx January, 1969 THE LABOUR STATESMAN ■4- Page 7 for Millions it Is a Bleak Existance Spirit Eroded by Poverty Excerpts from a lecture by Reuben C. Baptz, executive director, Canadian Welfare Council, to staff development course, Public Service Commission of Canada at Smith Falls, Ontario. As we establish and then strive to reach our socio-economic objectives, we must develop an Integrated and balanced approach. The various systems, such as health;* education, housing, taxation, and social security, must be so designed as to supplement and complement one another. When any one system becomes overloaded, or is expected to carry a burden for which it was not Uerigned, a "fuse blows." In recent months Canada's so- clal welfare system has been severely criticized from many quarters for its apparent failure to deal more effectively with poverty, indeed it has been accused of perpetuating poverty through its palliative handouts, and failing to get at the root causes—all of this in spite of increasing expenditures. PENANCE SHIRT I wpuld be the first person to bring out the hair shirt of penance and admit to many shortcomings In the social welfare system. But I say as emphatically as possible to the some 15 million affluent Canadians sitting down to their dinner tables that the welfare system alone is not responsible for the fact that the other five million Canadians live in poverty. ? It may temporarily salve the conscience of our affluent majority to make the welfare system the scapegoat for this continuing economic and social disgrace — and I use the term "scapegoat" in Its original and traditional sense, when the sins of a people were, in a ceremony symbolically placed upon the head of a goat which was then driven into the wilderness carrying the collective guilt with it SHARE BLAME But blame for continuing poverty in Canada must be shared by many systems and individuals. Educators, for example, must assume some responsibility for having failed to educate the children whose parents, and often grandparents, have existed on public welfare; a recent Canadian Welfare Council study provides clear evidence of that failure. Over 60 per cent of Canada's close to IM. million aged persons must rely today for their subsistence on regular financial grants from the federal treasury. This represents the highest category of our so-called " velfare bill" Why? Because we are reaping today the grim h__rvest of at ^ least four and five decades of resistance on the part of employers to provide adequate pension schemes for their employees, and a general stubborn resistance throughout that time to any proposal (for a public pension scheme on the basis that it represented "creeping socialism." Why do hundreds of thousands of Canadians live below the poverty line, even though they are regarded as being gainfully employed? Why must many of them rely on public welfare supplementary assistance to keep themselves and their families from starving? Because minimum wage legislation is woefully inadequate; because sick and uneconomic industries which can only pay Inadequate wages are allowed to continue to operate, often through protective tariffs; because our adult retraining and relocation programs have come too late with too little. Why do entire region continue to suffer from the malaise of poverty? Largely because regional development programs have so far been merely" "words, words, words." POWERFUL LOBBY Why have not at least some of the Carter tax proposals been implemented, which could reduce some of the Inequities in •Income distribution? Largely because of powerful lobbyists understandably concerned with protecting their Interests, and a ,,.. widespread feeling among the/' general public that it has been "squeezed hard enough.". Why do so many Canadians living in drabness and dreariness lack even the will and the desire to "get off relief" and move Into the main stream of society and Independence? Certainly it Is not because they are "getting fat" on welfare cheques. The Economic Council of Canada has suggested that anyone spending more than 70% of his income on food, clothing and shelter combined Is poverty stricken. A report which the Canadian Conference on Housing, a project of the Canadian Welfare Council, has just concluded In Halifax shows that public assistance families studied must spend also 50 per cent of their incomes on shelter alone, and this on substandard housing. NO BATHS Of the families studied 43 per cent did not have a bath or shower in their homes compared with a national figure of 24 per cent. The homes of the public assistance families generally were smaller in size than the national average even though the family size was larger by comparison. Rotten housing has eroded the body and spirit of millions of Canadians and has deprived them of the will to work or better themselves. Since 1948 only 2.8 per cent of all housing starts In Canada have assisted the low-income groups — the balance of the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on housing have gone to middle and upper income families. Debilitating Illness, which' was allowed to go unattended due to lack of adequate medical services or the money to pay for them, has sapped the strength of our poor so that they lack the physical and emotional energy to lead Independent live;, It Is these and other factors In our socio-economic makeup which have resulted In the present glut of human beings in knocking at the doors of the welfare system. Little* wonder that welfare costs are skyrocketing; little wonder that the wel fare system has been forced to concentrate on emergencies, and does little about prevention and rehabilitation. We, as a people with the second highest standard of living in the world, and with another 8 per cent increase in our gross national product estimated for this year can ceremoniously place our collective guilt on the sdcial welfare scapegoat and chase It into the wilderness. But poverty is going to remain unless concerted and constructive measures are taken now. -f- NDP Program Questioned It is still unclear as to whether or not there will be leadership race when the New Democratic Party holds Its national convention next year in Winnipeg. On a number of occasions articles appearing in Canadian Dimension have expressed a growing disillusionment with the NDP: both its own program and its critique of government policy are narrow and piecemeal; there is no overall framework, no general Integrated analysis of how,. Canadian, society functions and how It relates to the rest of the world. NO VISION -There is no vision of a new society; the program is a wish-, washy welfare-state liberalism. The organizational structure is altogether formalistic; it is strictly geared to fighting elections and is riot Involved in the ordinary affairs of most Canadians. These and other criticisms of the NDP are well known to readers of Canadian Dimension. Certainly a re-assessment of the New Democratic Party —Its Immediate and ultimate goals, its general strategy and its function as a vehicle for social change- Is long overdue. SEE COMMITTEE But we doubt that a leadership race is the most useful way of conducting that re-assess ment. We would like to see a committee established within the NDP, headed "by someone like Charles Taylor, charged with this responsibility. Such a committee could meet with individuals and groups who would be prepared to examine and discuss these matters. The party Is obviously at a transitional point in its history. It would be foolish to plunge headlong Into a fixed position now. In our view, the NDP would be much wiser providing facilities for a thorough and reasoned dialogue concerning fundamental principles and strategies. _ —Canadian Dimension ' ' *tv NOTICE OF EMPLOYMENT The executive of the ALBERTA NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY wishes to announce that applications will be accepted for the following positions: PROVINCIAL. SECRETARY DuUes may Include any or all of the following: 1. Publicity 5. Executive Assistant to the Leader 2. Literature 6. Organizational Assistance 3. Research Co-ordlnator 7. Administration 4. Editor of the Alberta Democrat DIRECTOR OF ORGANIZATION Duties may include any or all of the following: 1. Planning and direcUng membership drives. 2. Aiding designated ridings in setUng up string constituency / organizations. 3. Finance Drives. 4. Directing of temporary and/or additional organization staff. 5. Recruiting candidates. > SALARIES: Salaries for both poslUons are open to negotiation. DEADLINE: Applications must be sent to the President, MR. GORDON WRIGHT, 200 ROYAL TRUST BLDG., EDMONTON. ALBERTA, and must be in his hands no later than JANUARY 25TH, 1969. REFERENCES of at least three people should be provided. GORDON WRIGHT, President CHILDREN'S FOOTHEALTH IS NO ACCIDENT. . . A CHILD'S WHOLE DEVELOPMENT CAN BE STUNTED by lll-flttlng shoes. And yet the answer Is as Important as It is easy: Let Pierre Paris take over the responsibility. Our professionally-trained shoe-fitters know all there is to be known about children's narmal (and problem) leet and have a wide assortment of shoes to choose from. That Is why fitting children's shoes has been one ol our most rewarding specialties lor over 60 years. Sixty loot-happy years. That It why whole tamllles are getting the habit ol wearing only fitted ahoas from ... . PIERRE PARIS & SONS British Columbia's UNIQUE Family Shoe Store Next to Woodward's at 51 W. Hastings St. in the Heart of Downtown Vancouver Pag© 8 THE LABOUR STATESMAN January, 1969 Strange Voices The following article was taken {from tbe May 1959 iisue of the Western Pulp and Paper Worker, the house organ of the International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers. It was unsigned but, ironically, the editor was Orville Braaten, and the style is similar to bis. Braaten is at present bead of tbe Pulp and Paper Workers of Canada, a breakaway union not affiliated with the Canadian Labour Congress. "ARE CANADIAN MEMBERS PILLING AMERICAN UNION COFFERS?" Most observers agree that, on balance, more money probably flows from the USA Into Canada on the union account than moves in the other direction. In many ..unions the ratio of paid o/ficials to members is much higher In the Canadian branch of the union than it is in the U.S. These officials are generally paid the same salaries In Canada as the other union officials in the U.S. but they have proportionately a smaller membership from which to draw the money for their pay. • * * At the same time the Canadian members enjoy most of the services provided by the international union, many of which would not be financially attainable in a purely Canadian union. Many of the big strikes that occurred in Canada would have been financially disastrous for the Canadian sec-lott of the union except for the considerable assistance received from the international treasury. • *. * "WHY DO WE HAVE INTERNATIONAL UNIONS IN CANADA?" Since international unions do not appear to make a profit Iro-a their Canadian operation and since they do not appear to be animated by a foreign ideology, why are they interested in Canada at all? The fact is that the demand for international connections came from Canadian workers and not from American union leadership. This would seem to indicate that Canadians were convinced that the weight of advantage was on their side. • * * CONCLUSIONS It seems indisputable that Canadian unions have been more powerful than they would otherwise have been because of their American connections. This has made it possible for them to improve the lot of the Canadian workers above what it wouldn't otherwise have been. Furthermore, as long as the collective bargaining decisions of many of the companies In which Canadians work are made by officials of parent companies in the U.S., it will be difficult to convince these workers that international organization is not essential. * • * There appears to be no doubt that connections with the American labour movement has enhanced bargaining power and has been Instrumental In gaining greater benefits from Industry than would otherwise have been possible, but this connection has at the same time inhibited the ingenuity and Imagination of Canadian labour leaders by making it easy for them to follow American patterns of behaviour rather than developing a Canadian pattern. The benefits occurring from belonging to international unions should no doubt be maintained but Canadian union mjkn- bers should be aware of the facts and put on a drive to make sure that all Canadian unions: • Take special measures to ensure representation in the top councils of the International union, if they have not got it now. • Make sure that Canadian districts are formed and have representatives on international boards or a vice-president,' and that these district councils decide policy affecting Canadian members. ■ • Make sure that Canadian policy conferences are held to discuss current situations from a Canadian point of view. • Make sure that special "efforts are made to have research and specialty work done on Canadian problems, even if it has to be done through Canadian labour bodies by special assessment. • Take steps necessary to Insure that Canadians can apply Canadian methods of political action by making special provt- siflt. in international constitution for Canadian menVbers. Picketing OTTAWA (CPA) — The New Democratic Party has moved an amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada with the purpose of making it legal for any any number of people to peacefully picket, not only to communicate information but also to persuade other employees and people having business with a struck company to support the union. Ed Broadbent (NDP, Oshawa- Whitby) moved second reading of a bill to amend subsection 2, section 366 of the Criminal Code which at present prohibits intimidation by violence, threats, disorderly conduct, and watching and besetting. INTERESTED IN INCOME TAX SAVINGS? You have until February 28th, 1969 to do so by starting a REGISTERED RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN Three types available: —Guaranteed as to Principal and Interest —Fixed Income —Equity for more Information and application forms, contact: rt COOPERATIVE TRUST COMPANY OF CANADA *16 East Broadway Vancouver 10, B.C. (•72-7844) I ft "Owned and controlled by Credit Union and Co-operatives In Western Canada" YOV'kt SETTING A Ba» tXAmKC w ITM VOVft VlOitMCC Revolutionary Poems now let me tell you what is a Brahmasastra Brahmasastra, hindu weapon of war near as I can make out a flying wedge of mind energy hurled at the- foe by god or hero or many heroes hurled at a problem or enemy cracking It Brahmasastra can be made by any or all can be made by all of us straight or tripping, thinking together like: all of us stop the war at nine o'clock tomorrow, each take one soldier see him clearly, love him, take the gun out of his hand, lead him to a quiet spot sit him down, sit with him as he takes a joint of viet cong grass from his pocket. .. Brahmasastra can be made by all of us, tripping together winter solstice' at home, or in park, or wandering sitting with friends blinds closed, or on porch, not be-in no need to gather publicity just gather spirit, see the forest growing put back the big trees put back the buffalo the grasslands of the midwest with their herds of elk and deer '"" _ put fish in clean Great Lakes desire that all surface water on the planet be clean again. Kneel down and drink from whatever brook or lake you conjure up. —Diane dl Prima there are those who can tell you how to make molotov cocktails, flamethrowers, bombs whatever you might be needing find them and learn, define your aim clearly, choose your ammo with that in mind it is not a good time to tote a gun or knife unless you are proficient in its use all swords are two-edged, can be used against you by anyone who can get 'em away from you it is possible even on the east coast to find an isolated place for target practice success will depend mostly on your state of mind: mediate, pray, make love, be prepared at any time, to die but don't get uptight: the guns will not win this one, they are an incidental part of the action which we better damn well be'good at, what will win is mantras, the sustenance we give each other, the energy we plug into (the fact that we touch share food) the buddha nature of everyone, friend and foe, like a million earthworms tunnelling under this structure till it falls __^ —Plane dl Prima HARRON BROS. LIMITED FUNERAL DIRECTORS "British Columbia's Finest Funeral Service" CHAPEL OF CHIMES 55 E. 10th Ave. TR. 6-8877 Vancouver JBPYAL OAK CHAPEL 5HB' Kingsway, JJurnaby 1-5577 Letters Dear Miss Young: Our sincere thanks for sending us copies of the December issue of The Labour Statesman containing your editorial on Psychiatric nurses and the Mediation Commjpion. We found your editorial very factual and to the point There is one Issue, which you missed, and which demonstrates to us how very "sloppy" the report of the Mediation Commission really was. You state in your editorial that the Mediation Commission recommends parity with registered nurses. This Is not quite so. The Mediation Commission has recommended parity with registered nurses in the government service, rather than parity with registered nurses in general hospitals. Registered nurses in the government service are not part of the Jt.N.A. B.C.'s bargaining unit and are not represented by any official group. Therefore, the. government alone establishes the salaries of registered nurses in government service, and If we, as psychiatric nurses, are to receive this basis of parity, it means, that we too would have our salaries established solely by the government. This, in effect, Is what the Mediation Commission has recommended. Showing the futility of the report, registered nurses in government service are currently paid $53 per month less than registered nurses In general hospitals, and effective January 1,1969, they will be $91 per month behind. They have in fact been a considerable amount behind nurses In general hospitals ever since January 1, 1968. This Is why we say, that the Mediation Commission report is unrealistic, unacceptable and also a bit "sloppy." D. L. WENHAM Executive Secretary Psychiatric Nurses Association of B.C. Believe it .. Or Not! TORONTO (CPA)-The Wall Street Journal recently carried an amazing headline for a publication which Is considered to be a spokesman for big business. It said simply: "Inflation Paradox—Analysts Say Prices Rise Fastest in Fields Lacking Strong Unions." The subhead said: "Gains In Productivity Offset Higher Factory Pay; Bills for Insurance, Nurses Soar." Here In a few words is what trade union economists have been trying to get across all along. It's not just the wages paid that counts. It's mainly what is produced for the wages. CHIEF CAUSE The WSJ admits that the public generally believes that "union demands for ever higher wages" are the chief cause of inflation. But, it quickly adds, "many economic analysts say that the biggest price Increases are coming where unions are weak and where labour costs are not even a major consideration." WSJ quotes an economist with the National Bureau of Economic Research as stating, "The stereotype of big unions commanding big pay increases and causing, ultimately, big price boosts, just doesn't jibe with the facts." The record shows that the biggest price Increases are coming in areas where highly skilled professionals are needed to meet sharply rising demand, or where it is diffcult to offset wage rates with automated equipment, or where factors are involved that have little at all to do with labour costs. y * January, 1969 THE LABOUR STATESMAN Page 9 Government Insurance Success In Saskatchewan Don't y \ REGINA (CPA) —While the Saskatchewan Liberal1 government and Eastern Canadian private insurance companies are holding hush-hush, deep-secret meetings to liquidate the province's government car insurance plan, other Canadian provinces are investigating the plan as *- means of getting themselves out of the predicament they are In as a result of private Insurance company plans. Even the United States, that notorious land of the free (enterprise), Is eyeing the plan with Increasing, Interest, The Wall Street Journal, a blue-chip financial paper last November carried an article lauding the Saskatchewan plan. Under the title, "A Canadian Province Finds a Way to Slash Auto Crash Litigation," the Journal said: "A close look at Saskatchewan's experience is particularly pertinent now because of the mounting dissatisfaction with the way automobile casualty, and liability insurajfc^ works in the U.S. Auto Insurance In the U.S., Its critics say, is too costly, and liability benefits are too uncertain. Courts are clogged with lawsuits seeking to pin the blame for accidents on one driver or another, the critics complain, and injured persons who can't afford to hire a lawyer often receive no liability payments at all." * Pointing up thg need for "no- fault" policies to cut down on the backlog of insurance lawsuits, the Journal went on to say: "The Saskatchewan Plan has been operating 21 years. It was established In 1946, when Saskatchewan elected the only Socialist state or provincial government ever to take office in North America. The Socialists promptly set up the government- operated Insurance system. Though the Socialists were replaced In 1964 by a regime of the middle-of-the-road Liberal Party that had promised to return auto insurance entirely to private companies, the provincial system has been maintained, and there appears to be little likelihood of major change. '"Government auto insurance has given.us a lot of headaches,' says Saskatchewan's Liberal Party Premier, Ross Thatcher. P.M. Costs Much More OTTAWA—Cost of the Prime Minister's employees including aides, secretaries, publicists and others has risen more than 400 per cent in the last seven years, Barry Mather, Surrey's M.P., was told by the government in a reply to his question. According to J. E. Walker, M.P., parliamentary secretary of Prime Minister Trudeau, the present annual cost of the PM's staff is now $406,085. This is more than double what it was under Mr. Pearson, when he was Prime Minister when the expenditure for the sarnie purpose was $197,492. It is more than four times the $97,920 which Mr. Dlefenbaker's office staff cut in 1961. Mr. Mather's question as to the numbers of persons employed in Prime Minister Trudeau's office, Mr. Pearson's and Mr. Diefenbaker's, received the following answer: Mr. Diefenbaker, 15, Mr. Pearson, 21, Mr. Trudeau, 34. 'There have been plenty of times when \I wanted to throw the plan In the Pacific Ocean.' But he adds: 'I would haVe to admit the plan is working.' "Hardly anyone Injured in an automobile accident in Saskatchewan goes uncompensated. The amount is determined by a schedule of payments set by the province. Whether or not he is at fault, the Injured person normally can collect as much as $4,000 in damages for' a physical disability, $2,000 for medical expenses not covered by medical insurance and $2,520 for loss of wages. "Death benefits of up to $10,- 000 are also payable, plus $300 in funeral expenses. Even before they begin to collect from automobile insurance, most injured persons will have a good part of their medical bills paid by the province's separate medical Insurance plan, which provides up to $6,300 In benefits. "When an accident victim feels he has been Inadequately compensated under the schedule of automatic payments, he is free., to site for additional damages. The province's compulsory Insurance policies provide for liability payments Up to $35,000 to protect a driver found liable in such cases. However, only a small proportion of injured persons sue, a situation that helps keep the backlog of liability cases low in Saskatchewan's courts. Also working to keep the provincial courts un- congested is a prohibition against lawyers' handling liability cases on a 'contingency' basis, in which the lawyer takes his, fee out of any award he may obtain for his client. 'The uncrowded court dockets in Saskatchewan, which has just under a million residents, mean that a suit filed today will probably be disposed of by Christmas. By contrast, in metropolitan U.S. areas, it takes 30 months to wind up the average liability suit that goes to a jury; in Chicago, which has an especially big backlog of liability Cases, it takes 69 months. "Because legal costs are low, relatively more of the premium income collected by the province is paid out in benefits than in the U.S. "It's estimated that in Saskatchewan 93% of premium income is paid in benefits, compared with 75% in the U.S." The Journal commented favourably on the dispatch with which accident cases are handled, and not that the province will pay a judgment for damages of up to $35,000 if the driver found at fault is an uninsured person from outside the province. It cited a case which occurred about a year ago, when a dentist was struck by a car and seriously Injured on a Regina street. Basic hospital fees were paid by the provincial medical care plan. The provincial auto Insurance office automatical!.' pro vided $1350 for intensive special care and therapy and $'.050 to compensate the dentist for time spent in the hospital. But beyond that, the dentist got a lump sum damage award of $35,000. In this case, the dentist didn't even have to file a suit. Insurance officials agreed at a hearing that the driver who hit him was so clearly at fault that a trial wasn't necessary. The insurance office paid the $35,000 because the driver, a resident of another province, wasn't "covered by liabilit yinsurance, the Journal report said. The low cost of the Saskatchewan insurance appparently impressed the Journal reported, and the' various charges under - - the plan were quotetd. A comparison' was also made with similar coverage in Minot, N.D., "a few hundred miles south" of Saskatchewan. Said the Journal: "The pur- chase of collision insurance from the province _R also com- pulsory in Saskatchewan. It costs a driver up to $74 a year for the largest of late-model cars and reimburses him fdr damages to his car exceeding $200.«*■-*- v "A^Regina schoolteacher with a good driving record who owns a 1967 Plymouth Belvedere can expect to pay basic liability and collision insurance premiums of $65 a year at current rates. To increase his liability protection to $235,000 from the compulsory $35,000 he would pay a private insurance company another $28, bringing his total insurance bill to $93. Similar coverage in Minot, N.D., a tew hundred miles south, would cost $137. The contrast Is even more striking considering that Regina, with a population of 140,000, is much larger than Minot, which has 30,000 residents. Insurance rates are usually higher in larger.., cities, but the Saskatchewan rate applies to all drivers regardless of where they live in the province. The Journal reporter found "most Saskatchewan citizens seem satisfied with their provincial insurance system." He reported a Regina cab driver as saying, "I couldn't afford similar auto Insurance anywhere else, and I've been all over." Buy Grapes Still sour . . . The grape boycott is still on. In the next issue of The Labour Statesman, read the report of two Vancouver ministers on their visits to California to examine conditions faced by grape workers. At Last! A Chance On Those Repair Bills Manitoba will soon have North America's first arbitration board for hearing disputes between garage operators and motorists. The board, which is expected to be in operation early In 1969, is being set up by the Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba. It will consist of a three-man panel which Will make decisions on disputes over garage bills or costs of repairs, many of which may lead to costly court action. Many of the disputes between garage operators and motorists -are over the effectiveness of repairs. Taking such cases to court is not only expensive, but sometimes the judges may not be qualified to make decisions involving mechanical repairs. Politicians Nervous TORONTO (CPA) — Strong tnions force management to be efficient and government leaders fear being forced to operate _fficiently, William Mahoney, Canadian director of the United Steelworkers of America, told a management group here. He said this fear among government leaders, rather that the claims in the news media of crises and threatened chaos in labour relations, is the major factor behind moves to interfere yith free collective bargaining. "The real reason for this latest spurt of legislation is not the deadly dangers envisioned by the media," he told the annual meeting of the Automotive Transport Association of Ontario. "The real reason is that our politicians and senior civil servants, in their role as employers and managers, are very nervous about the spectacle of their once___tame employees grabbing for picket signs. They are staring at the horrible prospect that, if they have to raise expenses, they will also have to become efficient" It is being proposed that the costs involved in submitting a case to an arbitration board would be shared jointly by the garage operator and the motorist. A similar scheme which is at present operating in Great Britain is under study. Drop Your Inhibitions KITCHENER (CPA) — The labour movement should throw aside its inhibitions about appearing to dominate-the New Democratic Party, President David Archer of the Ontario Federation of Labour told the Ontario NDP convention here. "The labour movement has accepted the NDP as the party that most clearly enunciates their hopes and aspirations," he said. "We have tried to exert bur full and creative Influence in the party while at the same time avoiding the accusation that we were interested only In control. "I think the time has come to throw aside all such inhibitions. "We are part of the NDP, it is to our mutual advantage that the labour movement play its full and rightful part in the party. As far as it is in my power, I intend to see that is done." 28* ./op O I ft I If U V r LTl 11 L O • AIR CONDITIONED • WE HAVE AN EXCELLENT COFFEE SHOP • OFF-STREET PARKING ... For Your Pleasure LET US HELP YOU GET ENJOYMENT OUT OF THE GAME THAT IS GOOD FOR YOU 144 EAST 7th AVENUE, VANCOUVER 10, B.C. PHONE: 874-6833 *. Page 10 THE LABOUR STATESMAN January, 1969 Happy Marriage STOCKHOLM (CPAS-^ The trade union movement in Sweden looks upon the recent electoral victory of the Social Democratic Party as an excellent way to climax the celebration of Its 70 years of existence. The Swedish Confederation of Trade Unions (Landsorganlsa- tion — LO) was established in 1896 and entered a very turbulent period of history. It was virtually wiped out during a nationwide strike-lockout in 1909 but came back to develop what is probably the strongest, best organized trade union movement in the world. MAJOR SUPPORTERS As the major supporters of the Swedish Social Democratic Party, which helped to found the organized labour movement, the trade unions in this country were elated at the return of the Social Democratic government for another term after 36 consecutive years of power. The victory was as decisive as it was unexpected. Newspaper accounts predicted that, at best, the SDP would be returned with, a loss of seats in the Lower House, but might very well lose the government to a Liberal- Conservative coalition. Instead what happened was that the party won 50 per cent of the total vote and absolute control of the Lower House for the first time since the second world war. The Social Democrats control the Upper House which is also elective. VICTORY SWEETER The victory was made sweeter by tbe big loss suffered by the Communists. In former years, the Communists have been able to hold about eight seats in the Lower House, just enough to hold the balance of power. In this election they lost five seats while the Social Democrats gained 12 for a total of 125. The opposition holds 107. The LO has over 1,600,000 members affiliated. Well over 90 per cent of blue collar, 60 per cent of white collar workers belong to unions, the white collar group having a central organization of its own. The combination of Social Democratic government backed by a strong trade union movement has given Sweden the Candidates In the February edition of The Labour Statesman, candidates for the provincial leadership of the New Democratic Party will announce their reasons for running. So far,' MLAs Tom Berger and Dave Barrett have consented to write articles for the paper. Vulliamy b Browne.I CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Phone RE. 8-3233 2205 Fir Street Vancouver, B.C. second highest standard of living in the world together with a virtually strike - free collective bargaining system. Other factors are of course also Important in this nation's constant growth and stability— a modern educational system, advanced technology and manpower policies, a highly trained working force and one of the world's most progressive social security systems. A land of no rich and no poor —that's Sweden. ■ After 70 years of history, the trade union movement has much to look back upon and forward to. DropSFU Charges -B.C. Fed. The Executive Council of the B.C. Federation of Labour has urged that an independent committee be established to Investigate various complaints over conditions at Simon Fraser University. Secretary-Treasurer Ray Haynes, in making the announcement, suggested that charges against students be dropped and that the Investigating committee report publicly on their findings regarding student grievances. "Instead of resorting to punitive action, which will not solve any problems, and instead of conducting a mass moaning session over our troubled universities, we need some specific action to get to the roots of the problem and determine which «• changes are required to turn our universities jnto a creative constructive force in the community," Mr. Haynes stated. Q..OAD REPRESENTATION "It is essential," the Federation Secretary added, 'That such a committee be broadly representative of the community. It should Include representatives of the business community, the trade union movement, the B.C. Teachers' Federation, the Canadian Union of Students, the Association of University Colleges of Canada, the Canadian Association of University Teachers, B.C. Research Council, Union of B.C. Municipalities and the B.C. Federation of Agriculture. Undoubtedly others should be added. VITAL INTEREST "We all have a vital Interest in the proper functioning of our universities. Not only because our tax dollars contribute to their operation, but also because Canada's future well-being depends on the quality of education received by our young people. It is too Important a matter to let it continue as a private battle between students and politically appointed university governors," Mr. Haynes concluded. Send for sample copy and subscription rates of . . . WESTERN SOCIALIST SOCIAUST STANDARD to Socialist Party of Canada P.O. Box 237 Victoria, B.C. * r> HAPPY NEW YEAR from SID FREEDMAN and STAFF Sm NOW SHOWING k ZERO MOSTEL in THE PRODUCERS Granville or Smith. MU 3-1511 Division 101-134 AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION 125 East 8th Avenue • Vancouver 10, British Columbia 774 Columbia Street • New Westminster, British Columbia Telephone: 874-2010 Telephone: 821-7330 Nova-ber 29, 1968. Mr* Hay Haynes, Secretary-Treasurer, B.C. Federation of Labour, * 210 - 517 E. Broadway, Vancouver 10, B. C. Dear Sir & Brotheri Please accept ay resignation as Third Vice-President of tht B.C. Federation of Labour following my appointment as • Mediation Officer. f I aay just say that If I had folt euro about being appointed I would not have accepted nomination fox tho Vice-Presidents position. With ay labour background and aulte extensive experience in negotiations, I hope that 1 will bo ablo to offact •tttla.tnta to tha and that tha c«_pulaoxy aspects of Bill 33 will not coae into force. With boat wishes for tha continued success of tha B. C. Federation of Labour. C Ste Business Agent, Div. 101-134 CS/djn \ Rates Higher Labour Wage gains and fringe benefits won by unions through collective bargaining far exceed those granted voluntarily to non-union workers by management, the Bureau of Labour Statistics — research branch of the U. S. Department of Labour —finds in a comparative study of the first six months of 1967. Previous BLS studies show that union wage rates average 18 per cent higher than nonunion rates. Unions won median wage hikes averaging 14 cents an hour In the period with major agreements (those covering more than 1,000 employees) winning as high as 15.2 cents. The non-union average gain was only 10 cents, the BLS study discloses, adding that "proportionately fewer non-union workers' pay was raised than in the first half of 1966." POINTS OUT For union establishments, the BLS study points out, the fact that Increases during the first half of the year are aften limited to small cost-of-living escalator adjustments reduced the first-half union median increase well below the median for the full year. By year-end, union employees usually receive a deferred wage increase or an immediate Increase resulting from a settle- INTERNATIONAL MOTORISTS CO-OPERATIVE ASSN. 42 E. Broadway, Vancouver 10 Telephone 872-5401 Road Service, travel information, .personal insurance, legal SAsXcW. Best value in auto clubs. Be a shareholder for $1; yearly fee $11 ment, and additional cost-of- living adjustments. ONLY ONE "Employees in non-union establishments typically receive only one wage Increase In a year, an immediate change resulting from a management decision," the report adds. It then observes: "If only those establishments where a decision to increase wages were made are considered, the proportion of union represented employees (84.4 per cent) — for whom at least one supplementary benefit was added or liberalized — was substantially higher than the proportion of non-union establishments." SIMILAR PATTERN A similar pattern is also apparent in changes in specific benefits. The BLS analysis shows that the union employee is up and away beyond the non-union employee In securing fringe benefits with the following batting average at the bargaining table: Non- Union Union Prerhium pay ..... 9.1' to 1 Shift differentials 3.9 to 1 Holidays 5.9 to 1 Vacations 6.3 to 1 Pensions 4.8 to 1 Health & Welfare 2.5 to 1 Severance pay ... 12.0 to 1 Suppl. Unempl. Benefits 1.9 to 1 Jury duty pay .... 2.1 to 1 Funeral leave pay 2.6 to 1 Sick leave 2.1 to 1 Other 2.8 to 1 The firm conclusion of the study was "that earnings and supplementary benefits in union plants are characteristically higher than in non-union plants. KAMLOOPS-The Kamloops & District Labour Council have voted to affiliate to the Union Label Trades Department of the CLC, • • • TORONTO — An application for an Injunction to stop NDP Mayor Dennison's declaration that November 23 be "Boycott California Grapes Day" was turned down by the Ontario courts. • * * NELSON — Election of a new president of the Nelson & District Labour Council will take place at the January 7 council meeting. The vacancy came about with the resignation of Jack Munro who has moved to Vancouver to take up his new post as an IWA Regional Vice President. • * * KELOWNA — The Kelowna & District Labour Council recorded a healthy surplus of $1,- 093.67 at their recent meeting. • * * VICTORIA — A demand for a night traffic court for Victoria has been asked, for by the Victoria Labour Council. • • * VANCOUVER — Annual election of officers to the Vancouver & District Labour Council will take place at the second meeting in January. In the meantime, Syd Thompson will remain as acting president in line with the Council's constitution. January, 1969 THE LABOUR STATESMAN Page 11 COMPULSION AND CO-OPERATION ARE INCOMPATIBLE Compulsory Arbitration (Bill 33] will not improve labour-management relations The Minister of Labour says he will not negotiate changes in this legislation. The B.C. Federation of Labour wants nothing more than the treatment given doctors, dentists and municipalities when this same government was introducing legislation affecting those groups. A good example was the case of the doctors and the B.C. Medical Plan where the government and the doctors announced with pride that they had worked out details of the legislation together,. j. Why negotiate with doctors and not with labour? INSERTED BY: B.C. Federation of Labour (CLC) International Woodworkers of America, Local 1-423 International Longshoremen's and Warehousemen's Union, Canadian Area Retail Food and Drug Clerks, Local 1518 International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers, Local 297 International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers, Local 592 International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mid Workers, Local 76 United Packinghose Workers of America, Local 283 Brewery and Soft Drink Workers, Local 300 Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 873 United Packinghouse Workers of America, Local 180 Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, White Spruce Lodge No. 845 United Cement, Lime ft Gypsum Workers, Local 385 Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers, Lodge No. 656 B.C. Projectionists Union, Local 348 Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers, Local 9-686 Oil, Chemcial and Atomic Workers Union, Local 9-675 Office ft Technical Employees' Union, Local 378 Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, Local 535 Kitimat-Kemano District Building Trades Council New Westminster Fire Fighters Union, Local 256 East Kootenay Firebosses Union, Local 1585 Carpenters (Shingle Weavers), Local 2802 United Cement, Lime ft Gypsum Workers, Local 400 Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 386 Campbell River School Board Employees Union (CUPE). Local 723 Hospital Employees Union, Local 180 Canadian Union of Postal Workers, Local 236 Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, Local 580 Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 389 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 213 Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America, Local 212 i Federation of Telephone Workers of B.C. (Plant Division) " ^_> International Woodworkers of America, Local 1-85 United Papermakers and Paperworkers, Local 360 Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, Local 138 Victoria Typographical Union 201 Nanaimo Typographical Union 337 Journeymen's Tailors Union 178 International Jewelry Workers Union 42 International Woodworkers of America 1-288 •SXmmmmmtMmmamm I' •«_»»*■ T „. - Page 12 CLC School THE 0BOUR STATESMAN January, 1969 The Canadian Labour Congress has announced details of its.annual Winter School and Staff Seminar In P^rksville's Island Hall Hotel. A busy program of activities is planned for the Winter School which begins on Monday, January 27, and continues through Friday, January 31. Advanced shop steward training, parliamentary procedure and public speaking, trade union history and modern trends in collective bargaining are among the courses included. Outstanding instructors include Harry Jacks, Director of Education, C.B.R.T., Andy An- dras, CL.C. Legislative Director, Dr. Mario Hikl and James Dowell, Legislative and Education Directors for C.U.P.E., Gower Markle of the United Niagara College WELLAND (CPA) — College- centred labour education is practically non-existent In Canada, according' to John White- house, former Canadian education director of the Textile Workers Union of America, now director of special studies, Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology here. In the United States, he said, 23 universities have labour education courses. In Great Britain, 10 percent of all universities have them. The Niagara College proposes to AU the |acuura, he said. A three-stage development will provide first, college facilities to existing union programs; second, 10-week courses in areas specified by unions; third, a two- or three-year course at the college leading to a certificate in labour studies. Steelworkers, Grant MacNeil and Ray Haynes. STAFF SEMINAR Professor Martin of the Labour College of Canada, Andy Andras and John Fryer, Research Director for the C.L.C, are among the featured speakers at the staff seminar scheduled for the week of February 3 to February 7. Economics, trends in Labour Legislation and Public Relations are among the subjects which will be discussed. Details of both programs and registration forms can be obtained from the Canadian Labour Congress. Motorists' Co-op Meets Jeff Woolley, speaking on "Facts of Death" to the November 26 Annual Meeting of the International Motorists' Co-operative Association, said that accidents in B.C. last month were up 19 percent from the same month last year. Mr. Woolley stated -that inattention was one of the many common causes of accidents, with 90 per cent of accidents occurring within half a mile of the drivers' own homes, probably because they aren't really awake for the first ten minutes. AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS The aggressive driver, Mr. Woolley stated, is frequently in trouble. Two aggressive drivers will approach a traffic light, with one speeding up to get through before the light changes and the other maintaining his speed because he's sure it's going to change. The result is two smashed cars and two sorry drivers. "We kill more with the automobile than any other means known to man," Mr. Woolley concluded. The meeting elected Arthur Moores and H. Parker to the Board for three year terms. s, "Whereas, to fulfill your contractual obligation, you most purchase six more record alhnma during the year." p_______—■_____-__«__ Mergers Increase Canadian union members are consolidating their organizations through mergers, Donald MacDonald, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, said In Ottawa. Mr. MacDonald cited as examples of the merger trend: ' • The merger of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and the United Packinghouse Workers into one organization with the merged membership of the new organization becoming the Canadian Food and Allied Workers; • The decision of the members of the Association of Radio and Television Employees of Canada to merge with the Canadian Union of Public Employees; •' The merger of the Journeymen Stone Cutters Association of North America with the Labourers International Union of North America; • The merger vote now being conducted In the membership of four railway Unions: the Brotherhood of Railroad Train men, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, the Switchmen's Union of North America, and the Order of Railway Conductors and Brakemen; • The referendum being conducted by the Transportation- Communication Employees Union on a merger with the Brotherhood of Railway, Airline and Steamship Clerks. , Prices Up Consumer price index for October was 156.8, compared to 156 4 a month earlier and 150.5 In October 1967. But unemployment was also up: 288 thousand in October, 26 thousand more than a-month earlier, or 3.6 per cent of p Iabaur force estimated at 7,995,000. Strikes and lockouts were down: 124 industrial work stoppages in September with a time loss of 346,140 man-days, compared to 146 stoppages in August with a time loss of 635340 man-days. Guy The B.C. Federation of Labour, following a meeting of its executive council, announced the appointment of Len Guy to the position of 3rd vice-president The position had become vacant after the resignation of Charles Stewart who accepted a Job as a mediation officer wtili the new Mediation Commission. "Over the years Mr. Guy has proven his integrity, dedication and support of trade union principles. The Council is convinced that his appointment as 3rd vice-president will be of Immense value to the Federation and the entire labour movement." the Federation said in a statement Lytle Ray Haynes, secretary- treasurer of the B.C. Federation of Labour, has announc-. ed the appointment of Clive Lytle as director of public relations and editor of The Labour Statesman. Mr. Haynes commented: The creation of the position of director of public relations is a recognition of the fact that the labour movement has not been getting its story to the public. We believe we are fortunate in obtaining the services of Clive Lytle in this position as he Is uniquely qualified to do the necessary job. I am sure that the membership of affiliated unions and the general public will be better informed on current labour issues as a result of his efforts." Lytle, 31, graduated from UBC in 1958. He served as research director for the Federation from 1962 through £964. In 1965 be was appointed provincial organizer and, the. following year, provincial secretary and director of organization for the B.C. New Democratic Party. Mr. Lytle started on December 16. 1 r« ft ® LET'S GET BEHIND TOMMY ® /# When If Not Now . . . Who If Not You?" The House of Commons Needs Tommy Douglas • ■ Canada Needs Tommy Douglas • We Who Support Social Change and a Better Life for all Canadians Need Tommy Douglas • PARTICIPATE IN ELECTING NEW DEMOCRATIC LEADER T. C. DOUGLAS (Nanaimo-Cowichan-The Islands) Send Your Contribution to: T. C. DOUGLAS BY-ELECTION FUND Provincial Office, 517 East Broadway Vancouver 10, BX. ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ACKNOWLEDGED
Title changes in chronological order: The Labor Statesman (1924-04-25 to 1965-03), The Labour Statesman (1965-05 to 1969-09). From 1924-04-25 to 1965-03 The Labour Statesman was owned and published by the Vancouver and District Labour Council. From 1965-05 to 1967-07 it was published jointly by the B.C. Federation of Labour and the Vancouver and District Labour Council. From 1967-08 to 1969-09 it was published by the B.C. Federation of Labour.
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