cy

"This time we'll win ee

aod [E HE Noranda strike takes on

the same proportions to the
workers of Eastern Canada as did
the historic Kirkland Lake Strike of
1940. The struggle at Kirkland Lake
brought recognition of the trade
union movement through govern-
ment channels to all Canadian work-
ers. A victory at Noranda can now
bring higher wages, union security
and other benefits fer workers in the
whole mining industry of Ontario
and Quebec. Such a victory will not
be limited in its effect to the Noran-
da workers alone. Victory is imper-
ative and will be won through the
united support of the workers in
Canada and in the United States. J
urge that every local of our Interna-
tional Wnion act immediately to
assist the) men who are fighting our
battle on the icy picket-lines at
Rouyn, Quebec.”

—REID ROBINSON

Tl NON

AUK AT

_By Albert LaFrance

OER ACN DA
workers have
: been out on
Strike for two weeks.
That is a short time,
but the story behind 8
this strike is one that
dates back some 24
years. In those days,
, this mining commun-
ity Was non-existent.
It was only with the
discovery of gold and
‘copper beside Lake
Osisko that the twin
Cities Of Rouyn and
Noranda which now
& encircle the lake sprang into being. E-
Miners, mostly foreign-born immigrants, slaved
at Noranda at wages and working conditions Ca-
nadian-born labor could not endure. In 1934, these
workers went out on strike. What followed will
forever shame the company that by this time had
spread to mighty proportions and gained great
: wealth from the sweat and labor of its workers.
4 Machine guns were lined up against the strik-
ers, unsuspecting bushworkers were herded into
the plant as scab labor, workers were arrested in
large numbers, meted out long prison terms and
in many instances deported. With the aid of
squads of police, the strike was broken and for
, years afterwards, Noranda workers labored under
; one of America’s most discriminatory setups. Some
hope of liberation was offered by the AFL, until
its leaders sold out to the company and left town.
Then came our union, the IUMMSW, the first
u real challenge to the company’s despotic domina-
: tion of its workers. For three years now, workers
Woranda mining corporation have been

of the
organized. Two of those were war years when we
religiously stuck to our no-strike pledge despite
company incitation to the contrary. During that
same period, when our boys sone ee S oIonoenn To ‘reach a peaceful settle who together closed the plant ishing food to endure the wintry
seas, this Shee Cae ere ment, we shaved our wage de down and together patrol a blasts. And Christmas is com=
er year Det pron = ices rose far above mands down to a i16cent an three-mile-long picket line under ing
At the end of the_war, prices 1 : hour increase, plus three and the close scrutiny of the pro- Ween Giissmimned Gg sis
pre-war ievels. Yet Noranda workers had received — : five cents shift premium ~~ 4 vincial police rushed to the Sait “be =brok “ik tie lsat
no wage increases since 1939 other than two cents an hour to com- figure that would bring _ our scene of the strike by Duplessis pee « ee eee me ee
? ts of a medical plan. So, for over ten months wages up to International an URS GOTANEERS EOOOSS 3 ee ory x will elp
pensate for costs : hile the company deliberately Nickel’s level in Sudbury. all unionists organizationally,
this year, we patiently bargained ya : B Aad the The best offer the company» Again, there is the wide for while one section of the
stalled. We went through conciliation proceedings only to a = could make was a straight 10 spread support being given by Soink, population 4a - wndes
éompany refused to imeorporate the voluntary, revocable check-o eents an hour, no shift premium businessmen, for they realize aig, @hoes dS 2 Yaesn: a9 alll
nded and no union security—yet it that it is the miner—not the mine Sponiers: £ these Ee
Recon < : did admit. it was financially —who buys the merchandise they oe = i. eee ae
Hi TT able to pay far more. sell. appeal to all union locals an
AETTICIGTL SLATE g ma their membership to give finan-
- Left with no other alterna- This is a fight to the finish for ;
e SEE Sere ee tive, Noranda workers on Nov- wWoranda miners. They are out cial support to those strikers
@ Feature Section ember 18 voted 95 percent in for decent wages, equal to those pacing that frozen picket line
favor of strike action and early paid in all other base metal tonight :
WHAT SLUMS COST on November 22, walked out. mines in this country — wages
i that will enable them to live e Albert LaFrance is presi-

As this was written the com-
pany had made no attempt to
settle the dispute.

e@

HE strike is remarkable for the

unprecedented solidarity of
the workers—French, English,
foreign-born and veterans —

like human beings for a change.
They have the courage and de-
All they
need help while
theyre doing it. Our winters up
here are long and cold. Kiddies
neeq warm clothing and nour-

termination to win.
is financial

dent of Local 688, International
Union of Mine, Mill and Smelt
er Workers, at Rouyn, and Reid
Robinson is international presi-
dent of the TUMMSW.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1946