4 WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER From Page 1 “IWA STATES CLAIM AT CONGRESS MEET™ In a statement, prepared for sub- mission to the convention, outlining the IWA position, Regional Presi- dent Joe Morris said: “The convention is entitled to know the facts upon which the IWA bases its claim for the jurisdictional right to continue its fight on behalf of the loggers of Newfoundland. “We regard it as most unfortu- nate that this claim has been dis- puted by another affiliate, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Join- ers. In this respect, we point to the record, Our union has acted in good faith in its relations with the Cana- dian Labour Congress and the log- gers of Newfoundland. From the day that we answered the appeal from loggers in Newfoundland to: organize their protest against intoler- able conditions, we have acted in close consultation with the officers of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Our concern over the deplorable state of organization among the Newfoundland loggers has always been tempered by a sincere desire to maintain unity within the House of Labour, The IWA has conscien- tiously sought to avoid open juris- dictional conflict with any other affiliate through agreement and re- liance on the procedures provided by the Congress to deal with in- cipient disputes, The Real Issue “We recognize that the real issue before the Congress is not whether any one union should secure ad- vantage over another. The real question is that the Newfoundland loggers should be given a free choice in the selection of a union to act as their legal bargaining agency. Our claim for jurisdiction rests on the firm belief that the IWA has estab- lished and maintained bargaining relationships that deserve the re- spect of all affiliates to this Con- gress, “We have conclusive proof that the loggers have cenfidence in the IWA to win a protracted fight against the vicious persecution of Premier Smallwood and his govern- ment, inspired by the powerful pulp and paper companies. Some Reservations “Although we find cause for in- dignation, that the United Brother- hood of Carpenters and Joiners has failed to appreciate the position of the TWA, we refrain at this time from any attempt tc impute ulterior motives to them. We have placed all the evidence in the matter before a Special Committee of the Execu- tive Council of the Congress. We have accepted the judgment of that committee, although it did not fully satisfy our desire to serve the im- mediate and urgent needs of the loggers cgncerned. At this point we content ourselves with a recital of the circumstances Which have caused our union to ask for adjudication by the Congress under the provisions of the Constitution. “In effect, the Congress has re- quested a truce for a period of one year. In the meanwhile, the Con- gress has offered to sponsor all re- quired organizational activity among the loggers. At the end of this period of truce, the Congress will further undertake to provide the Newfoundland loggers with an un- restricted opportunity to declare their preference in union certifica- tion. The Record “We have expressed our willing- ness to keep this truce. We have also placed our reliance upon the ability of the Congress to safeguard the rights of the loggers and eventu- ally supervise a vote of the loggers which will determine their free choice of a bargaining agency. We submit that in all these respects our union has given evidence of its in- tentions to act in good faith toward the Congress and the loggers, who in large numbers have reposed their confidence in our union. “The IWA commenced its efforts to organize the Newfoundland log- gers in 1956 in response to urgent appeals from the loggers themselves. This appeal could not be ignored because of the disgraceful wages and conditions prevailing in the log- ging camps. “The strike, which ensued, re- vealed to all Canada that militant action was required to rescue the loggers from shameful treatment by their employers. $400,000 Spent “More than $400,000 of the union’s funds were poured into this organizational effort, apart from the sums later required to render strike assistance. Organization was con- ducted in the face of ruthless opposi- tion by the companies and govern- ment agencies. “Food and shelter was denied IWA organizers engaged in an effort to sign up the loggers. It became necessary to use aircraft and snow- mobiles to reach the workers in the camps. Press and radio facilities were used to bring a message of hope to the victims of maltreatment and anti-union persecution. “At the time, three comparatively small organizations claimed the right to speak for groups of loggers . the Central Workers’ Protective Union, the Newfoundland Lumber- men’s Association, and the New- foundland Loggers’ Union. These Organizations were not affiliated with the Canadian Labour Congress. “It was apparent that they had failed in promoting effective organi- zation. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners failed in a bid to secure the affiliation of the Newfoundland Lumbermen’s Associ- ation. The IWA entered the field with a background of specialized ex- perience in loggers’ problems, and with a determination to win rank and file approval of unionization. IWA Rallied Loggers “The response secured from the loggers was most gratifying, despite the extraordinary—difficulties. It be- came possible to make application 340 IWA REGIONAL PRESIDENT Joe Morris states the position of the IWA following the walk out of the Carpenters’ Union from the CLC Convention over the Newfoundland situation. for certification on behalf of the employees of the Anglo-Newfound- Jand Development Company in June, 1957. This application was rejected on a technicality. The IWA per- sisted in its efforts and presented a second application later in the year. The representation vote which was ordered resulted in a 84.4% majority for the IWA and certification was finally granted. “The IWA then commenced nego- tiations with the company and con- tinued to organize the employees of Bowaters Limited, the other prin- cipal employer of loggers on the island. The Labour Relations Board ruled when we applied for the Bo- water certification that the IWA must certify each individual con- tractor operating on the Bowater limits as a separate unit. Applica- tions in respect of a large number of these contractors were presented with the support of the loggers in- volved. Twenty-seven contractors were certified; but many others were never processed, due to Premier Smallwood’s interference. IWA Won Award “Negotiations necessitated refer- ence to a Conciliation Board which brought down a unanimous award, proposing important improvements in wages and conditions to be in- cluded in a collective agreement. The company refused to accept the award, and the IWA was compelled to take strike action in December, 1958. This strike action was the culmination of two years of strenu- ous effort to organize and at the same time comply with the severe restrictions of the province’s labour laws. “The IWA constantly informed the officers of the Canadian Labour Congress of its intentions. There was then no question but that the IWA was proceeding with full jurisdic- tional rights. The Congress regarded the loggers claimed as IWA members as having been unorganized. The IWA was bringing them within the organized Canadian labour move- ment. “As further proof that the IWA was acting in good faith toward the Congress and its affiliates, the presi- dent of the Congress, Brother Claude Jodoin, informed our union that the strike had the full support of the Congress, “The strike made history for the Canadian Jabour movement. We here pay tribute to the militancy of the loggers who fought a courageous battle under such severe handicaps. The entire labour movement on this continent recognized the significance of the struggle in generous donations totalling $886,000. The officers of the Congress were instrumental in the establishment of the Newfound- land Loggers’ Strike and Defence Fund. Smallwood Intrevened “Proof of the success attained by the IWA is found in the unprece- dented and vindictive action taken by Premier Smallwood to de-certify the IWA while engaged in a legal strike, and to destroy its organiza- tion in Newfoundland. This action by Premier Smallwood has been pro- tested by the trade union movement across the world. It has been the subject of enquiry by the ILO. The strike won the support of the ICFTU and many of its most powerful affiliates. “The validity of Premier Small- wood’s legislation has never been accepted by the IWA or the Cana- dian Labour Congress. It still stands as an unparalleled example of trade union persecution and a denial of basic civil rights and freedoms. “The strike was smashed by the ruthless and dictatorial exercise of state power by Premier Smallwood, instigated by wealthy corporations. As the delegates well know, Premier Smallwood attempted to establish the Newfoundland Brotherhood of Woodworkers, under his wing and with all the features as a state-con- trolled organization. The IWA Stood Firm “When it became necessary to end strike action the IWA did not aban- don the loggers of Newfoundland. In spite of the repressive legislation the IWA remained on the island, and took up a fight for legal rep- resentation. In this effort the IWA has had the aid of the Congress to “IN THE CHIPS” Stu Hodgson r i IWA Regional Plywood Evaluator are shown here hard at work on their own time making the wooden dollars which were passed out as souvenirs to the CLC delegates. ensure a foothold for trade union rights in the province. “A joint IWA-CLC committee was formed to assist in the re-organiza- tion of the Newfoundland loggers. A new local union was formed, which was finally granted registra- tion by the Registrar. From this base, IWA’s organizers have quietly pursued unremitting efforts to sign up loggers and regain certification. “The IWA regrets that the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Join- ers has collaborated with the NBWW to take over the membership of the union created by Premier Smallwood for the purpose of wrecking genuine trade unionism, despite the order of the Congress to the contrary. As far as we are aware, the Brotherhood has not engaged in the same type of organizational effort as conducted by the IWA. “By dint of arduous and expens- ive struggle, the IWA has established its roots in Newfoundland among the loggers. It has led the campaign against the worst anti-union legisla- tion yet enacted in the Common- wealth. The IWA has proven its ability to remedy the insufferable conditions endured by ‘the loggers. On this premise we ask the right to continue this fight. Any denial of this right is to ask the Canadian Jabour movement to surrender to Premier Smal!wood’s dictates against free trade unionism.” eeeenetenssteerieaenecianeen Financial Secretary of Local 1-217, left end Al Busch