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[The Labour Statesman]
BC Historical Newspapers
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"""-*"" rv I. *>K WDfiHB 11. i.u f" ..iiijiiii iiiiiii.ii i V. " ..»"■""■". ■■■M.IH.IIM. I, I ■!■■■ .1 I 1^ , I.H»4I OWNED BY THE VANCOUVER, NEW WESTMINSTER AND DISTRICT TRADES AND LABOR-CQir^O Number 677—Eight pages VANCOUVER, B.C., MAY 24, 1955 TLC Will Back Civic Candidates Council Adopts Five-iS-nt Election Plan Vancouver Trades and Labor Council has cleared the way for entry into civic elections and it's almost certain some candidates will win TLC backing in the December voting. Reversing a previous recommendation to stay clear of civic politics this year, the executive' won almost unanimous backing at last Tuesday's meeting for Council to either sponsor or endorse candidates if suitable citizens can be found^to «jh for public offices. « ^ The resolutMt^HecUred "the Council uvf&Onceraed with having. clf-U-idates favorable to organized .labor on City Council,' Parks Board and' School Board." * j4-r« *■•■" - A five-point program proposed by the executive—which prob- •bly .Will put the, TLC hat in the election ring — declares ci Council' may sponsor its own candidates or endorse other candidate* already in the field who support labor's aim* and object*. The program does not specifically propose joint action with the. CCL Vancouver Labor Council but it does not exclude this possibility. ' Council President Tom Alsbury said "the program makes it possible to work in conjunction with the ,CCL or any other groups which may have the same aims as ours." I The program sets out: S 1. That we request citizens who qualify property-wise to identify themselves to the executive as being prepared to stand for public office. 2. That all names submitted be reviewed by the executive. 3. That the Council reserve the right of refusing endorsation to any prospective candidate Who, in its opinion, would not as yet have sufficient public support or for any other reason that in its opinion could not warrant support at this time. 4. That candidates so en dorsed shall have a committee to publicize and support them in as many ways as possible and that unions be asked to contribute finances and work on behalf of such candidates. 5. In addition to sponsoring candidates, that the Council consider endorsing candidates who may already be in the field and in the Council's opinion suitable candidates and candidates who would look favorably on labor's aims and objects. An amendment by Cliff Greer of Secondary Teachers Association set up a special committee to draft Council's election pro- (Cont'd Page 2) • • • • • • The Headliner • • • • * DID YOU KNOW—The now famous Salk polio vaccine ha* a Ubel in 1u background. developer Dr. Jonas Salk,' is a former member of International Ladies' Garment Worker*' Local 142, New York City. * * * m THE FOLD—Engineers' Local 115 have signed up Breaks Bros., Excavating, White Bock, ahd this firm has been removed from the Building Trades Council's "We Do Not Patronize" list * * * - POSIES TO MASON-In July, 1953, Australian Owen Mason landed on these shores and one month later was hired as statistician of the Trades and' Labor Council. The 34- ycar-old science graduate of London University who did research in his homeland on electro-chemistry, has been working quietly behind the (Cont'd Page 2) Milk Drivers' Union Opposes Elimination Wednesday Delivery BBefat iiiry.^ May Force Members To Strike * *(t __*\ •• Milk Drivers and Dairy Employees Union are strongly opposing a proposal to eliminate Wednesday milk delivery to homes and have told a conciliation board that insistence by dairy management on the further delivery restriction might result in strike action. The union declared a no-Sunday-no-Wednesday delivery would mean extra-long hours of work for salesmen, and would cut deeply into home milk sales. "There is every possibility of the employee's voting to strike if they are faced with a further restricted delivery as they have nothing to cover their hours of work,'" declared Local 464 secretary John Brown. The union is seeking a boost in hourly rate for dairy plant work- ^ j Names In The News FIRE CHIEF BIRD . . Scramble, for men. (See Editorial Page) ers who now get only $1.40 an hour, and for workers nine paid statutory holidays, and a welfare plan to provide life insurance and medical insurance with equal contributions by employee and employer. LONG NEGOTIATIONS .^ The union has been negotiating with distributors since Dec. 28 and the employer* have ad? mitted that union demand* were reasonable and not out of line, secretary Brown said. '■Distributors said the only way they could increase wages and given us statutory holidays is to cut down on the number of days that milk would be delivered," he said. '&d&S "It is significant that whjhjrthe distributors would save over $1,000,000 on this restricted delivery, that all during our ne- gottations they Jdjwe not even offered us wha£we have asked r. 'We have been in conciliation several weeks and the con- in board has to review the .ritains of evidence put be- it." Coverage In June The June edition of Labor Statesman will hit the presses earlier than the normal publication date to bring its readers up-to-the-minute, full coverage of the Trades and Labor Congress convention which opens next Monday, May 30, at Windsor, Ont. Watch for the June edition with this special coverage as well as full coverage of local labor news., .and features -MMM_«_t-ii6_M__a_a-H-M TOM ALSBURY^ . . Need good men. -**<.-?** Barbers Seek Increased Guarantee International Journeymen \ Barbers Local 120 are seek- w& -«f-a hoatf. in .th-i.i-HJaiH-P-B-.i nfion salary guarantee to union Union secretary rett said negotiations this year will aim at increasing the weekly guarantee which ha's^l-Ot been altered for several years. Meantime^fjtje reported organization of shops'jn the Okanagan Valley principally in Penticton and Kelowna districts is "progressing rapidly^l He said unio^* organizer Mas- son is handling^the interior drive and that Okanagan unic giving uj_: wonderful supp . Shops in Greater Vancon and" New Westminster area now about 90 percent .organized. are BILL BLACK Fights Martin order. (See page 3) ALSBURY RE-ELECTED Trades Council President Tom Alsbury has been renamed to the board of directors of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. * **4rV 'mikWik Page Two THE LABOR STATESMAN May 24, 1955 Trade Union The Trade Union Softball League with four top-flight teams got underway this month. The four teams are Team sters, Carpenters, Canadian Brotherhood of Railway Employees and Retail-Wholesale Cubs. All games are played at Robson Park Fifteenth and Kingsway, game time 7 p.m. To give you the spirit of league rivalry, here is Jerry Bell's (Teamsters Local 351) diary of the league opening: The opening game of the season was played Sunday, May 1, between the Carpenters and Teamsters. The Carpenters had a little too much* on the ball and . it ended with a lopsided score in their favor. Paul Ducharme pitched a good steady game for the winners, while Jerry Hunter started for the Teamsters, and was re- pTac«Tr>y*_-ob Linton and then our old standby, Val McFadden. Oh yes, the score ... 15 to 1. That's right * * ♦ This report of our second game is more to my liking and I'm sure to our friends and followers. We played the Retail Whole- CIVIC ELECTION (Cont'd) gram for civic administration was rejected by delegates. Secretary R. K. Gervin said, "the program is laid down in the platform and principles of the TLC and anyone who follows them is on safe ground." Both he and President Alsbury stated that candidates who can win both labor support and other public Support should be sought for Council backing. "The mere fact that a man is a member of a trade union affiliated with this Council does not qualify him for my vote to run my business at City Hall," Gervin said. President Alsbury said "there's not much value in candidates who are not well known or who have not established themselves in community affairs. -^•'*-knpJUS°ipg to support any candidates merelv because he's a trade urnoiiistror merely because he's a successful businessman," he said.' "But being a trade unionist his outlook wo he-would put £ union viejkpoim tut Cam as this asset— )d be such that .rward a trade it's attitude- on civic politic* *qu'arely on the fine with "we don't want to control City Council, or the Park and School board*. "But working people deserve in view of their numbers and •take in the community, greater representation in civic affair*. "We are citizens and we should have a say in our affairs," he declared. "And we need some points of view other than those we now have at City Hall." Lone opposition to TLC participation in civic elections Came from Ivor Cawker of Taxi Drivers Local 151. He said his union membership decided "we are trade unionists and not politicians and we will not donate one five-cent pies* to snpport candidates." TEAMSTERS' SCHEDULED GAMES FOR JUNE June 1—vs. Carpenters 8—vs. Cub* 12—vs. CBRE _.______. '_.:_: 14—vs. Carpenters 20—vs. Cubs 21—vs. CBRE 26—vs. Carpenter* 29—v*. Cub* Bale Cubs, on Wednesday, May 4, and after a very close contest at the end of 7 innings the umpire called it on account of darkness. The score this time was 7 to 5 for the Teamsters. One of the highlights of the game was a well-hit home run by Teamster Bob Linton scoring Len Clemiss ahead of him. Ned Dykes went the route for the Teamsters while the Cubs used two pitchers. * * * We hope you will turn out and support the players and match their enthusiasm. Last year Carpenters took the trophy, with Teamsters runners-up. Remember, all games are at Robson Park. We'll see you there. 20 Cents Hourly Voted By Board Conciliation Board has recommended a 20-cent hourly increase for grave diggers at Ocean View and Forest Lawn cemeteries. The employees rate has been $1.22 an hour and the union asked an increase to $1.75. The award which also included the Rand formula union security was accepted by workers, members of Building Laborers Local 602. Burnaby Workers Gain Wage Increase • Outside civic workers in Burn aby have gained a 3 Ms percent increase this year as recommended by a conciliation board. The award was a 3% percent boost to salaried workers, and five to six cents an hour for hourly workers. jr HEADLINER (Continued from Page 1) "scenes aiding Council and affiliate unions on research work. This week he won plaudits from two unions for excellent work on conciliation board briefs, comments which are well deserved and perhaps slightly overdue. * * * * ACTION—A special hearing headedN by Aid. Donald McTaggart will shortly check Street Railwaymen's Union complaints that there's a trend to slower transit service in the city. This and SRU's program to boost "travel by bus" came to public spotlight via Statesman columns last month. * • • VISITOR—Robert Loring, international representative o. United* Cement, Lime and Gypsum Worikers from Seattle, was here last week. He brought fraternal greetings to the Trades and Labor Council meeting. She: "Does it'make any difference to you on which side I •it?" He: "No, I'm ambidextrous." CARPENTERS SIGN CONTRACT Holiday Pay Established Fiv^ thousand B.C. carpenters outside the Lower Mainland area have signed a new two-year contract which establishes four percent holiday pay for the first time in a major industry. In addition, an increase of three cents per hour will become effective on April 1 of next year, bringing the basic rate for journeymen to $2.28 hourly. » Millwrights win an additional increase which brings their basic rate immediately to $2.40, and they will receive the same increase next April. Union signing officers—E. T. Staley, George Bengough and Victor Midgeley—noted in their official press release that "the signing came after several weeks of continuous negotiations which wer;e ■ conducted- harmoniously and on a very high plane." The new agreement also clarifies several clauses in the agreement, including those covering saw filers, transportation, and tool protection. Decision on the negotiations by 3000 lower Mainland carpenters will probably be made known next month. TRADES UNION DIRECTORY LABOR T-U-Pt-C SWt BROADWAY WEST Amalgamated Wast Cutters and B. W., loo-1 212 — Representative, Geo. Johnston, 203 Labor Temple; EM. 5735. Auto Workers" TTnlon, lodge No. 1857, I. A. of M Business Agent, Gordon Webb, 2414 Main St.; EM. 4104-5. Bakery and Confectionery Workers "Local 408 — Secretary, Melvln J. Kemmis, Room 106, Labor Temple; DI. 9520. Bakery Salesmen, local 180, I. B. T. O. and H.—Business Agent A. Wylie, 206 Labor Temple; EM. 5-230. Barber*—International Journeymen of Amerloa, Wo. 120—Secretary, C. B. Herrett, 116 Labor Temple; EM. 0641. B.C. Electric Office Employee* Association— Business Manager, E. King, 426 Can-all. PA. 1212, Local 424; home, 1306 E. 16th; DI. 0084. Beverage Dispensers TTnlon, No. 676 —'■ Business Manager, Robt. G. . Beddome, 440 W. Pender St.; MA. 3923-4948. Beverage Dispensers (Hew Westminster) £oe*l 838 — Business Agent. J. F. Tomson. 70 - 8th St., ■ffvw; Westminster; phone N.W. 48E6r- Boilermakers, Iron Shipbuilders. Blacksmiths, Drop Forgers and Helpers, local 369 — Financial Secretary, M. H. Hadlev. Room 811, 529 Beatty; TA. 1047. Bricklayers & Masons International TTnlon, local No. 1—Secretary, T. Hallmark, 4321 Cambridge, North Burnaby; GL. 3068-L. Building Material and Fnel Truck Drivers' Union, looal 213—Business Agents, H. Bonnell and J. Whiteford, 529 Beatty St.; MA. 1928. Bnlldlng Service Employees. local 244—Bualness Agent, Ben Morley. Room 206, 144 W. Hastings; MA. 9453. Building Trade* Council—Secretary Ed. Kennedy, 102 Labor Temple, EX. 1210. Carpenters' TTnlon, No. 488—Business Agent R. Buchanan: Financial Secretary, P. J. Depltsay, Labor Temple; DI. 2720 or EM. 1212. Carpenters (New Westminster) Io eal 1251—Business Agent, Roberts, GroVes. office 732 Royal Ave., New Westminster; phone N.W. 33; residence phone, N.W. 3873-L. Carpenters' TTnlon (Courtenay), No. 1838—John Hansen, Pres.; Robert Hamilton, Sec; Box 515, 'Courtenay. Cement Masons, local 910, O.P. ft CM.—R. R. Bftker. 271 Beta: GL. 0067-R, secretary; Dispatcher, TA. 6814. Olvlo Bmployees TTnlon, local 407 —Pres., Sam Lindsay, Room 220. Labor Temple; FA. 3442. Club, Cabaret, Construction Camp Culinary and Service Bmployees. local 740—Business Agent, G. W, Faulkner, 440 W. Pender; MA. 9828. Dental Technicians, looal No. 511, I. C. W. TT. — Sec, Don Laldlaw, 924 Queens Rd. W., North Van- couver;.North 2652-L-2. Distillery, Rectifying ft Wine Workers, local 69—Financial Secretary and Business Agent, L. K. Davidson. 9390 Jones Rd.. RR No. 1. Port Kells, B.C. phone Cloverdale 434-X. Distillery Worker*' TTnlon, No. OS- See., F. Case, 1534 E. 41st. Electrical Workers' TTnlon, local SIS —Business Manager, George Gee, 111 Dunsmulr St; PA 7381-2. ■levator Constructors local 82 — Sec, H. C. MacKlchan, 4638 Elm wood St, Burnaby; DE. 6689-L. Enamel Worken' Federal TTnlon, local 291—Sec, Wm. Glesbrecht, 1839 Parker. Engineers, Hoisting" aad Portable, looal 118—Business Agent, A. W. Scott, 111 Dunsmulr St.; MA. 2849; MA. 2056. Bnglneers, School and Caretaker*, looal 963 — Sec, George Zallo, 380 E. 15th Ave.; EM. 6394. Engineers' Union (Stationery Operating), local No. 882 — Business Agent, Harry Berger, 111 Dunsmulr St.; TA. 4633. Plre Fighters (Burnaby), loeal 323 —Secretary, L. H. Buckley, 4337 Triumph, GL. 3186-R. Plre Fighters, Vancouver, loeal 18 —President, Hector Wright 4149 Marguerite; CH. 4146. Sec. Frank Bain, 4559 Belmont AL. 0516-T. Floorlayers' Union, U.B. of O.S.. loeal Ho. 1541—Room 117. Labor Temple. Business Agent, R. V. Nash, 2803 E. 18th Ave.; DE. 2439-L. Glaxlers and Glassworkers, local 1527—Recording Secretary, W. C. Norton, 6850 Cree; FR. 4188. Government Employees' Association (B.C.)—E. P. O'Connor. Gen. Sec; A. C. Bennett Asst Gen. Sec; 902 Helmcken; TA 84.1-8. Hospital Employees' TTnlon, Ho. 180 —Business Manager, W. M. Black, 116 Labor Temple; EM. 6822.. Hotel and Restaurant Bmployees, local 28—Business Agent A. E. Morgan, 402 W. Pender; PA. 7933. International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators, and Asbestos Workers—Room 5, 111 Duns- .huir; PA 7615. Plasterers* TTnlon, Ho. 77* — Secretary, W. B. McMynn. 4860 Eton. N. Burnaby; GL. 2642-R. Plumbers and Pipefitters, local 170 —Bus. Manager, Norman Uphill; Asst. Ruslness Manager, James Barton; 109 Labor Temple; EM. 7225. Prince George ft Dlstrlot Trade* ft labor CounoU—Secretary's office, 1331 4th Ave., Prince George R.C. Phone 321-R-i. Printing Pressmen, local 69—See., Thomas S. Ezart, 6407 Commercial Drive; phone FR. 1848. Pulp and Sulphite (Converters) TTnlon, looal 433—Business Agent, O. Braaten, 525 W. Pender, Suite 1; TA. 1642. Pulp and Sulphite Workers, local 312, Ocean Palls, B.C.—Secretary, John Mathleson, Drawer 190, Ocean Falls, B.C. Retail Grocery and -Pood Clerks, loeal Ho. 1518— Sec, D. A. Wade, 205 Labor Temple; EM. 3348. Pulp, Sulphite and Papermlll Worker*—International office, ■ 440 W. Pender. H. L. Hansen, International representative. TA. 3858. School Board Bmployees TTnlon (Burnaby) loeal 379—Secretary, G. J. McCrae, 3309 Lane, 8. Burnaby. Seafarers' International Union — Secretary. Norman Cunningham, 298 Main; PA. 7824. International ladles'Garment Workers, local 376 and- 987—Business Agent, Anne Marshall, 119 W. Pender; TA. 5614; home, HA. 5961-M. ironworkers Shopmen's loeal Union 712—Business Agent, V. E. Steers. 307 W. Broadway; DI. 5611. Shipwrights. BoatbuUders, Joiners aad Caulkers, loeal Mo. 606 — Business Agent, J. T. Best 411A W. Cordova St: TA. 1715. Ironworkers, local 97 — Business Agent, John Marcus, Room 111, Labor Temple; DI. 8232. Jewelry Worker*' International local 42—President G. Amos, 7731 B'rch, KE. 4813-R: Secretary. G. H. Brown, 1608 West 57th, kE. laborers, Construction and General (International Hod Carriers) local foS — Secretry, A. Foster, Room 5, 307 W. Broadway, DI. 9288. laundry Workers, No. 933 — Business Agent J. H. Irving, 208 Labor Temple; EM. 4648. Machinists, International Association, lodge 693—Business representatives, Richard Osman and Ray G. Carr. Room 17, 2414 Main, EM. 7035—DI. 0513. Motion Picture Projectionists, loeal 348— Bus. Manager, L. Walker: Secretary, Geo. Thrift, 295 E. Broadway; FA. 6862. Holders' TTnlon local 881—Business Agent, M. Bjornson, 119 Labor Temple; EM. 6920. Murtolans' Union, local 145—Business Manager, Go. E. Leach, 402 W. Pender, Room 808; TA. 1664. Offloe Employees International TTnlon *_»•«. JoV-Wl W, Broadway; EM. 4218. Secretary, Eileen Hart; Recording Sec, Laura Ward. Palnter* Union, local 138—Business Agent Herb Macaulay; Secretary, John Hines, 103-307 W. Broadway, EM. 6033. **Jnt and Varnish Workers, looal rf I860—Secretary, V. Glardln, 74* * Prior; HA 0642-L. Patternmakers' Association—Secretary, E. Westmoreland. 4604 Mountain Highway, North Vancouver; TOrk 8*66. Sheet Metal Workers, looal 880— Bus. Manager, James Walker, 207 Labor Temple; DL 8020. Shingle Weavers' Union, local No 3803—SecreUry. J. EL Hlrd, 1624 W. 66th; KE. 4428-L. Sign aad Pictorial Painter*, local 726— Secretary. J. Middleton. 6889 Kitchener. N. Burnaby, GL. 2710T. ■treat Railwaymen's Union, Div. 101 —Business Agent C. Stewart Street Rly. Building. 116 E. 8 th: DI. 2010. Street Railwayman's Union, No. 134 —Bus. Agent R. C. Lawrence, Room 20, 774 Columbia, New Westminster. Phone 1842. Taxi Drivers, looal Ml—Secretary, C Gower, 104 Labor Temple; EM. 6210. Theatre Bmployees, loeal B-72 — Secretary, Bob Foster, No. 6, 1004 Wolf* Ave.; CE. 6261. Tile Setters, local Ho. 3— Reocrdlng Secretary, J. Neville. 1231 School Rd.. Vancouver 16; DE. 1816-R. Truck Driven* Union, looal Ho. 31 —Business Agents, Reg. Lenfesty and C. Solem, 221 W. Broadway; EM. 4185. Tunnel ft Rock Workara, looal 188 '—Secretary, William Hunchuk. Room 100, 619 Beatty; MA. 7161. Typographical Union, looal 938 — secretary. P. Campbell, 111 Labor Temple; EM. 6810. Union label Trade* CounoU—Secretary, A. E. Hallock, day phone TAtlow 2617, evenings, DI. 1741. United Garment Worker*' Union, Ho. 232—Secretary, Phyllis Fanu»; GL. S364-R. University of British Col_-_>-» Bmployees Onion, looal 116 — Secretary, A. Leathern, ill Bast 8th St, North Vancouver. Bile Drivers aad Wooden Bridgemen looal 2404— Business Agent 8. Allen, 111 Dunsmulr St; PA, 4046. Water Dlstrlot, Sewerage ft Drainage Board Employee*, loeal 333 —G. Patton, 4915 Earleo Rd., DE, 6236-R Wood, Wire aad Metal lathers local 807—Secretary. Glen Lang- ner, 1449 Renfrew; HA. 0441. May 24, 1955 '' THE LABOR STATESMAN I? ** -V Page Three Hospital Employees Win Support Vancouver Trades and Labor Council has unanimously endorsed a request from Hospital Employees' Federal Union asking the. immediate withdrawal of Health Minister Martin's directive to hospitals freezing wage standards. Hospital workers have asked that the hospital financing question be given top priority in the provincial legislature with a view to providing necessary finances to maintain adequate hospitalization without imposing a hardship on the employees concerned." The union has also announced that it will seek a roundt^ble conference with the Minister of Health in order to "re-assess our position as a trade union in the hospital field." AGREEMENTS SIGNED Health Minister Martin's wage freeze order burst unexpectedly upon the hospital union earlier this month—when most hospitals throughout B. C. had already concluded flieir annual wage negotiations and in some case- had signed two-year agreements. Said Hospital Employees' Business Manager Bill Black: "This order is tantamount to putting an end to collective bargaining, to freezing wages in all hospi- BRAIN TWISTER! Counting Chickens Perilous Pastime - You Try It This month's brain twister: After the ball game a group of men went to a hamburger stand for refreshments, and their -hill came to $6. They agreed to split equally, but two of the men turned up broke. "Never mind," their friends said, "if we each put in 25 cents more, we can pay the bill, 'and you can pay us later." How many men were in the party? (Answer on page 8) GOES UP WHEN YOU- (pcdbwniyL fvunJL that diapday* thsL UNION LABEL/ SHOP CARD, OR UNION BUTTON SWEDISH PARK AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES OR PICNICS For Information Phone HA. 4090 SWEDISH COMMUNITY HALL LTD. 1320 E. Hastings St. Typos Gain In Okanagan Bargaining (Special to the Labor Statesman) PENTICTON—Two-year contract has been signed between members of Typographical Union 541 and the publishers of the Penticton Herald and -Vernon News providing for a six cent hourly boost retroactive to March and two other increases. The two papers will pay an additional four cents next Sept 1 and an additional three cents next March 1. There were no other changes. | >^.-^.'^.^«^v^«'X. ■^••^••%.»^«"%.«^«'X. ^^^•"S^,V«,V«'V«'X.»'X. •^.♦'^•■^•^•>JI JOHNNY'S BARBER SHOP \ Two Barbers at Your Sarvlca at Jolmny's Barber Shop ) \ NEXT TO THE LAIOR TEMPLB-335 WEST BROADWAY \ ,.^*V»'_fc»"-..'X.»'-k.«-^«'X.«"V.,V»^«'-.«"V.'>.«'X.«'^.«-V«}5 .fV<VVW f^TTTT TT _R. Y the finolt *n • • • p°c,tet *™**y LiUl I jF-J\ X hunting knives, shears, clippers ELECTRIC CLIPPERS, VIBRATORS, SHAVERS ./ B.C. Barber Supply & Sundries Ltd. 64 WEST HASTINGS STREET VANCOUVER 4, B.C. METROPOLE HOTEL •T -A-TOOU-V-"-.•» VO-fTX-lB l-A-tUVr -tOTBI. REFRESHMENT PARLOR 320 Abbott Street (opposite Woodward's Stores) S.n. (BI-AO-CDB) BB-TOBBT, l"_*»rUtOV tals. The order is contrary to the intent ahd purpose as laid down in the Labor Relations Act." The business manager pointed out that there are many reasons for soaring hospital costs in B.C., including the existence of BCHIS, the large number of older residents, and the shortage of chronic hospital beds. He agreed that wages paid hospital workers have improved, but "they are only responsible for part of the cost." "There are still many hospital employees who are grossly underpaid," he said. MANY UNDERPAID "To suggest that hospital employees—nurse aides, whose salaries range from $150 to $170 per month, general kitchen help, $150 to $160, orderlies $230 to $250, janitors $210 to $230—are extremely well paid, in view of all the economic conditions in B. C, is incorrect." He pointed out that hospital workers do not enjoy group insurance, medical coverage, or unemployment insurance. Only two hospitals are covered by superannuation!. The resolution requesting withdrawal of the wage freeze order states that the order could be tantamount to "ins-Sucting hospitals to reduce _*§jrvjjce, cut staff, or break ^ trade union contract." BE UNION—BUY LABEL! UNION LABEL CORNER 'Canada Day at AFL Show By ED. SMITH May 23 was "Canada Day" at the great AFL Union Industries Show in Buffalo. It's the first time in the long history of the union label exhibition that one day has been' set aside specifically as Canada Day, and many delegates to the Windsor conven- attended. It's the only show of its kind in the world, and points up more dramatically than anything else what trade union workers are producing under the union label. * * » The seventieth Trades and Labor Congress convention will be one of historic importance because of the merger discussions—which will also be reflected in the Union Label convention. Representatives from all Canadian cities will be in attendance at the latter. * • ♦ In addition to the displays which many cities—including Vancouver—are sending to Windsor this year, a good many exhibits from the AFL show at Buffalo are being crated up and taken along to supply the proper atmosphere in Windsor. Our our exhibit this year will be smaller than usual, but a suitable booth is being arranged. «,. . • ♦ Here is an important reminder. If you appreciate the efforts of old Mr. Union Label Ed Smith—and all the other workers in the cause of the union label—then give the 1955 committee every support, both morally and physically. Keep B.C. in the lead in the promotion of union goods from coast to coast. Union Buying Week will soon be here and there is much to do. . Several locals have not yet responded to our call, so please make an effort to deal with this matter before the holidays start. Responsibility for making the 1955 union buying week more outstanding than ever rests with you. Please send your cheque now. * * * Union members—this union business is serious business. You' cannot play with- _*f *_*f*" you want better wages and conditions, you must wok at it—alf the time. So get wise and be a "worker." There is a chance for you to do" your . bit in the union. You get only what you work for. So Be Union—Buy Union —the whole year 'round. mam Ml Phonet FAwmmnt 6276 ■ Stoneberg Bros. Plating Works We Specialist in Hard Chromium and Hemaj Industrial Plmtm Chroma, Nickel, Copper, Electro Timnrng, PoksUmg, etc. 43$ East 5th Ave., cor. Guelph "»d 5th Ave., Vancouver Local 276 • Certified In Two Hotels Beverage Dispensers 676 will be certified to bargain for "public house" empjoyees'in the-St. Regis and Devonshire Hotels here as the result of successful appeals before the. Labor Relations Board. Thp union's applications for certification in both hotels in February and March of this year were rejected on the grounds that the existing bargaining units wera certified and appropriate for collective bargaining. But after hearing submissions from both the union and the employers concerned, the board reversed its stand and ordered the certifications this month. -afraid or Docrour inxsr 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 Jw-dmy at Qaeb«c VANCOUVER 10, B.C. who says so * iii!!!! ii;!!!! To get the facts straight, it's only common sense to be sure of sources, to double-check for accuracy. Province reporters and editors have a reputation for fair, unbiased reporting that makes them respected wherever the Province is read. It will pay you, too, to be a regular reader of ■■:::■ m !•••;■! H lii-lli . »l'.'WW_lHii_lUlUlUiBlint!****;i'T:ig. "■'■-'■'■'. i- ■ i :::::;:iiiniriin.iiiiiiii;K'i:ii:iii"ilfi-i-i The Vancouver Province _>_^-^-^-^-H-i-M-a__a_a__i _ri xT,' Page Four THE LABOJt STATESMAN May 24, 1955 THE LABOR STATESMAN Published last week of each month at Labor Temple, 307 West Broadway, Vancouver 10, B. C. • Authorli«d aa aacond claaa mail. Post Office Department. Ottawa Tha Labor Statesman la owned by tha Vancouver, Naw Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council, and supported by 114 local unions ■- "To each anion member the political party of his choice" TRADE UNION FOIBLES - - - i -Build atra-v Unions for Soolal Seoujcl^^^: .^:1,.;,; R. K. GERVIN, Secretary BILL WEAVER, Chairman Press Committee Subscription Rates: 11.50 per year; to Unions, 6c per copy Vancouver, B.C., May 24, 1955 SECOND LOOK NEEDED Trades and Labor Council this month strongly condemned City Council for ordering layoffs in the fire and police departments. That criticism was well-founded. The Trades Council was not questioning the right of aldermen to trim budget and keep civic spending in line with available monies. On one hand it was constructive criticism which ques- ________________________________________ tioned cutting into manpower of two essential services. _ _ rw-T_-xiwT Aldermen who can't take this type of criticism from tax- ORGANIZATION payers and public groups should study their responsibility as elected representatives. On the other hand, the Trades Council was objecting to the layoff order which in effect was a move to evade a unanimous binding arbitration award. ^Vancouver is a city destined to mushroom with new buildings and to grow in population. Each year by necessity the demand for greater fire and police protection will "We're glad to have young "All I can say is: It's a good m?n of your caliber in our com- thing you have a union to pany, Mr. Harper— Makes it assert your rights for you easy to fire you!" on the job!" A Big Task grow. Haffd-headed orders to lay off men immediately instead of careful study of economies in other directions is questionable civic leadership, especially when the chiefs of our fire and police departments have said clearly that staffs are now at a dangerous low. City Council's order for layoffs showed plainly that several aldermen bore a vindictive attitude towards fire and police unions. They openly admitted the budget cut was aimed directly at the men who fought for higher wages and working conditions. It was as much as to say: "We'll get back at you for winning through arbitration more than we would give you." The aldermen were pouting because they lost this year's round with the unions. We're glad to see the thinking oh City Council is changing slightly from the original, layoff order, and we'll continue to urge a reassessment of the problem. Fire Chief Bird is studying economies which will eliminate some firings and Police Chief Mulligan hopes to meet the problem through normal retirements and those leaving the force. City'Council should realize it's not a defeat to admit a mistake. Most recent survey by the federal Department of Labor shows a total of 1,538,323 non-agricultural wage and salary workers in Canada "are covered by union agreements. It shows that labor is making good progress in organizing Canada's labor force. The percentage of workers protected by union contracts has climbed from 31.8 percent of all non- agricultural workers in 1946 to 39.7 percent in 1953. This is a good record but still far from labor's goal. The figures point out the great need for a continued drive to organize the army of non-union working people to protect and solidify wages and working conditions won by organized labor. Organized strength of workers in some industries rises well above the national average of 39.7 but many fall far behind. Figures show organization in industries as: forestry 67.1%, mining 73.7%, manufacturing 54.6%, construction 58.4%, transportation, storage and communication 82.1%, public utilities 47.2%, trade 8.7%, service 12.6%, finance, insurance and real estate 1%. The major labor groups are now on the verge of an historical amalgamation. Following this great stride forward, concentration on organizing the non-union worker should be a paramount objective of united labor. May Day Declaration of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions warns "workers of the free world." The statement from ICFTU said, "so long as the Communist governments refuse to release their political prisoners, to grant workers the right to strike, to allow genuine trade unions to operate, to restore freedom of speech, of press and assembly—then Communist talk of 'peaceful coexistence' and 'unity of action' must be treated as a sham and hypocrisy." * The U.S. Navy certainly believes in that old Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared." House Government Operations Committee in Washington was told this week that the boys in blue have enough tinned hamburger on hand to last 60 years; enough catsup to pour a gallon on each .pound of hamburger; and suffii- cient canned salmon for 37 years. The Navy also "discovered" a big supply depot at New Orleans, the existence of which had previously been denied. METAL TRADES BRIEF The Problem In Shi Vancouver and Victoria Metal Trades Councils and the CCL Shipyard Workers' Federation have joined in preparing a brief V ' to yo before the Royal Commission set up by the Federal Government to enquire into the shipping industry and coastal trade. Following is the letter written by Metal Trades secretary Ed j Kennedy to the Vancouver Trades Council which won support of the TLC delegates: "I have been instructed to write your Council to solicit its support in endeavoring to impress the Royal Commission . . . with the necessity of building up Canada's Merchant Fleet both for commercial and defence if ever needed. . "As you are no doubt aware, the Metal Trades Council sometime ago appealed.to all B.C. members of parliament to support our plea on behalf of the unemployed shipyard workers, to have the Federal Government take recognition of the deplorable state bf Canada's position as a shipbuilding nation in comparison to its position in World War II in which it was on a par with the leading shipbuilding nations of the world. ' "The late Ian Mackenzie made statements at that time, which if carried out, would; see the shipyards in Canada build- ling the ships to carry Canada's exports to all parts of the world. "Coastal trade conditions here on the Pacific Coast leave much to be desired both, on the part of the shipyard workers and their employers. We feel the Federal Government has sadly neglected to look after pur Canadian interests especially on the Pacific Coast, in comparison to our neighbors to the south who have laws to protect their coastal trade to the benefit of Americans on all coasts. 'Therefore, we wish your Council to do their best to assist us in. endeavoring to bring 16 the attention of the Commission, the necessity of bolstering the shipbuilding industry for several important reasons vital to Canada as a whole: "1. Canada's claim as one of the largest exporting nations of the world. (2) As a means of alleviating seasonal unemployment on both coasts.. "3. As a necessity to this- eountry's defence in and when needed. TAXI-TALK By CHARLES GOWER There have been a number of inquiries about the Joint Council Welfare Plan. The plan has been adopted by the Council and is now in the hands of our legal advisors for complete make up. We hope to have it in print and in your hands before this month is out. It has been a big job for the elected committee and the amount of time they have put in on your behalf to develop a sound plan should receive the plaudits of all Teamsters. The next regular meeting—the last meeting prior to closing for the three- month summer recess—will be Monday, June 13 in Hall ' 12, Labor Temple. Mark that down. If you have something in particular in mind, make sure you catch this meeting. • * * When you're behind the wheel, you should remember there's a big filing system over in Victoria with its eye on you. Under B.C. law you can lose your licence when your driving record builds up to a point where officials must check you up. Every conviction is noted. The magistrate might not suspend your licence in any of your cases, but the department will do it when the file starts to thicken. "And if you consistently do the wrong thing, the files revolt and you lose your right to drive, perhaps for a year, perhaps for ever. The department, right now, has 26,000 suspended licences on its files. • a ■ * We understand the bowling banquet was a huge success and the winners did themselves proud. May we thank them for the appreciation shown in our efforts ? Things are beginning to look a little better in our industry, we are given to understand,, as far as increased volume is concerned. Who knows but what the week-end holiday will be the start of a good summer season for us. Let's hope that with continued good service and a "play ball" attitude towards the general public, this will be one of bur big years back again. > An Apple A Day... Never hit a man when he is down. He may get up again. A sewing circle is where women go to needle each other. Woman lawyer: "And yonr age?" Woman witneiti "About the •■me M your*." USmtSSSm May 24, 1955 THE LABOR STATESMAN Page Five NEWS FROM LOCAL 244 By BEN MORLEY Office Buildings Balk ... ...Negotiations..! with the office -buildings are-still -irr progress,, and a special meeting of the Building Section is to be held to decide whether the dispute will be taken to a conciliation board. Building owners are still very adamant in their stand, and refuse to budge on any requests of the union. The problem now rests with the membership to take necessary action to force their hands. Buildings concerned are the Stock Exchange, Hall, Pemberton, Lyric, Medical-Dental, Shelly, and 525 Seymour. * . * Window Cleaners are all set to commence negotiations with the Window Cleaning operators for an increase in wages, and four..-nore.. statutory., holidays. Notice has been sent to the operators requesting them to commence negotiations. * * * .• The local has organised employees of Allied Maintenance Limited, and has reached an understanding with this employer covering wages and working conditions— until such time as a new agreement is negotiated wtth him. In view of this we haw requested this firm be removed from the "We Do Not Patronise" list of the Trades and Labor Council. We wish to thank all affiliated unions for their support in our drive to get these employees organised. . The matter _of the^ FederaL Government contracting the cleaning and servicing of their buildings in the city came under fire, at the last meeting of this local. It was reported that in an agreement with a local contractor the government has allowed the contractor to work his employees 44 hours a week, while government employees doing comparable work in government buildings are working a 40-hour week. The local has asked the Trades and Labor Congress to investigate this contract to ascertain the reasons for the discrimination, if such exists. Unions Urge Cut Overtime To Help Solve Unemployment Sharp reminder that employees can help solve the unemployment problem by refusing to work overtime: except in cases of bona- fide emergency was issued by Building Trades secretary Ed Kennedy this month. In a letter to all Building Trades Unions, Kennedy noted that there is considerable construction work done on Saturdays and Sundays in the Vancouver district. The position of the council has always been to oppose overtime work, one of the chief reasons being the unemployment of our members during a great part of the year," he said. Kennedy pointed out that all LAUGH ... with us If we had our lives to live over, a lot of us would make the same mistakes, only we would start sooner. Catty: "I've got a husband who spends all his money on me. Kitty: "Stop, you make me jealous." Catty: "It should, dearie. He's your husband." There was a young lady of Munich, Whose "appetite simply was unich. "There's nothing like food,' She contentedly cooed, As she let out three tucks in her tunich. And did you hear about the two Scotchmen who were playing golf on a very hot day? One of the Scots succumbed to the sweltering heat and had a stroke. His partner counted it against him. A pretty girl is like a melody and after you marry her you must face the music. - There were two skeletons in a musty old closet. Finally one turned to the other and said, "What are we doing here, anyway?" Said the other, "Darned if I know, but if we had any guts we'd get Out of here." jobs working over 44 hours a week must have overtime permits from the Board of Industrial Relations, and unless these are procured they are liable to prosecution. "I believe the unions which are sincere in trying to waintain the five-day week should check up. and find out who is working over the five-day week and if it is an emergency aniMf the employer has a permit ?», _ "Remember jny brothers, our members are liable as well if they work over the 44 hours without this permit. Let's do something for the unemployed by trying to maintain the five- day week." Dieting—The penalty for exceeding the feed limit. Well, it's getting close to vacation time, but if you can't get away for a vacation this year, you can get the same feeling by staying-home and tipping every third person you meet. Mother: "Jean, that fellow who walks with you through the park doesn't look very polished." Jean: "Well, I'll admit he's pretty rough around the hedges." A boss is a man who is early at the office the morning you are Late. At a popular port all the crew applied for shore leave except one man. "What the matter?" asked the officer. "Are you the only one who hasn't a wife in this port?" "No," replied the man. "I'm the only one who has." • * * FROM THIS ANGLE Spotlight On Windsor A united Labor organization to be known as the Canadian Labor Congress, a truce in a grim railway strike in the U.S. and "idiot boards"—these dominated the North American Labor scene this month. In Ottawa, the joint unity committee of the TLC and CCL agreed on the terms of the long - discussed merger. Their work will be presented for ratification to the .two conventions this year. The merger experts also came up with a name—a skilful compromise—which appeared to 'fill the bill. Indications are that "Canadian Labor Congress" will go over fine with the CCL—but there may be a stumbling bh-ck at the TLC convention. Someone is bound to point out that the suggested name is very close to CCL spelt backwards. Terms of the actual agreement follow closely the pact signed a few months ago between AFL and CIO. *' While the committee slugged out merger plans, other plans are afoot in Windsor for the seventieth and perhaps final convention of the TLC, as such. Merger plans will naturally dominate the Windsor meet ing, but the delegates will also formulate TLC policy for the coming year. More than a score of delegates are attending from Vancouver. - . • * * In Southern U.S. a truce was reached in one of the most bitter strikes since the dark days of the depression. After 58 days, some 80,000 men of the giant Louisville and Nashville railway went back to work. The strike, which stretched through 14 southern states, was marked by continuing bloodshed, and violence. One railwayman, Charles Wright of Mount Pleasant, Tenn., was shot down in cold blood by armed thugs allegedly hired by the railway to escort scabs to the job. The shooting of Wright deeply shocked the entire labor movement, and AFL president George Meany sent a message to his widow, which said: "In behalf of the entire labor union movement, the deepest sorrow. The name of Charles E. Wright will go down in labor history as a martyr to the cause of justice." Executive of Wright's own union quickly dispatched $2000 to handle immediate expenses —then set about formation of a memorial fund to look after the widow and her 'teen-age daughter. This week the trains moved again, and although the settlement was hailed as an "historic milestone" it seemed that many of the issues were yet to be settled. A Washington lawyer jointly selected will make recommendations for a final agreement. * ■ *., * Amid all the violence of the strike and the latest tensions of the cold war, Americans found time to get excited about handy devices known as "idiot boards." Democratic Senator Richard Neuberger of Oreon—a good friend t to labor through the yeaj-j—-brought the matter to public attention. He said that politicians delivering television addresses are making use of "telepromp- tera" known to the trade as "idiot boards." This way they can read their speeches, while staring into the camera and giving the impression of silver- tongued oratory "Is this what we want in poltical campaigns?" asked Neuberger. "If a candidate will deceive people that way, may he not also fool the people by the content of his speech?". "" BROADWAY TYPING & MIMEOGRAPHING SERVICE Two -Hooks -hurt of labor Tempie 183 West Broadway - Office DI. 8011; Res. CE. 4469 Addressing* and -Calling - Agreement- • Circulars Correspondence - Reports Darlington, Haskins & Co. (1943) Limited TILES • MOSAICS • MARBLE , TERRAZZO Phone: FAlrmont 7800-8985 52- West Eighth Vancouver, B.C. SIMMONS & McBRIDE LIMITED Directors of Fwteral Service Phona BA 4151 1995 WEST BROADWAY "Canada's Finest Mortuary STERLING LAUNDRY LTD. 100 PER CENT UNION COMPLETE LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANING 1460 W. 7th Ave., Vancouver, B.C. CH 7191 MUSIC AND DANCING EMBASSY BALLROOM Dancing Every Night Except Monday Ernlo Buchanan's Orchestra 102. Davie Street RICHMOND TRANSFER BAH-* nUIQKT ■BBV-OH — __UI.tr TOA-TO, SB A HUIB, STB VBSTOJT—LIGHT ABB HBAVY HATH-INO Pbone HAstings 4297 425 Alexander Street ANGELUS HOTEL Corner Dunsmuir and Howe Streets, Vancouver, B. C. Phones: MArlne 2.35-36-37 A. H. HARRISON, Manager Mt. Pleasant Undertaking: Co. Ltd. KINGSWAY at ELEVENTH AVENUB Kindliness - Understanding • Dependability Lady Attendant Phones: EMerald 2101 and 2102 Page Six THE LABOR STATESMAN May 24, 1955 r*CtT5$/«AAN) _£_ Hot Dispute Finally Settled NEW YORK—A 38-year- old dispute has been settled. The end came this month when United Hatters, Cap and Millinery Workers signed a union-shop agreement covering 700 production employees of Frank H. Lee Co., Danbury, Conn. The company has agreed to operate a 100 percent union factory and has granted wage increases and paid holidays. One of the oldest and the third largest in the men's hat industry, the firm manufactures Lee and Disney hats. The Hatters' Union label will be carried in all hats. The Lee company was founded by a man who had at one time been an officer of the Hatters' Union and operated as a union shop until 1917 but switched to an open shop following- a general strike in Danbury that year. Strikes Are Rore Records Show OTTAWA — Trade unions usually hit the news only when strikes or contract tussles make good headlines, but peaceful negotiation is the general rule rather than the exception as it might appear. The federal Department of Labor this month released a study of collective agreements in Canada carried out in 1953, which shows nearly all collective agreements in department records are renegotiated regularly with no disruption of production. During 1953, 6510 agreements in effect were on file covering a total of 1,538,323 non-agricultural wage and salary workers in Canada, yet there were only 77 strikes involving about 30,500 workers. Canadian VP For Service Union TORONTO-rAl Hearn of Toronto was elected a vice-president of Building Service Employees International Union at the convention in Chicago this month. He succeeds Gus Van Heck of Chicago who retired. ICFTU Secretory Blasts Ciech Trial BRUSSELS—J. H. Olden- broek, general secretary of International Confederation of Free Trade Unions charged that sentences passed on 10 Czechoslovak labor leaders last month "are another example of Communist brutality." Commenting on sentence of , the trade union men ranging fcom four to 17 years in prison, he said, "this secret trial is the latest in a series staged against the real representatives of Czechoslovak labor. "Hundreds of workers have been arrested and imprisoned without any court proceedings in this wave of repression," he saidV'In this way, the Cbmmun. ist ruling clique is trying to eliminate all who have the confidence of the working people. "I protest emphatically against these new judicial crimes1 of the Communists which show again that in fact the hypocritical Communist slogans about basic human and trade union rights are nothing more than a facade." t Garment Workers Set Medical Centre MONTREAL—Medical centre financed by employers but under joint management has been opened in Montreal by International Ladies' Garment Workers Union. The first of its type in Canada opened by the ILGWU, the centre will offer medical care for the 10,000 workers in the dress, coat and embroidery industries. There are sixteen similar centres in the U.S. Administrative costs are met by employers' contributions as provided by collective agreements. They pay half of one percent of their payroll. Certifications International Ladies Garment Workers Local 276 have been certified to bargain for employees at Vancouver Sportswear, manufacturers of ladies cloaks and sportswear. Cement Men Rap I mported Product East German CemenTOIalif = ^= Unfair Competition Says Union Protest against importation and dumping of cement from East Germany by.the Anglo-Canadian Co. carried the backing of Trades and Labor Council this month. A resolution from Local 227 of United Cement, Lime and Gypsum Workers declared the imported cement is being sold at a sub-standard cost price and is "creating unfair trade competition to Canadian-made cement The Bamberton Union said For OOODNESS Sake .. . DAD'S ORKilNAL Oatmeal Cookies The Most Delicious Health Biscuit 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 .68 Kingsway Vancouver, B.C BE UNION—BUY LABEL! r*- since 1952 cement production in B.C. has exceeded sales to such an extent that during 1954, production was cut to two-thirds capacity and many union workers were laid off. . Council secretary R. K. Gervin said Anglo-Canadian held a union agreement with Teamsters Local 213, but the company should buy B.C. cement which has "been recognized as a good products for many years." LOWER WAGES "If cement can be imported from East Germany at less cost, we become mighty suspicious that the people producing it are not getting proper wages and working conditions." John Hayward of Street Railwaymen said he understood Anglo-Canadian had bid for B.C. cement but couldn't get a contract and. that the import was a stop-gap until the company established its own cement industry here. TIRES...... BOURNE 8c WEIR LTD. NEW — USED — RECAPPING Buy them on easy Budget Plan I W West Jnd Phone: FAirmont 8821 $J»''^**"^*'*^*''^,''^,"'^«'V»'-v«"V«'V»'X..-X*"V«_^^ BUTTON'S FLOWER SHOP for All Occasions •*v» 7 Flowers nuoB-n 1520 Commercial IOBAPH -LOWEES -l.W-JM I* TOT WO-U-D" ( HA UK - HA MM ( asrcial Drive Vancwiv-r, B.C / "*^~W*~W.~^-"V*X.«^_.-^.-W.'^.'V..'V..'^..'X.."V..*^.»-w.-W.-W.^..'X..'X..|| "W s Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 423 have organized Charles Ber- telsen Plumbing and Heating shop and S. P. Seymour and Son, both of Vernon. MArine 8181 TOWING • 24-HR. SERVICE • RADIO CONTROLLED • FULLY INSURED • IONDED DRIVERS BUSTER'S Auto Tewing Sorvict ltd. 37f E. HASTINGS ST. Exelt-jlr- AAA Contract V-Kt-u.-r REAL ESTATE - RENTALS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CEPERLEYROUNSEFEUACO HKCIF1C 3331 ESTAB.I686 646V»HAfT!Hdi \jUnStaL <^£fl(7LC£ * S. BOWELL & SONS Phon* 26S6 66 Sixth Street, New Westminster, B. C. Cloverdale. B.C, . . . Phone Cloverdale 193 underway! SETON PROJECT To make sure that there's always plenty of electric power available for homes and industries it is essential for the B.C. Electric to plan and build generating facilities well ahead of demand. One of the Company's hydro-electric developments now under construction is the Seton Lake project which Will add another 58,500 horsepower lo your service in 195.. ^ fc ELECTRIC AH0THERWS8,S00 H.P. FOR BETTER LIVING ELECTRICALLY spy* * May 24, 1955 THE LABOR STATESMAN Page Seven Council Checks VGH Layoff n Go HARRY BERGER . . . It's dangerous. Kamloops Tapmen Sign Pact KAMLOOPS — Beverage Dispensers Local 835 have signed two-year agreements covering beer parlor employees and service workers in the Leland Hotel and Plaza Hotel. " Service workers get, a three percent increase and two additional paid statutory holidays the first year, with a further boost of two cents an hour the second year of the contract. Tapmen and waiters in the beverage rooms won a contributory welfare plan plus two< additional paid holidays. In J,he first year of the welfare plan, -tin employer pays four, cents an hour, the employee three cents. In the second year the employer pays the full cost of the plan, seven cents an hour. Firefighters Certified North Vancouver Fire Fighters' Union has been certified to bargain for firemen in West Vancouver. NATURAL VEGETABLE and FRUIT JUICE BAR "Drink Your Way to Health" GRAND UNION MARKET 95 W. Hastings - TAtlow 2*17 Earl and Josephine Hallock Proprietor- An All-Unioii Vancouver-Owned Newspaper A pleasant relationship exiits ' between The Vancouver San end its staff of several hundred fully unionized man and woman, and The San gives sympathetic, complete and reliable coverage to all news of organized labor. .bans TA 7141 far Heine DoHvary • • • • • • Engineers Steam will investigate the complaint of Stationary Engineers Local 882 against layoff of four firemen which the union states will produce unsafe conditions in the huge Vancouver General Hospital. The Council has agreed to a request from Local 882 that the issue be put before the provincial departments of Public Works and Labor and the Workmen's Compensation Board. Business agent Harry-Berger told Council that the VGH firemen were laid off on April 26. He said the staff reduction was made with the consent, and approval of the government's chief boiler inspector who indicated the operation of boilers, generators and auxiliary equipment as well as answering maintenance calls can be handled by the two remaining engineers. "It is the opinion of the union that this is definitely an unsafe practice," Berger said "Should any emergency arise in the pow- Aid. Earl Sees Light —Pres. Tom Congrats Aid. Earle Adams, who this month tore into the Trades and Labor Council for what he termed "continual criticism" of City Council, got a pat on the back from president Tom Alsbury last Tuesday. Commenting on City Council's decision in ordering layoffs in the fire department to meet increased labor costs, President Alsbury said: "Aid. Adams made a bitter attack on the Trades Council, declaring we always criticize and never say anything nice. "We will pass out the compliments if they give us the opportunity, and I heartily compliment Aid. Adams for his courage in reversing his decision when he saw the light." The alderman had first voted for fire department layoffs. But after meeting with Fire Chief Bird and being convinced there was no way to cut expenses except through layoffs which would endanger human life, he voted against the layoffs. j f-|i! I Council Aid Pledged On Shipping Issue City Unions Bock Metal Trades Resolution Going To Windsor Trades and Labor Council will give solid backing to the Vancouver Metal Trades Council in its efforts~to impress the need of building up Canada's merchant fleet before a special Royal Commission. Delegates voted all-out support and at the same time promised to back up resolutions which will go before the TLC convention in Windsor this month. At the same time, Metal Trades secretary Ed Kennedy criticized City Council for its "do nothing" attitude on the shipbuilding problem. - Aldermen were asked to lend support to the drive which aims to bolster shipbuilding and re-, pair work here but they merely "received" the letl-gr from the metal trades group. "Evidently that's all City Council thinks about shipbuilding in our city and the employment of men," Kennedy said. "On the other hand, Victoria city adopted our resolution and •aid they would do all in their power to aid the cause, ■ MORE TO GAIN "Vancouver has more to gain in building up shipyards than Victoria, but that's evidently the difference between the tVro City Councils," Kennedy said. Cliff Greer of the Secondary Teachers was the lone voice opposing the Metal Trades stand, declaring that Britain is now established as a shipbuilding nation and if Canada was anxious to market its products abroad, it should buy from them. Jim Barton of Plumbers took exception to Greer's remarks, stating "right here on the Pacific Coast the finest ships in the entire world were built during the war. "What are we going to do with all the people we trained in the industry at that time? Five yards have gone out of business since the end of the war." Okanagan Local Wins 5 Percent (Special to The Labor Statesman) VERNON—Members of general Teamsters' 868 have settled their dispute with Mc and Mc establishments ' here and in Kelowna on the basis of an "incentive rate" of five per cent of the profits of the two operations. Basic wage rate remained the same, but $10 per month per employee was arranged for the months of. November and December last year so that beginning of the new agreement will co-incide with the calendar year. Conciliation officer was G. A. CarmichaeL As ^our Me erhouse during the absence of one engineer, the remaining engineer might find it impossible to cope with the situation. "This in turn could cause extremely dangerous situations to arise among the patients, where iron lungs, oxygen apparatus and other electrical equipment is in use." Berger said the boiler inspector has the right to set the minimum number and class of certified engineers on any job but not to set a maximum figure. The chief boiler inspector "has • ■ • • e . e interfered in a, labor problem in which he had no interest whatever," Burger said. Jim Murray of Hospital Employees said VGH is putting on a new night maintenance staff and pointed out one of the men laid off had been taken into his union to protect his pension rights. He said the danger aspect is being overestimated. MAKE EVERY WEEK UNION BUYING WEEK Civic Workers End Dispute (Special to The Labor Statesman) KAMLOOPS—Municipal Employees' Association Local 310 has settled its dispute with city of Kamloops, with the city agreeing to 10 percent differential as a clothing allowance for truckers working with asphalt. - The city also agreed to revise seniority lists every six months; and although basic rates remained unchanged, warehousemen and the water sub-foremen are to receive increases of $10 and $7 per month. Building Material and Fuel Truck Drivers Local 213 have been certified to bargain for Warehouse employees of Home & Pitfield at Dawson Creek. BETT'S SHELL SERVICE Broadway and Arbutus GAS - OIL • TIRES - BATTERIES ACCESSORIES LUBRICATION fr REPAIRS UNION SHOP CEdar 4712 MEMORIAL CHAPEL 1235 East Hastings St. Owned aad Operated by a Trade Unionist Funerals for Trade Unionists at prices Trade Unionists can afford to par oaoBoa __ weather right-o FOR GARDENING • For real refreshment all year 'round, it's Old Style Beer, brewed $£mm any^weather's } "^'"■-tOHStijJE BEER This advertisement is not published or displayed by the Liquor Control Board or by the Government of British Columbia. Page Eight THE LABOR STATESMAN May 24, 1955 B-s^vr.«i'"?K"£_i., awsiiw^ 200 Houses Answer To Union Protest Workers Reject Tenf Town Two hundred houses will be set up at Kitimat to house construction workers following Building Trades unions' protests over camp conditions. The Labor Statesman has learned that the houses are on order and will be ready for occupancy in about six weeks. It is understood the houses will have both single and married quarters. . * The action by Alcan follows a meeting between company officials and provincial health officers. Vancouver Building Trades Council had protested to Health Minister Martin that contractors Johnson-Crooks intended to put construction workers in a tent cariip again this year. The deplorable tent camp con ditions were protested last year and already several unions have stated their members would not be allowed to occupy tents again this year. Unsanitary and overcrowded conditions were brought to public s attention by The Labor Statesman last summer. Trades Hit Conditions At Kitimat Council Delegates Get Summer Break; UpCOast Unemployment Three Tuesday Meetings Cancelled flow Growing SeriOUS Trades and Labor Council delegates will get their regular holidays from summer meetings this year. The Council has cancelled the first regular meetings for three summer months. Mettings cancelled are June 7, July 5 and August 2. Pulp Plan Pact Being Drafted A written understanding on handling new construction work in pulp and paper plants will be drafted by a special committee of building trades representatives. Secretaries of Vancouver and Victoria Building Trades Councils and Dick Osman of Machinists 692 will meet with II. L. Hansen, international representative" of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers to draft the agreement. Bro. Hansen has assured that members of his union would not do construction work considered belonging to building trades unions. Are You Getting MARRIED? Pictures taken by an experienced photographer will be treasured in all the years to come! CALL HUX LOVELY .. Dickens 3531 (24-Hour Service) HUX LOVELY, official photographer for the Labor Statesman, announces opening of well appointed studios at 324. Cambie. PORTRAITS CHILDREN'S PHOTOS WEDDINGS BANQUETS "Photography For Every Ntad" Projectionists Invoke Law In Interior Motion Picture Operators have asked the Labor department to prosecute the manager of an interior drive-in whom they say has refused to re-hire a union operator, and has refused to submit the dispute to arbitration. Projectionists'secretary George Thrift said the manager of Star- lite Drive-In at Genelle, near Trail, brought in a partner who is a projectionist, and announced at the beginning of the season that the partner would do. the operating and the union man wquld not be needed. Represented by Frank, Todd, president of Kamloops Trades and Labor Council, the union started to organize an arbitration hearing of the matter. Todd reported that the management's lawyer claimed that arbitration procedure was set up to handle grievances between an employee and employer, and as there was no employee there could be no grievance. BREACH OF AGREEMENT On this basis he refused to arbitrate, and projectionists have applied to labor department to prosecute for breach of an agreement. Union's contract with the theatre runs until next March 31. Motion Picture Operators have also applied for a charter to operate "Project Co-Operative Association" in conjunction with their newly-acquired building at 1356 Seymour. Projectionists are discussing plans for negotiations which resume, in July. Major demand will probably centre on establishment of a pension scheme, which if achieved will, be the. first in Canada for the industry. Metal Trades Job Report Employment conditions this month in the Metal Trades varied from "poor" for electricians to ''good" for shipwrights in small boat yards. Electricians:,trade poor, considerable number of unemployed; Plumbers: very slack, prospects poor at present; Ironworkers: all working, most shops busy; Molders: Fair, one foundry closed down; Sheetmetal: few unemployed, negotiations in process. Shipwrights: good, small boat yards busy, with shortage of goodT-hipwrights; Painters: fair, work opening up slowly; Engineers: still slow, number of unemployed. SUMMER'S HERE and.the year's first sunshine brings out the first of our series of Union Label gals. Citizens Advised to Check Before Inviting More Workers Allied Aluminum Council this month issued a warning that the unemployment problem in Kitimat is becoming serious. Vancouver Building Trades Council was told at its meeting there were 180 unemployed in the town earlier this month who were unable to find accommodation. The Aluminum,Council issued | an open letter to Kitimat citizens urging a check with AFL building trades before encouraging workers to go to the Alcan project. —Brother Lawson told BTC that some of the unemployed were pilfering bunk houses. SERIOUS PROBLEM - Following is the message from AFL building trades unions to the people of Kitimat: "The unemployment problem in Kitimat is becoming more serious every day and a great deal of it is caused indirectly by yourselves. "Many of you are writing your friends and relatives that there is plenty of work on construction here. They in turn tell their friends who are out of work . . . and so it goes. "The result is, men are here ■ without jobs, without living accommodations and without enough money to eat on, and no money to go where they may find work. CONTACT US , "We of the AFL building trades are asking you to first "Do you ever have rows with your wife?" "We used to until we realized I was wrong." Painters Win Seven Cents For All Members About 1000 members of Painters Local 138 this month signed a two-year contract establishing four cent per hour across the hoard increase this year and three cents next year. Contract will remain in force untjil March 31, 1957. ' Clause pertaining to Unemployment Insurance Books was changed to stipulate that employers must issue books to their men immediately upon termination of contract, without the employee having to ask or wait for it. Clause governing apprentices was amended to permit one apprentice for every ten journeymen on a given job. Civic Workers Gain Increase (Special to The Labor Statesman) PRINCE RUPERT—Members of Civic Employees' Federal Union Local 5 paid by the hour have won a four cent hourly boost, and salaried workers get $6 per month as the result of a contract signed with the city of Prince Rupert. Conciliation officer was Robert Forgie. contact us and find out the true employment picture before you pass out information. We will' appreciate your co-operation on this and the employment seekers will appreciate it as well. "We know the employment situation because the AFL building trades hold all the working agreements there are with the construction companies in the area." Will Meet Cost Trades and Labor Council has agreed to meet half the excess expenses at the institute on race relations held May 1 at YMCA under sponsorship, of Vancouver Joint Labor Committee to Combat Racial Discrimination. Excess expense was $40.24, and the TLC. and CCL councils will split the bill. Look for the . . . UNION SERVICE BUTTON UNION LABEL AND SHOPCARD Patronize Them This Space Donated by Bill Couper 7X4 SEYMOUR STREET Barron Pros!. Himttrb SB HAST FUNERAL DIRECTORS aad BOTAL OAK, BU-UTABY SIXTH BTBEET, NORTH VAHCOUV-JB AVllJfUE Phons: _■_-•-___ Hon. Lester B. Pearson; Canada's Minister for External Affairs, will formally open the PNE this year. Fair dates are August 24 to September 5 inclusive. The PNE is now the fifth largest fair on the continent in attendance. - BRAIN TWISTER! Answer to twister: Eight men. DB-t-r 3361 TOrk 1181 THE BIG FAMILY STORE .14DTKINGSWAY Try Us far Vals -Established in 1010 W. J. Heads Boot Factory Ltd. Makers of the "HEADS SHOE" for Loggers, Miners, Cruisers, Surveyors, etc. Our Shoes are Hand-made - You*U be Satisfied 21 East Hastings Street Vancouver 4, B. C
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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