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[The Labour Statesman]
BC Historical Newspapers
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OWNED BY THE VANCOUVER, NJ.W WESTMINSTER AND DISTRICT TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL wCif-Wi/ w^j-i nc >■■■. • V* «Sl_ ■-17**~i«*r<«i- H*:ia|U--^)3-ia> n. ■ nK-f-Jv'-"^_.li:.l-«*C,>--<wm-h-w'■ • ■ '-a-.-■■'--, .HC-T-*■—-,-——'*'*...,, fctUl Number 683—Eight pages VANCOUVER, NOVEMBER 30, 1955 "Established 1924 Why The Grins? BIG DOINGS ARE in store for many at the annual Trade- Council banquet in Hotel Vancouver, Saturday. Included is SWmdS^CTtS»t8''nmeqt ,whkh brouefrt the^uckles to Secretary R. K. Gervm and steno Bernadette Gouthro as they checked the final program. Who Ever Heard Of The Grey Cup? THE Fun Is Set For Saturday Night Saturday night is THE night. Sharp at 6:30 the Vancouver Trades and Labor Council annual banquet gets under way in Hotel Vancouver ballroom. There will be dining and wining, a floor show and dancing —and no speeches. President Tom Alsbury heads up a list of notables at the head table, including Labor Minister Lyle Wicks, Mayor Fred Hume, top officials of the federal and provincial labor services—and of course, their charming wives. . List of guests includes Mr. and Mrs. Bill Gauld, Mr. and Mrs. Herb Flesher, and TLC President Emeritus Percy R. Bengough and Mrs. Bengough. Secretary «R. K. Gervin announces that this year tickets at $4 apiece were sold well in advance—an indication that next year the event will have to be held-in a larger place. Mrs. Pat Walker is in charge of entertainment arrangements. ITU Wins 19 Cents In Newspaper Pact Vancouver Typographical Union Local 226 has wrapped up a new agreement with city newspapers v. ith a 19-cent hourly pay increase in a two-year contract. Union members this month Right-To-Work Law^ Try To Wreck Union Sinister Attack On Union Security We're hearing more ami more about the so-called "right to work" laws—already introduced in dose to 20 U.S. states —which anti-labor groups are urging be adopted in B.C Every union member should know what a right-to-work law means to him and his fellow workers. It is an ugly form of union-busting. Vancouver Trades and Labor Council press committee chairman W. A. Weaver discloses in this searching article the serious threats against organized labor's hard-won union security. By W. A. WEAVER Recent newspaper reports tell us that a local anti-labor group has prepared a brief to be submitted to the Provincial Government on a "Right to Work" law. They are pressing to have this incorporated into the laws of the province Probably many union members have read bulletins from their own International Unions on "RTW" laws. They tell of these laws being enacted in some of the poorly organized states in the United States. ~ However, many of us are not aware of the sinister import of such laws. We should ask ourselves: Who are the instigators of this "Right to Work" law? Are they friends of labor? Do they have the interests of labor at heart? The answers are definitely "no." They are instigated by anti- labor bodies such as the Cham- 1DAN6ERI voted about 60-40 to accept the recommendations of their scale and executive committees covering negotiations since Oct. 1. The new agreement will cover two years, from Oct. 1, 1955, to Oct 1, 1967. An increase in the hourly rate of 10 cents is provided for the (Cont'd Page 2) On The Inside Labor and Economics page 3 Teamster Talk page 4 The ^ilk Report page 5 Election News page 8 Editorials page 4 * • • • • • The Headliner • • • • * A BIG HAND —Delegates to Trades and Labor Council stood up and cheered this month because one of their most popular delegates came home from a fishing trip. Vice president George Johnston drew the attention of delegates to the fact that Johnny Ciccone of Barbers' Union was one of two men thought lost off Point Grey jetty during the big storm earlier this month. Delegate* let it be known they are glad that Johnny weathered the story and is back in his old chair at council. WATCH THE TAX--Provin- cial sales tax on meals applies only if any one meal cost over $1,. that's the official word from Victoria. Some cafe people have been adding several meals together and charging tax—for instance—if five people had 90- cent lunches, the total bill would be $4.50 and tax charged on that amount That just isn't according to the rule books. Remember, you'only have to pay tax if any ONE meal costs over $1, bers of Commerce, Boards of Trade, etc., and this very fact should make as suspicious. This law was designed solely fot the purpose of wrecking union laws and security. It of course, appeals to unorganized workers. But any intelligent union worker can easily see the real intent behind them. We must make -our members aware of their sinister intent unless, through ignorance, they approve of them. Here are some pertinent facts issued by the American Federation of Labor. WHAT IS THIS "RIGHT TO WORK"? •If you ore unemployed, can you utilise this "right to work" to claim a job with any local contractor or business? Of course not To obtain work a job has to be vacant; you have to be qualified; you have to be selected for the job. •If you are employed, doe* this "right to work" protect you from losing your job? Of course not You can still be discharged: for inefficiency or for other reasons. You can still be laid off: if the company's business declines. Let's face it, the "right to work" really means the "right" to LOOK FOR work—but it is the employer who decides whether any worker is to be hired. RTW BENEFITS ELSEWHERE? Has the "right to work" benefitted workers in other countries? Article 118 of the Soviet Constitution reads as follows: "Cizens of the USSR have the RIGHT TO WORK, that is, the right to receive guaranteed work Jndth.fAy.ior labor corresponding to its quantity and quality: "The right to work is secured by the socialist organization of the national economy, by the irresistible growth of the productive forces of the Soviet society, and by the liquidation of unemployment" Despite this "right to work" the Soviet citizen > 1. Cannot choose the occupation for earning his livelihood. 2. Works under strict discipline, including an elaborate system of penalties for absenteeism and tardiness. 3. Cannot quit his job. 4. Is subject to transfer without notice to any place in the Soviet Union, including the living death in Siberian slave labor camps. (Continued on Page 6) INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD .' ' TEAMSTERS * CHAUFFEURS WAREHOUSEMEN AND HELPERS OF AMERICA LOOK! FOR THIS LABEL ON THE TAXICAB WINDOW 9 __-, _ Page Two THE LABOR STATESMAN November 30, 19SS Fund Set To Fight Pay Freeze Provincial executive of Hospital Employeers' Federal Union has recommended that every member of the union contribute to a defence fund levy designed specifically to fight Health Minister Martin's freeze order on hospital wages. The defence fund proposal will 1»e placed before union membership "meetings throughout the province next month. Meanwhile, business agent Bill Black said arbitration proceedings were indicated at Vancouver General Hospital, where management has turned down a request for • a 5-cent wage increase across the board for 2000 employees, f Not only has the hospital turned the request down flatly— but has replied with a demand crease for continuation of 1955 wage rates, with no fringe benefits of any sort At Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, negotiations are also under way. The levy on membership will be used as a fund to finance "emergencies' in forthcoming negotiations, and will also be used to acquaint the public and legislators with the true picture on hospital costs. Young Tommy was asked by his teacher if he knew what a person in charge of a library is called. "Yes, ma'am," he replied, "a" bookie I"- - — ,_■-___»_,. „.,,..,..,,....- • * * ' The mother was helping her son with his homework and asked: "How much is seven and four?" "Twelve," replied the boy. "Not bad for a little shaver," said his dad, who was listening._"0r^y_ missed it by two I" For GOODNESS Sake ... DAD'S ORIGINAL. jOktmeal Cookies The Molt Delicious Health Biscuit V Ever Made When sending parcels overseas don't forget to include some Dad's Cookies. They will be greatly appreciated over there I DAD'S COOKIE CO. (B.C) LIMITED 468 Kingsway Vancouver, B.C The best bread you can buy! McGAVTN'S NEW RANCH LOAF Council Hits Red Tactics At Geneva Vancouver Trades and Labor Council has one on record deploring Communist tactics following the Geneva conference, and has called on all citizens to join with ft in a show of support of the efforts of western nations to achieve world peace. The resolution, drawn up by the executive, passed almost unanimously at the last meeting of the council. It points out that the Soviet Union will provide arms to Egypt, an action which British Prime Minister Anthony Eden describes as "impossible to reconcile" with the spirit of Geneva. The resolution also charges that ever since the Geneva conference, the Communist press in Canada and abroad has exploited the results of the conference, placing the Soviet policies in the best possible light, and attacking the sincerity of the western nations. These actions, the resolution states, have "tended to shatter the high hopes which millions of working people have built up . . . and have once more shaken their confidence in the good faith of the Soviet leaders. ". . . (We) .... therefore go on record as deploring these Communist tactics and actions as being a serious setback to the cause of world peace. "And be it further resolved that this council also goes on record as fully supporting the efforts of our Canadian govern- ment and the western nations to end the cold war, and we strongly urge our fellow-citizens of Canada to join with us and make known publicly through organizations to which they belong, their support of the efforts of western democratic nations to promote the cause of world peace, consistent with freedom." BY PULP SULPHITE UNION New Paper Firm Organized Wage increases, some of them asrhigJyjM*.j.f*-wW"an hour, have" been won for employees of a new company in B.C., Martin Paper Products of New Westminster. Delegate Orville Braaten told Trades and Labor Council that Martin Paper products moved into the area after operating in Alberta and Manitoba with no union contract and no organization in the plant. This spring the company opened in New Westminster, and accepted the standard contract, jrif-to-ie at the time". BufwheH the new contract was opened, the company pleaded that it was new here and wanted time to build a business. Union agent Braaten said the union main^ned^^^Qqessfully_ that the company would have to pay the same'rates as its competitors, and a contract was finally signed identical to that in force at Crown Zellerback Corp. * CERTIFIED Two AFL-TLC unions have been certified for employees of Northern Construction and J. W. Stewart in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Canada Labor Relations Board this month announced certification for 34 employees to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and 87 employees to Teamsters Local 514. TRADES UNION DIRECTORY LABOR TEMPLE, 307 BROADWAY WEST Amalgamated Meat Cutters and B. W., Local 219 — Representative, Geo. Johnston, 203 Labor Temple; EM. 57SE. Auto Worker.' TTnlon. Lodge Wo. 1857,1. A. of M.—Business Agents, Jack Chapman. Terry McCarthy, 2414 Main St; EM. 4104-5. Time Loss Increasing Time loss in industrial disputes for the first 10 months this year is up over the same period in 1954, the federal labor department reports. . To the end of October this year, there had been 133 strikes and lockouts involving 64,599 workers and time loss of 1,146,- 008 man-working days. For the same -period in 1954, there were 157 disputes, involving 68,052 workers and a time loss of 907,- 496 days. Bakery and Confectionery Workers Local .68 — Secretary, Melvtn J. Kemmis, Room 105, Labor Temple; DI. 9520. Bakery Salesman, Local MS, I. B. T. C. and H.—Business Agent, A. Wylie, 206 Labor Temple; EM. 5230. Barbara—International Journeymen of America, No. 130—Secretary, C. B. Herrett, 115 Labor Temple; EM. 0641. B. C. Bleotrfc Offloe Employees Association — Business Manager, B. King, 425 Carrall. PA. 1212, Local 424; home, 1306 E. 15th; DI. 0084. Beverage Dispensers Union, No. 678 — Business Manager, Robt. G. Beddome, 440 W. Pender St; MA. 3923-4948. Beverage Bispensers (New Westminster) Local 838 — Business Agent. J P. Tomson, 70 - Sth St., New Westminster; phone N.W. 4866. Boilermakers, Iron Shipbuilders. Blacksmiths, Drop Forgers and Helpers, Looal SSS — Financial Secretary, M. H< Hartley. Room 811. 62» Beatty; TA. 1047. "•rlcklayera ft Masons International Union, Loeal Wo. 1—Secretary, T. Hallmark. 4321 Cambridge, North Burnaby; OL. 3068-L. Bnlldlng Material and Fuel Truck Drivers' Union, Loeal 213—Business Agents, H. Bonnell and J. Whiteford, 629 Beatty St.; MA. 1928. Building Service Employees, Loeal 844—Business Agent, Ben Morley. Room 206, 144 W. Hastings; MA. 9468. Bnlldlng Trades Council—Secretary Ed. Kennedy, 102 Labor Temple, EX. 1210. Carpenters' Union, Bo. 480—Business Agent. R. Buchanan: Pinnn- ctal Secretary, P 3. Depllsay. Labor Temple; DI. 2720 or EM. 1212. Enamel Workara* Federal Union, { PUe Drivers and Wooden Brldgemen Looal 991—Sec. Wm. Giesbrecht, Loeal 8404—Buslnesa Agent 8. 2390A W. Broadway. Allen. Ill Dunsmulr St.: PA. 4046. Engineers, Hoisting aad Portable, Local 11B—Business Agent A. W. Scott, 111 Dunsmulr St; MA. 2849: MA. 2056. Engineers, School and Caretakers, Local 963 — Sec, George Zallo, 380 E. 15th Ave.; EM. 6934. Engineers' Union (Stationary Operating), Local Vo. 883 — Business Agent, Harry Berger, 111 Dunsmuir St; TA. 4683. -fire Fighters (Bnrnaby), Loeal 883 —Secretary, L. H. Buckley, 4337 Triumph, OL. S186-R. Fire Fighters, Vancouver, Loeal 18 —President Hector Wright, 4149 Marguerite; CH. 4146. See.. Prank Bain. 4669 Belmont. AL. 0516-T. Floorlayers' Union, U. B. of O. X. Looal Ho. 1S41—Room 117 I.nhor Temple. Business Agent Brace Robson, 3238 E. 29th: DE. 7297M. Glazier* and Glassworkers, Looal 1827—Recording Secretary, W C. Norton. 5850 Cree: FR 4188. Government Employees' Association (B.C.)--E P. O'Connor. Oen 8ec ; A. C. Bennett Asst. Oen. Sec; 902 Helmcken: TA 8441-8. • Hospital Employees' Union, No. ISO —Business Manager. W M. Black. 116 Labor Temple: BM. 5828. Hotel and Restaurant Employees, Loeal 28—Sec. A. B. Morgan, Rm. 406, 402 W. Pender. International Association Of Heat and Frost Insulators, and Asbestos Workara—Room 6, 111 Dunsmulr: PA. 761S. International ladies' Garment Workers, Loeal 876 and 287—Business Agent, Anne Marshall, 119 W. Pender: TA. 6614; home, HA. 6961-M. Ironworkers Shopmen's Loeal Union 718—Business Agent, V. E. Steers, 807 W. Broadway: DI. 5611. Ironworkers, Local 87 — Business Agent. John Marcus, Room 111 Labor Temple: DI. 8281. TYPOS (Cont. from Page 1) firm, fresh and delicious you've never tasted better Dont Say Bread . . . Say McGavin's first year and nine cents for th, second year. Provisions of the renewed agreement covering all holidays with pay, five-day week, work day of 7% hours and a number of minor conditions remain the same. The new hourly rate for this year will be: days $2.59, nights, $2.71. The jurisdiction clause covers new printing processes. .'Negotiations for a new commercial agreement are expected to open shortly. Dentist: "I'm sorry, but I'm all out of gas" Girl: "Good heavens, you mean dentists pull that old stuff, too?" Carpenters (New Westminster) Local 1261—Business Agent, H. Taft. office 732 Royal Ave., New Westminster: phone N.W. 33; residence phone, N.W. 8878-L. Carpenters' Union (Courtenay), Ho. 1638—John Hansen, Pres.; Robert Hamilton, Sec; Box 515, Courtenay.' Cement Masons, 'Local 019, O.F. & CM.—R. R. Baker. 271 Beta: OL. 0067-R, secretary; Dispatcher, TA. 6814. Clvlo Employees Union, Loeal.407 —Pres., Sam Lindsay, Room 220. Labor Temple; FA. 3442. Clnb, Cabaret, Construction Camp Culinary and Service Employees. Loeal 740—Buslnesa Agent, O. W. .Faulkner, 440 W. Pender; MA. 9828. Dental Technicians, Local Ho. 811, I. C. W. U. — Sec, Don Laldlaw, 924 Queens Rd. W. North Vancouver; North 2652-L-2. Distillery, Rectifying ft Wine Workara, Loeal 69—Financial Secretary and Business Agent, L. K. Davidson, 9390 Jones Rd., RR No. 1, Port Kella, B.C. phone Cloverdale 434-X. Distillery Worker** Union, No. 99— Sec, F. Case, 1524 E. 41st Stoat-leal Workers' Union, Loeal SIS —Buslnesa Manager, John Waplington, 111 Dunsmulr St.; PA. 7881-2. Elevator Constructor. Loeal 89 — Sec, H. C. MacKlchan, 4633 Elm- wood St., Burnaby; DE. 6689-L. Jewelry Workara* International Loeal 49— President O. Amoa. 7781 Birch, KB. 4813-R: Secretary. O, H. Brown, 160S West 57th, KB 447S-T. Plasterers' Union, Ho. 779 — Secretary. W. B McMynn. 4860 Eton, N. Burnaby: GL. 2642-R. Plumbers aad Pipefitters, Loeal 170 —Bus. Manager, Norman Uphill; Asst. Buslnesa Manager, James Barton; 109 Labor Temple: EM. 7S26. Frlnca George ft District Trades ft Labor Counoll—Secretary's office. 1331 4th Ave., Prince George B.C. Phone 321-R-l. Printing Pressmen. Loeal 69—Sac, Thomas S. Ezart. 6407 Commercial Drive: phone FR. 1848. Pulp and Bulphite (Converters) Union, Looal 433—Business Agent, O. Braaten, 536 W. Pender. Suite 1: TA. 1642. Refrigeration Workara Union Loeal 816—Sec L R Wintle. 137 W. 40th; FR. 4409, FR. 8511. Retail Grocery and Food Clerks. Looal Ho. 1618—Sec., D. A. Wade. 206 Labor Temple: BM. 3348. School Board Employees Federal Union (Burnaby) Local 379—Secretary. O. J. McCrae. 3309 Lane, S. Burnaby. Seafarers' International Union — Secretary. Norman Cunningham, 398 Main; PA. 7884. Sheet Matal Workars, Local 280— Bus. Manager, James Walker. 207 Labor Temple: DI. 8020. Shingle Weavers' Union. Loeal No. 9809— Secretary, J. E. Hlrd, 1524 W. 66th: KE. 4428-L. Shipwrights, Boatbulldera, Jolnera and Caulkers, Loeal Ho. 606 — Bualnesa Agent J. T Beat 411A W. Cordova St.: TA. 3726. Sign aad Pictorial Falntara, Loeal 79-—Secretary. J Middlemn, «S39 Kitchener, N. Burnaby. OL. 4679T Street Bailwaymen's Union, Div. 101 —Bualnesa Agent. C. Stewart, Street Rly. Building. 13S E. Sth; DI. 2010. Street Railwaymen'a Union, Ho. 184 —Bus. Agent R- C. Lawrence, Room 20, 774 Columbia, New Westminster. Phone 1342. Laborers, Construction aad General (International Hod Carriers) Loeal 609 — Secretry, A. - Foster, Room 6. 207 W Broadway. DI. 9223. Laundry Workara, Wo. 989 —Business Agent J. H. Irving, 208 Labor Temple: BM. 4642. Machinists, International Association, Lodge 699—Business representatives, Richard Osman and Ray O. Carr, Room 17, 8414 Main, EM. 7035—DI. 0513. Motion Picture Projectionists, Looal 348 —Bus. Manager. L. Walk*/: Sec. Oeo. Thrift 1866 Seymour; TA. 7024. , ■ Molders' Union Local 281—Buslneaa Agent, M. BJornson, 119 Labor Temple; EM. 5920. Musicians' Union, Looal 148—Bualness Manager, Oo. E. Leach, 402 W. Pender, Room SOS: TA. 1664. Office Employe e s Internatlon al Union Loeal 16—338 W. Broadway; BM. 4218. Secretary, Eileen Hart; Recording Sac, Laura Ward. Painter* Union, Local 138—Bualnesa Agent Herb Macaulay; Secretary, John Hines, 103 - 307 W. Broadway. EM. 6033. -taint aad Varnish Workers, Looal 1660— Secretary, V. Glardln, 741 Prior: HA. 0542-L. Patternmakers' Association—SecreUry. B. Westmoreland, 4104 Mountain Highway, North Vancouver; TOrk 896S. Taxi Driven, Loeal 181—Secretary. C Oower, 204 feabor Temple; EM. 5280. . Theatre Employees, Local B-72 — Secretary, Bob Foster. No. 6, 1004 Wolfe Ave.; CE. 625S. Tito Setters, Local No. 3—Recording Secretary, J. Neville, 2231 School Rd.. Vancouver IS; DB. 1336-R. Truck Drivers' Union, Looal Ho. 81 —Bualneaa Agents. Reg. Lenfesty and C. Solem. ttl W. Broadway; BM. 41S6. Tunnel ft Beck Workers, Loeal 169 —Secretary, William Hunchuk, Room 300. 629 Beatty: MA 7251. Typographical Union. Looal 226 — Secretary, P. Campbell, 213 Labor Temple. EM. 6810. Union Label Trades Counoll—SecreUry, A. B. Hallock, day phone TAtlow 2617. avenlnga, DI. 8741. United Garment Workara' Union, No. 232—S.oreUry, Phyllia Fanus; GL. 3354-R. University of Britlah Columbla Employe-s Union, Loeal lie — Secreury, A. Leathern, 61S Baat Sth St, North Vancouver. Water Dlstrlot, Sewerage ft Drainage Board Bmployees, Local SSS —O. Patton, 4915 Earles Rd., DB. 6235-R. Wood, Wire aad Matal Lathers Local 10T—Sec H. T. Fulljamaa. 8403 E. 86th; DB. 7039T. November 30,1955 THE LABOR STATESMAN Page Three Higher Living Standards Within Grasp ..♦■.TLC Brief Urges Full-Speed Economic Development For Canada... ; „ ., „;___»„—.,..,.. ...*-«_i_*~ r.—__-™...>. ^^.rf-w™* . "" ■■ ^ i " ■ .-• JL ..v-». Workingmen and women of Canada may enjoy a 20-year period of high employment, general prosperity, and an abundant share of the good things of life— but only if the affairs of the country are conducted so as to achieve maximum economic development, , Failure to achieve such economic development would be "almost criminal"—and would result in unemployment, and privation among plenty. This was the message placed today by Vancouver Trades and Labor Council before some of the best economic minds of the country, in the form of a 61-page brief presented by secretary R. K. Gervin to the Royal Commis- _ sion on Canada's Economic' Pros- ' pects. The five-man commission is now sitting in Vancouver. The brief, certainly one of the most penetrating economic studies prepared by a Canadian labor organization, is largely the work of council statistician Owen Mason. Packed with facts and figures, it makes these main points: 'Annual growth of employment opportunities will have to be about 2.5 percent, if unemployment is not to become a serious problem in the future; •Rate of increase in productivity is likely to continue at the rate of four percent annually, which means that gross national output of Canada will amount to about $80 billion by 1975; •Large scale public works and government expenditure to offset unemployment are necessary, but do not by themselves provide the complete key to prosperity; • The federal government should cut taxes for low income groups, and thus encourage mass consumption, when it comes to encouraging capital spending; •Deficit financing on a federal level need not be inflationary, but should be embarked upon to ensure maximum economic development; • The guaranteed annual wage will take its place with unemployment insurance as an "automatic, stabilizer" built into the economy. The brief points out that Van-^ couver Trades and Labor Council speaks for 112 unions, with a combined membersnip of over 50,000 working men and women. "Our reasons for submitting this brief are very simple. We wish to make known the improvement in the standard of living which we believe are possible within the next two decades," the brief states. MAKE IT REALITY "We trust that an awareness of what lies within our grasp will result in a determination on the part of the Canadian people to ensure that what is possible will become a reality. "However, another theme will be found to be ever present in this submission; the consequences of failing to achieve what we term 'maximum economic development'." The brief points out that prediction of what will be 20 years from now is almost impossible, but prediction of can be is perfectly feasible. It then warns: "Failure to achieve maximum economic development does not merely result in' all Canadians having a little less of the good things of life—if that were so it would be regrettable, but not a matter of life and death. "But such a failure does not so result. The result is unem- New Attack Is Urged On Sewerage Problem . Vancouver Trades and Labor Council has asked the provincial government to take the initiative in planning a full- scale attack on the complicated and dangerous sewerage problems of the Lower Mainland. Because of the large number of municipalities involved, and the immense cost of a project which would put sewerage and drainage on an organized basis, there has been no concerted action on the problem since a full report was made in 1953. ployment, privation among plenty for some of our citizens." Bulk of the brief is devoted to a long and well-documented analysis of population and production trends, which contain interesting observations for the Canadian worker. Among them: Given reasonable assurance of prosperous times, the present birth rate will be maintained; immigrants to Canada are mainly, coming from "high employment" countries, and given a high level of employment here it is likely that immigration Will continue at about the same rate as recent years. » Canadian living standards will approach closer and closer to those of the U.S., and as that happens immigration of Canadians south of the border will cease to be a problem; We are probably at the beginning of a periodic outburst in output per unit; In conclusion, the Trades and Labor Council makes these points clear: "The wants of labor are simple. We want to work and enjoy the abundance that Canada can produce. We believe that pro duction is for consumers, and not the other way around. t "We believe that our wants are practically unlimited, and therefore while these wants remain unsatified there is no reason why we should ever stop working. "We have indicated that the future can be ours, if we are allowed to build it. That future cannot become a reality unless all Canadians who wish to work are allowed to work." Truck Drivers Certified Building Material, Construction and Fuel Truck Drivers' Local 213 have been certified by the Canada Labor Relations Board for 14 employees in the warehouse and freight shed of the British Yukon Railway Co., Whitehorse. /— Doctor—"You're working too hard." Patient—"I know it, but that's the only way I can keep up the easy payments." Provincial government has agreed to assist in the problem as soon as Vancouver and 10 other municipalities reach agreement on financial responsibility— but settlement seems remote. Meanwhile, health of citizen* is being menaced by a pollution of beaches, and the untreated watte from faulty •eptic tanks ia creating a hazard in some districts—of ten in area* adjacent to school*. Because of this situation, council has voted to ask the provincial government to call an immediate conference of the representatives BUFTON'S FLOWER SHOP FLOWERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS "WE TELEGRAPH FLOWERS ANYWHERE IN THE HAMS. - HA 3431 1520 Commercial Drive HE WORLD" ( Vancouver, B.C / -»..-»..-v..-v..--."x..-v..JJ RICHMOND TRANSFER DAILY FRFIGHT -sPRX/IPF IIII II Kl AMH QFA 1-si AMD ^TFVF^TON < ' LIGHT.AND..HEAVY..HAULI NG Phone Hastings 6297 425 Alexander Street ANGELUS HOTEL Corner Dunsmuir and Howe Street, Vancouver, B.C. Phones: MArine 2435-36-37 A H. HARRISON, Manager Mt. Pleasant Undertaking Co. Ltd. KINGSWAY at ELEVENTH AVENUE Kindliness • Understanding •■ Dependability Lady Attendant Phones: EMerald 2111 and 2162 of the cities and municipalities concerned, with a view to implementing the Rawn, Oliver and Hyde report of 1953. The multi-million dollar master plan would definitely solve the health and drainage problems— but concerted action is necessary. TAKE INITIATIVE In a letter to Provincial Secretary W. D. Black, trades council secretary R. K. Gervin points out: "The city of Vancouver and the municipalities find a great deal of difficulty in finding the money with which to implement the report, and under these circumstances the provincial government should take the initiative." Only a formal letter of acknowledgment has been received to date from the minister, and there is no indication' of what— if anything—the provincial government intends to do. The resolution was originated by Burnaby Social Credit Constituency and approved by Street Railwaymen Division 101, who submitted it to the Trades Council. MUSIC AND DANCING EMBASSY BALLROOM Look for the . . . UNION SERVICE BUTTON UNION LABEL AND SHOPCARD Patronize Them This Space Donated by Bill Couper 714 .SEYMOUR STREET Dancing Every Night Except Monday Ernie Buchanan's Orchestra 1024 Davie Street TERES... NEW — USED — RECAPPINO Buy them on easy Budget Plant BOURNE 8C WEIR LTD. 99 West 2nd Phone: FAlrmont 8821 ♦ . -*»/ Page Four THE LABOR STATESMAN November 30, 1955 9 * THE LABOR STATESMAN Published last week of each month at Labor Temple, 307 West Broadway. Vancouver 1ft B.C Authoriied aa second class mall. Post Office Department. Ottawa TRADE UNfON FOIBLES The Labor Statesman la owned by the Vancouver. New Westminster snd 5FAS0M'__ Dlstrict Trades and Labor Council, and supported by 114 local unions __ - '•To each union member th* political party ef his eholee" VgANCJ^" R. K GERVIN. Secretary BILL WEAVER, Chairman Press Committee Subscription Rates: $1.60 per-year; to Unions. «c per copy Vancouver, November 30, 1955 LABOR IS THREATENED This month The Labor Statesman devotes' considerable space to a critical examination of the so-called "Right to Work" laws which are plaguing our brother unionists in the U.S. Our reason for doing so is simple. Already there have been isolated moves by employer organization towards "Right to Work". The Labor Statesman joins other responsible trade union authorities in predicting that these sporadic attempts will be replaced soon by a concerted drive by employers to foist their reactionary legislation on the people of B.C. Lack of information on the subject by labor men and Women will help the employer organizations achieve their ends. Let us be clear on the subject. Right to Work legislation guarantees the worker -only one thing: the right to LOOK for work, and perhaps to find it without the advantages of union secured pay and benefits. Hard-headed employers are not greatly concerned with academic arguments as to whether or not the odd die-hard individualist should' or should not be compelled to join the union which protects his interest. - We firmly believe that the interest of employer organizations in this legislation stems purely from- their desire to attack the strength of labor, WITHOUT APPEARING TO MAKE SUCH AN ATTACK. That's why "RTW" is dangerous. At first sight it appears to fall into the same category as bonafide democratic rights which we all hold dear. To cinch the matter, Trades Council secretary R. K. Gervin gives one shining example of what actually happened in Arizona, where "RTW" is part of the state law. Before the law came into effect, basic wage rate in the Phoenix restaurant trade was $8 a day plus meals. Three months later, with "RTW" safely on the books, that basic rate was down to $1.25 a day. Reason: Right to Work laws efficiently broke the back /\oi the union organization which was keeping wages up to at least a decent minimum standard. Moral: Study right to work proposals carefully. Don't let it happen in B.C GET OUT AND VOTE December 14 is the day for union members to demonstrate that they are responsible members of the community— capable of taking a stand on civic affairs best suited for their own good and that of their fellow citizens. . It is election day, and despite the fact this appears to be a dull campaign, union men and women have a responsibility to make up their minds—then vote. In civic elections, we follow the traditional TLC policy of "electing our friends and defeating our enemies." Trades and Labor Council has no formal slate this year, but Parks Board candidate Everet King has our endorsation. By years of work in union organizations he has certainly demonstrated that he is a "friend of labor". -a Status of^fhe others must be judged by the individual W voter on the basis of their records and their platforms. *No matter whether it's pwish you'cl join the union, sawing, summer, or wirrter; so you'd learn to stand on the manager is always looking for a fall guy!* iMOur own two feet!' Haircut Muddle WINDSOR — Windsor barbers have two haircut prices after a recent squabble over charges for Saturday clippings. City barbers who are members of the Windsor branch of the Ontario ' Barbers' Association— an association of barber shop operators — have boosted the price for Saturday haircuts to $1.25. But 30 other shops operated by members of Barbers' International Union have refused to jump from the $1 price for the one day. The union barbers said it was unfair to boost the price for only one day a week, penalizing those customers who found it possible to get their hair cut only on Saturdays. C1C Meets In April TORONTO—Now that the CCL has approved plans for a merger with the TLC, the founding convention of the new merged organization—the. Canadian Labor Congress—will open in the Coliseum of the Canadian National Exhibition here on April 23, 1956. One Job At A Time MOOSE JAW—The TLC and CCL Labor Councils have joined hands in urging a policy of "one man-one job" in order that workers "do not take the bread and butter from another man's table." The decision was made at a joint meeting held to discuss the problem of winter unemployment. CONGRATULATIONS, TEAMSTERS Object Ho Mote Our heartiest congratulations go this month to the Teamsters' Joint Council, whose fine new building at Broadway and St. George is now "open for business." We share with.Teamsters their elation at a long-standing dream come true. After years of "getting by" in cramped and divided quarters, the big union now has a chance to do an even better job of organization and trade union service. There is another reason The new Teamsters' Building stands as a reminder to the general public that labor is on the' march. It demonstrates for all to see that labor ia filling a solid and permanent place in the community. . NEW YORK— American Federation of Labor objections to absorption of the Fur and Leather Workers by the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen have been withdrawn by the AFL Executive Council. George Meany, president, said that the Meat Cutters had done a good job in eliminating Communist control from the Fur Worken. All known Communists have been forced to resign or have been barred from running for reelection for top leadership posts in the Fur Workers, and from offices in locals in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Canada. SIU Gels Welfare NEW YORK — An industrywide shipboard safety and health program has been negotiated by the Atlantic and Gulf district of the Seafarers International Union, and 80 steamship lines under SlU contract. The program will be jointly administered. It will be financed by an employer contribution of 5 cents a man a day, and cover 15,000 men. Four medical centres, in New York City, Baltimore, New Orleans, and Mobile, will be set up as part of union hiring halls, so that seamen may register, secure employment and be examined at the same place. 0 Segregation Banned1 WASHINGTON—Racial segregation in public parks, playgrounds and golf courses was outlawed by the U.S. Supreme Court in a decision following the idoctrine of last year that pupils in the public schools could not be segregated because of color. The doctrine of "separate but equal" facilities for whites and negroes was struck down by the court Check Child Labor KINGSTON — There were shades of the industrial revolution in this Ontario city as the Kingston Trades and Labor Council charged that child labor was being used in unskilled jobs* at. an increasing? and alarming rate. The council has launched a full investigation after hearing a re-., port that "boys not big enough to reach the tail-gate of a truck" were being used as garbage collectors at the Veterans' Land Act subdivision in nearby Collins Bay. How sweet to waken in the morn Without a care the mind to cumber, Then hurry to the phone and find Some stupe is calling the wrong number.- TEAMSTER TALK By CHARLES GOWER Teamsters took possession of their new building on Nov. 22 and the nine Teamster locals together with the Western Conference organizers, Laundry Workers and Plasterers moved in on Monday. But the formal opening of the spanking new headquarters building at Broadway and St. George (490 East Broadway is the address), will not be until some time in June—during the Western Conference of Teamsters' sessions. Meantime, we extend an invitation to those wishing to pay us a visit during our opening week to do so. , We believe we have one of the finest auditoriums in the city and a number of bookings are available for rental. All Teamster local* will hold future meeting* in tha new building on their regular meeting nights—wi'th the exception of Local 213 which ha* changed meeting* to the third Wednesday of each month. Teamsters' Joint Council was the last to meet in the Labor Temple, on Nov. 26. Incidently, provision has been made for the legal firm, Ellis, Dryer and McTaggart, to take over an office in the building on the main floor. More about next summer's Western Conference of Team- sters that's coming here. It will be a big affair for oar city with delegates from 11 western U.S. states, Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. * • •. Teamster organization with the help from the Western Conference organizers, is making rapid strides. BUI Even has been moved to Edmonton > to give assistance there for a few weeks. Jim Scott is still making gains in the Okanagan and plans are now completed to present the charter to Local 48, Kelowna. Bill Bates has been doing a smart bit of organizing around the north* country with the assistance of Joe Whiteford. Harry Bonnell intends to head a campaign in and around Victoria within the next few weeks, and Reg. Lenfesty reports active interest in the Kootenays on his return from that vicinity with Ralph Campbell, our new organizer on over-the-road division. Three new.dairies have been ' signed up by Local 464 and Johnny Brown feels he will surprise us with his increased memberahinp report ' at the council meeting. Jim Dewar took a supervised strike vote at an Okanagan dairy plant last week and got a five-to-one strike action vote on the operation. . * • •'•.■. Local 151 Taxi Drivers is having difficulty with owner- operators on a certain large operation and there is every - possibility they will make application to the Trades -and Labor Council to place them on the "we do not patronize list" at the. next meeting. Vancouver Motors is still getting full attention of the , (Cont'd page 5) \ November 30, 1955 THE LABQR STATESMAN Page Five r- 'Good Q Milk In Vancouver' ".iVi'-Wfe''."*" .'J. ..'iffi.p'iilTlillH 1 Representing 1500 people employed in the B.C. milk industry, I am alarmed at the nature of the publicity given the Clyne Report and the release in Abbotsford by the Agriculture Minister Kiernan, of data from the report with comments. The report is basically good and should benefit the dairy industry; nonetheless, I must correct certain inferences in the report, and the press report on some of Mr. Kiernan's statements, all of which resulted in considerable detrimental publicity to the dairy industry. Inferences were given to the consuming public that all milk was filthy, dirty and posed as a threat to the health of the community, also that the small farmer was the most often and worst offender. In reality, milk on the fluid market in Greater Vancouver is of very good quality, strictly controlled by milk distributor* and the City Health Department. In this highly competitive industry, any one of the milk companies could, with a poor product, lose its business overnight. This type of publicity is wrong and harmful to all of us whether we., are ..consumers, ..farmers, workers or distributors. Should the consumer, through fear reduce milk purchases, our children will first suffer, then lower consumption will be felt by less returns for the farmers, loss of business for the distributors and loss of wages for dairy employee*. Regarding the small farmer, most of them can and do produce milk of high quality and suitable in every way for home consumption. It may well be that there are a few small farmers who are Dairy IMo^That All Milk-]s.XIiifiiu^:w not sufficiently responsible, efficient* in sanitation but surely, we are not going to condemn an entire industry instead of correcting or eliminating a few. It is well to remember that a small farmer must have as much right well. Obviously an increase in population must be taken into account when considering any increase in milk consumption. Mr. Kiernan inferred that union increases amounting to $500,000 throughout the industry Report of Mr. Justice Clyne on B.C.'s milk industry was released this month and there were several alarming reactions in the press on some aspects of the report. The Labor Statesman asked John Brown, secretary of the Milk Sales Drivers' and Dairy Employees' Union to comment Here is his informative report to earn a living as the larger farmer. Would it not have been better for the public and the milk industry as a whole if the exact figures or percentages of the farmers producing poor milk had been given and actual facts as to whether this milk was bottled or used otherwise, instead of speaking in generalities? Mr. Kiernan stated the consumption of milk had gone up 6 percent and this incease was credited to decontrol and lower store price instituted by the government It could well be that in a large part, this increase in consumption was more directly due to an increase in population, rather than a per capita increase. I believe that the situation here is similar to Ontario, where it was admitted in a letter submitted to a board of conciliation in Vancouver, involving the Dairy Employees' Union and the milk distributors, that consumption in Toronto had gone up 2 to 3 percent hut that the population had increased four times that amount and this, in a city where there is a lower store price as were responsible for reducing farmers' income. Where the figure of $500,000 came from, I wouldn't know, as in the distributors' own brief, the figure was $300,000, for all our requests and I can assure everyone, the union settled for considerably less than their original demands. On being asked how the union's increase in wages affected all the farmers, the Hon. Minister discussed the FVMPA in generalities, however, the milk industry contains more people than the FVMPA. The union is not ashamed of the increases in wages obtained for the employees in the industry. Statistics, including the Provincial Government's, were used at the conciliation board' hearings which prove that a great many employees in the industry are still behind comparable workers in other industries. While I have the greatest respect and admiration for Mr. Justice Clyne and his splendid report, I disagree with some of the statistics presented on wages. (Figures quoted in the report on Dairyland and Palm salaries were much higher than union rate..) The milk report states that, some milk drivers in certain areas in the U.S. have voted themselves a cut in wages in order to reduce delivery costs. If dairy employees of B.C. were making the wages in the area set out in the report, they would also have foregone a wage increase in order to help increase the consumption of milk. However, it has not been proved in any case, that a reduction in wages of employees involved or the advent of restricted delivery has had the effect of increasing milk consumption. Per capita milk consumption is the concern of the industry as a whole, the union opposed further restricted delivery, partly because reduced delivery resulted in lower milk consumption, thereby ultimately reducing the farmers' quota on the fluid market and harming the industry. Restricted delivery of milk is not the answer to the farmers' problem of selling more milk on Mrs. Norah Mulvaney met her friend Mrs. Bridget Carr on the street the other day. Mrs. Carr was carrying her twelfth, and youngest, child in her arms. "Arrh, now Bridget," said Mrs. Mulvaney, "and there ye are with another fine little Carr in your arms." "Another it is, Mrs. Mulvaney," sighed her friend, "and it's me that's hopin' 'tis the caboose." * * * "My husband has the strangest hobby," said Mrs. Smith to a friend, "and I never knew anything about it until yesterday. I found in his desk a queer looking ticket inscribed Mudhorse 10 to 1. I asked him what it was and he told me it was a relic of a lost race. Isn't it interesting?" • • * The union president was in a bad mood. His wife could stand his carping no longer. She exploded. "I'm getting a little fed up on catering to your every whim," she said. "Suppose we wives went on strike. What would yon do then?" "Go ahead and strike,"* he growled. "I've got a lovely little strike-breaker in mind." BUILDING TRADES REPORT Tent Town' Protests Still Pouring In Building Trades Council has followed up an earlier protest made by Carpenters Kitimat Local 1081 on the deplorable conditions of tent camps at the northern construction site. The local said men are living in tent camps with poor heating in sub-zero weather, something that should not be permitted by the government Letters have gone to the labor minister and health department asking action by Victoria. • * + A placard has been placed on construction work at the West Vancouver Municipal Hall. The Building Trades investigated the job, found conditions unfair to union agreements. Firm involved is'Allstate Construction. • * • Special committee of international representatives has been set up to study and bring in recommendations on unorganized conditions in Kamloops, Okanagan and Trail areas. An organizational drive for these areas is lining up. • * * Slum clearance programs in eastern <*entres—principally Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto — are being studied and statistics compiled before the BTC goes ahead on preparation of a brief to present to City Council and the federal department of public works. * • * Metal Trades Council has set up a special committee of: B. Post, Electricians; Jim McMillan, Machinists, and James Best, Shipwrights, to study the proposed formation of a Port Council here for all waterfront unions. A meeting will be.arranged later with Norman Cunningham of the SIU and official of the CCL Marine Workers. Teamster Talk <Contd) Teamsters, placard line being maintained 14 hours a day. Once again may we thank our affiliates for the splendid support they are giving us and assure them We will not forget the moral support displayed by their respective memberships. We are now in our third month of pounding the sidewalks but if it takes three yean, we still think it will be worth the effort. Buy Union Mode Goods With Union Earned Dollars the fluid market Instead, it would have the opposite effect At this time, I wish to assure the mothers of BC, the pasteurized milk you buy for your family is clean milk, is handled by trained, reliable people at all times, who are raising families of their own. We all know of the value we receive in a quart of milk as compared to other foods costing many times more. Statistics are readily available, proving that milk has risen in price less than practically every food item. The mystery to me is that when you consider all the operations necessary to produce and deliver a quart of milk, the cost is still just 22c, home delivered. May I say to all milk consumers: Have faith in the quality of milk your dairy sells you and have faith in your milkman. After all is considered, his livelihood depends on you and yon can depend on him. --■■■■::■■:: .« BSjH _H—1 Bfi Wk- *V'''_____: ■■*' jjflfH -^hI Y M If You Really Want To Sing I join orra CO-CBINSD PUBLIC SPEAKING AHD ALLAN DANIEL SINGING (LASSES H. W. BROOKER -*► 8 HO-OB LESSOHS . . S1.75 «- BROOKER MUSIC STUDIOS 636 BICHABDS ST., VANCOUVEB BROADWAY TYPING & MIMEOGRAPHING SERVICE two Blooka Saat of X-..or _"•___-* 183 West Broadway - Office DI. Mil; Res. CE. 440 OtHfJIaif Addressing- and Majfltaf Correspondence AgTM-aanta -Uparta Darlington, Haskins & Co. (1943) Limited TILES ■ MOSAICS - SLATE - TERRAZZO Phone: EXpreta 1565 525 West Eighth JJ-wx. "-^-v-wx^-v..- Vancouver, B.C | I — 0 — 1-' SIMMONS & McBRIDE LIMITED Directors of Funeral Service Phone BA 4151 1995 WEST BROADWAY "Canada's Finest Mortuary" STERLING LAUNDRY LTD. 100 PER CENT UNION COMPLETE LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANING 1460 West 7th Ave., Vancouver, B.C CHerry 7191 ,.i. i—= S. BOWELL& SONS Phon* 2656 66 Sixth Street, New Westminster, B. C. Cloverdale, B.C. .. . Phone Cloverdale 193 _■ _■■■ ■■■M Page Six THE LABOR STATESMAN Number 30,1955 Xmas Party Nothing slow.about Hospital Employees' 180 when it comes to making Christmas plans. November edition of The Hospital Guardian points out that General Hospital unit will hold its annual Christinas "do" for the kids Wednesday, Dec. 21 at Pender Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. North Vancouver General Hospital unit will hold its Christmas party Dec. 10 in Oddfellows- Hall, North Vancouver. UNION MADE THERE Take o lesson from nOld Hands" They all wear WATSON'S Leather Gloves Sold by leading stores JOHN WATSON LTD. VANCOUVER, B.C RETT'S SHELL SERVICE Broadway and Arbutus GAS - OIL - TIRES - BATTERIES ACCESSORIES LUBRICATION b REPAIRS UNION SHOP CEdar 4712 Danger S Beware of 'Right to Work' Laws ign (Cont'd From Page 1) For the Soviet citizen, the "right to work" has become the duty to work and work harder. For the Canadian worker, the "right to work" is a phrase without meaning. It is used only to hide the real motives of the sponsors of this legislation. WHAT'S BEHIND RTW LAWS? Despite this high-sounding title, these "right to work" laws are designed for only one purpose—to weaken labor unions and to lower standards of wages and working conditions. This is accomplished very simply. By prohibiting all basic UNION SECURITY IS UNION SECURITY arrangements, the law strikes directly at the bargaining strength which workers have been able to attain through union organization. RTW AND UNION SECURITY? What union security arrangements are prohibited by these laws? There are many different kinds of union-security clauses In some cases, such as a union shop, all employees are required to join the union. In other cases, such as a modified union shop or maintenance of membership, only certain employees must be members Of the union. Under these "right to work" laws in the U.S., the union shop (under which all employees have to become union members within a certain period of time after they are hired) is prohibited dispite the fact that this provision is expressly permitted by the Taft-Hartley law. At the present time, over 80 percent of AFL workers are employed under union shop conditions. The maintenance' of membership arrangement (under which existing union members have' to retain membership but non-mem- JOHNNY'S BARBER SHOP \ Two Barbers at Yonr Service at Johnny's Barber Shop NEXT TO THE LABOR TEMPLE-335 WEST BROADWAY „ CUTLERY the finest in . . . pocket knives, hunting knives, shears, clippers ELECTRIC CLIPPERS, VIBRATORS, SHAVERS B.C. Barber Supply & Sundries Ltd. €4 WEST HASTINGS STREET VANCOUVER 4, B.C. REACH FOR---- SUNBEAM BREAD! - ENERGY PACKED. bers do not have to join) is prohibited even though it does not require a single non-union worker to join the union. Over 12,000,000' workers are today employed under these union security agreements which would be illegal if this "right to work" legislation were universally adopted throughout the country. These union security arrangements are prohibited, even though the workers want it, even though the employer is willing to grant it, even though the workers are already union members. DEMOCRATIC Those who oppose any form of union security often do so in the name of democracy. It is undemocratic, they say, to require anyone to join a union. This sounds good but it simply does not make sense. - Is there any real difference between an employer and union deciding that an employee must join the union and deciding what his rate of pay must be, or that he may work only a certain number of hours? If the employee is not a member of the union he has no voice at all in determining his rate of pay'his hours or other conditions of employment. Why, then, is it undemocratic to require him to accept one condition of employment — union membership—when it is not undemocratic to require him to accept these other conditions of employment? When parliament passes laws, everybody obeys them or suffers penalties. Some laws—heavy taxes, for example—none of us like. Nevertheless, we obey all of the taws because they are passed by representatives of the majority of the votors. UNION SECURITY FOSTERS INDUSTRIAL PEACE Far from becoming a bone of contention, union security clauses actually foster the development of peaceful collective bargaining relations. Industrial relations experts have long recognized the basic fact that once a union's status has been firmly established it is in a position where it can make a more constructive contribution to union-management relations. Professor Sumner Slichter of Harvard University, a well-known and respected business economist, has summed up this point in the following words: "The employer is likely to have more freedom in shops where the status of the union is established than in one where its position is more or less precarious. Where the union is not secure, it is compelled to attempt to resist the employer's discretion at every point where he may discriminate against union members in favor of non- members." Many employers have welcomed the development of union security arrangements because a more stable union organization has assured more highly qualified workmen, a more productive work-force, and, in particular, a more constructive union attitude toward improving efficiency and lowering costs. | Collective bargaining has been i proved a success. Approximately 95 percent of all bargaining agreements negotiated each year are concluded without any* stoppage of work. With this record, government should not interfere in bargaining. Both labor and management agree on this. Questions of union security can be left in the capable hands of workers and employers. There is no need for the government to interfere in this process through any so-called "right to work" legislation. "RIGHT TO WORK" ENDANGERS During the past 20 years, the average worker has seen the following changes:' Wages have increased many fold; the 40-hour week has been adopted almost universally; and average income per person has risen greatly. __ These gains have not been a gift from employers. They have been achieved by the workers themselves, chiefly through union organization which has given workers equality of bargaining power with employers. These, gains are now threatened by "right to work" laws. If these laws are passed, organized employers will become stronger. Pressman Sign ' Okanagan Papers Okanagan Printing Pressmen and Assistants Local 445 has heen- certified- foxU-pr-ss. roo**_b„ employees dri the Vernon News and the Penticton Herald. Buy union made goods with union earned dollars. THE FIRST UNION DAIRY IN VANCOUVER Phone Dickens 1121 ....AND STILL THE FOREMOST MEMORIAL CHAPEL 1235 East Hastings St. Owned and Operated by a Trad* Unionist Funerale for Trad* Unlonlsta at prices Trad* Unionists can afford to par weather phone TA 1121 today for free homo delivery n-i* This advertisement is not published or displayed by the liquor Control Board or by the Government of British Columbia. November 30,1955 THE LABOR STATESMAN Page Seven "It's a wonder he's lasted a- round here this long." Buy Union Made Goods With Union Earned Dollars SUN Writers Go Places Vancouver San readers are wen- informed not only by The Sun's vast local and international news coverage, but also by the reporting by The Sun's able feature writers who journey to far places for on-the-spot observation and comment. ,■ For timely, vivid reporting, worldwide in scope, read Vancouver's home-owned newspaper! Phone TA. 7141 for Home Delivery TLC Students Study Merger At UBC More than 230 members of TLC unions in Vancouver and Victoria went back to school briefly this month—and came away with a new understanding of the TLC-CCL merger, the biggest single issue in the labor world this year. In - Vancouver, about 100 ''students" divided into elementary and advanced groups for detailed discussions, then united to hear a panel discussion on the merger. Max Swerdlow, . director of education for TLC, lectured on immigration, automation and continuing income; Prof. Stuart Jamieson of UBC taught basic economics; and Howard Conquer- good, director of education for CCL spoke on collective bargain ing and show stewards. UNITY AT WORK At the afternoon panel discussion, Howard Conquergood described the history of the division of labor into two major congresses, and the' work of the work of the unity committee; R. K. Gervin described the structure of the new Canadian Labor Congress; and Max Swerdlow described its future. Chairman of the panel was Trades Council president Tom Alsbury. Victoria and District Trades and Labor Council also sponsored a short course, at which speakers were R. K. Gervin and Max Swerdlow. Here again the merger drew top attention from about 130 unionists attending. Building Service Men Hail Teamsters As 'Union Label1 Offices Open Doors Ben Morley, business agent for Building Service Em ployees' Union, is happy about the opening of at-Jcaat:'tme*. new office building in Vancouver. He reported to last Trades and Labor Council meeting that an agreement has been signed covering janitors at Teamsters' spanking new headquarters at Broadway and St. George. BE UNION—BUY LABEL! nature's finest.. ... frozen peas Harron $fro& Itmiteb FUNERAL DIRECTORS -C-KfOSWAI* and ROYAI. OA-C, BURNABY DExter am 133 WEST SIXTH STBEET, NOBTH VAHOOTTVEB YOrk 1181 85 BAST TENTH AVENUE Phonal BM.r-ld MIT "AFRAID OF DOCTORS' BILLS?" Who Isn't? The present-day trend in Union Agreements is towards medical protection. Before opening negotiations for a new agreement see us for the most complete coverage for the lowest rates for groups in B.C. today. C. U. & C. Health Services Society Broadway at Quebec i> VANCOUVER 10, B.C. METROPOLE HOTEL ▼ANOOTJ"v*EH»B POFTJXAB PA-DLT HOTBE REFRESHMENT PARLOR 320 Abbott Street (opposite Woodward's Stores) 3. M. (BEAC-TIB) BBNOBBT. 1"-O__t-»0. NEWS FROM 244 Wage Talks Begin At Office Building Negotiations with the office buildings get under way shortly. < This year we are after a five-day, 40-hour week, wage increases, three weeks vacation after five years, and a union shop. These demands have been sent to the building managers Our negotiations with the Window Cleaning Operators have not been finalized as yet. The Conciliation Board has handed down its recommendations, and these will be put to a special window cleaning committee next week. These negotiations have been under way for the past six months and members are getting a little restless and anxious. They feel that the employers have played around long enough and it is time these operators became realistic and stopped dreaming. ACTION FORECAST There are a number of maintenance janitor contractors in the city endeavoring to secure work by saying they have an aereement with Local 244 when this is not the case. We have information in regard to one firm having done this, and if evidence warrants, strong action will be taken. Should any firm state they have an agreement with Local 244, ask them for evidence, or phone the Union office. Negotiations for new agreements have also commenced with the Board of. School Trustees in Langley and Richmond. Wage increases and better vacation and sick leave are the union demands to these employers. HEALTH PLAN At the regular meeting last Sunday, the Local demanded the ederal government implement a national health insurance plan, and provide a realistic Old Age Pension plan. Copies of resolutions covering both these matters have been forwarded to the prime minister, the minister of health and welfare, and all M.P.'s from B.C. Members who attended the short course in Basic Labor Education again spoke very highly of the institute. It was pointed out that UBC is quite remote, and that a place nearer the city would be more convenient to many, members and provide an opportunity for more members to attend. 'LABEL'CHRISTMAS As the festive season is approaching we would ask unions to arrange their Christmas and New Tear's parties in premises serviced by members of Local 244. Premises with party facilities having agreements with and employing members of Local 244 are: Labor Temple, 807 West Broadway; Electrical Hall, 111 Dunsmuir; Teamsters' Building Broadway and St .George; Stry ITUStudies New Methods Of Printing "__^^ this month set up a committee tfiat will make recommendations next March on ITU's plans re- ' garding introduction of neW methods of printing. The November meeting in the Vancouver Labor Temple was told that Seattle ITU may be setting up a "school" to teach volunteer members new printing methods. The union's Typo Bulletin notes that "Vancouver may have to follow suit." The Bulletin said "if the" ITU ' is to maintain the jurisdiction it claims, it must provide competent ment to fill the newly-created positions as they come along." Peter Campbell and Bob Jef- feries, both of Vancouver, and Jack Chapman of Victoria were named as a continuing committee to make further surveys and Building, 125 East Eighth and recommendations to the next Arcadian Hall, Sixth and Main. I Typo Conference to be held the Please note the Pender Auditor- j first Sunday in March, 1966, in ium has no agreement with Local Victoria REAL ESTATE - RENTALS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CEPERLEYROUNSEFELL<cCO 646 Vf HASTINGS HfcCIWC Sill ESTAB.1886 OVERTIME AND EMPLOYMENT Each winter in B.C. many people become unemployed for varying periods as a direct result of cold weather. This cold weather economic slow-down is cosily. The general loss of purchasing power reaches out into all lines of business and into all our lives. "Although the problem of seasonal unemployment is complex, the Department of Labour, with the co-operation of management and labour, endeavours every year*to promote the maximum amount of winter employment. During peak periods of employment when the labour requirements of industry can not be adequately filled, numerous applications for overtime permits are submitted to the Board of Industrial Relations. At such times working employees overtime is, one way and in some cases the only way that production can be maintained or increased, or that an emergent condition can be overcome. However, when labour is available for employment every effort should be made to provide it. Accordingly, at this time of the year when slowdown of employment begins, the Board is particularly cautious when considering applications for overtime permits. If overtime can reasonably be eliminated by the employment of additional personnel no permit is granted. The Department of Labour seeks the co-operation of all in an endeavour to reduce seasonal unemployment to a minimum. DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR Hon. .Lyle Wicks, Minister. Page Eight _» ft THE LABOR STATESMAN November 30, 1955 Everet King Backed For Park Board In December Civic Election Race Vancouver Trades and Lobor Council has voted to endorse Everet King of B.C. Electric Office Workers as a candidate for Parks Board, despite the opposition of a minority who disagreed with his acceptance of backing from the NPA. King, a member of the Trades Council' executive, had earlier been endorsed as a candidate for alderman, but changed his mind and decided to run for park commission. In a letter to council, King explained that when he agreed to run for city council, he had thought that Aid. Birt Showier would be obliged to resign through ill-health, thus leaving a vacancy on the council. Since that time, it had become "common knowledge' that Aid. Showier had recovered sufficiently to carry on his duties. EXECUTIVE ACCEPTS He said that he was forced to act without consulting council because of the time element, but had accepted NPA backing as park commissioner on the grounds that it would help place another labor man on a civic board. Trades Council executive, with vice-president George Johnston disenting, accepted the explanation and recommended King's candidature be endorsed. Purchase gifts that bear the UNION LABEL UNION LABEL & SERVICE TRADES DEPT. See our large selection of ■ TOYS & CHINAWARE A small deposit will hold your purchase until required MALOXE'S CHINA -Ltd.- TOYS 140 West Hostings St. Voncouver, B.C. RAISE CHINCHILLAS "the new fashionable for" For quality stock, write or visif... A. P. W. WATKINSON 907 Burns St. South Burnaby A Qualify •-*-- Service you can r„..... NELSONS Launderers - Dry Cleaners Rug Cleaners - Fur Storage Answering criticism from some delegates, King said they were using the old tactic of trial by association . . . the "old attempt to whip up the idea that the rank and file hate their employers. "In our economy we are a partnership. The idea that the boss is a natural enemy is a throw-back to long ago," he said. ""'We (labor) don't want to control city council. We want a voice to speak among others." BE REALISTIC Vice-president Johnston said he had voted against the majority executive decision for this reason: "I would continue to support Ev King if the NPA had endorsed him for alderman. That would be realistic. But now it is not a matter of endorsing Ev King, but of endorsing the NPA candidate." Secretary R. K. Gervin, supporting the executive stand, said it was time for council to take a broader view. He said King was the only man who had answered council's letter seeking civic candidates. ABLE MEMBER "Are we so small we can't go out and meet these people head on?" he asked. "I'm confident that Ev King can do battle, and I'm sure that if you give him your endorsation, he will not let you down." President Tom Alsbury said King was a valuable and able member of. the executive, and would maintain the high level of those elected from the council. Motion to endorse King passed by a considerable majority. UNION STENOGRAPHIC SERVICE MTMEOORAPHIKO TTFIH0 MINUTES OF MEETINOS SHORTHAND CI_tO"_*I.A-U" 333 Wait Broadway BM. 4318 Wife—How did all those empty bottles get in the basement? Hubby—I haven't the slightest idea. I never bought an empty bottle in my life. MArine 8181 TOWING • 24-HR. SERVICE • RADIO CONTROLLED • FULLY INSURED • BONDED DRIVERS BUSTER'S Auto Towing Service ltd. 376 E. HASTINGS ST. Exclusive AAA ! Contract - Voruouv-r BE UNION—BUY LABEL! Office Workers In Big Rush For Members Office Employees International Union has retained a full-time organizer in B.G. and this month app" .'". to all affiliated union members to help in a major organization job among white-collar workers. The new organizer is W. A. "Bill" Lowe, experienced negotiator in the office field, and also president of B.C. Electric Office Employees Local 378. In a release prepared for The Labor Statesman, organizer Lowe said: "It is becoming more apparent that office workers are now looking more favorably on unionization as the answer to their economic problems. "Many trade union members have friends dr relatives who are working within the ranks of unorganized office employees. In many instances, .they are in companies where the other employees are 100 percent organized, and only the office staff does not belong to a union. "I would appreciate being told of any contacts that could be followed up in these cases. This information should be sent to Office Employees International Union, Local 15, 383 West Broadway, telephone EM. 4218." Proof that Office Employees are already getting results came this month with the announcement that Labor Relations Board has certified the local as bargaining agent for office workers at National Paper Box Ltd., 194 West Third. BUI Lowe W. J. Heads Boot Factory Ltd. Makers of the "HEADS SHOE" fpr Loggers, Miners, Cruisers, Surveyors, etc. Our Shoes are Hand-made - You'll be Satisfied 21 Eaat Hastings Street Vancouver 4, B. C UNION LABEL GOODS THE BIG FAMILY STORE 1409 KINGSWAY Try us for Values—Established in 1910 BROADWAY HOME FURNISHINGS 563 West Broadway Vancouver, B.C. Telephone EX. 2511 \t DAY OF TRIUMPH II This picture depicts the life of Jesus Christ from His birth, to His return to His Father NOW SHOWING THE STUDIO THEATRE MA. 1511 919 Granville St. The Royal Bank can help you rfinrinr Build a Home enables l***^*^ %* your own over, th^The Royal Bank of arranged at^branch*>« ffi_de t *e Canada under NIL*. ^ your branch £ booklet gmngfuU dA T„. ROYAL BANK Of CANADA
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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