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Incorporating “7he &.C. Lamberworker Official Publication of the International Weedworkers of p¥mertea Regional Council No. 1

VANCOUVER, B.C.

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THEY DIDN’T LOSE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE. IWA mem- bers from the Vanwest and Valleau Logging operations at Miles 71 and 77 on the PGE will be able to vote on Septem- ber 30, thanks to the Officers of Local 1-71, IWA, who took registration forms into the camps for the crews to sign. Local President Bill Wilson stated that 41 loggers signed forms in the two camps,

P.W.A. STRIKE ENDS

_ iN UNION VICTORY

Approximately 70 traffic employees and 16 steward- esses were involved in the dispute.

_ The strike which started February 25, followed the Association’s rejection of a conciliation board report re- commending a $15 a month increase for traffic employees

and no increase for stew- ardesses.

eee tained through

5e PER COPY

ist Issue September, 1963

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IF ELECTED TO GOVERNMENT

Eleven-point Labor Program

Federation

Forms Aid

Voters

IWA Regional President, Jack Moore, was one of the first to realize that Premier Bennett’s announcement of a snap election would deprive thousands of citizens of their right to vote.

In a telegram to the Pre- mier August 23, Moore point- ed out that the registration deadline would disfranchise thousands of Coast loggers and other residents on_holi- day, and requested an exten- sion of time so that these citi- zens could get on the voters’ list. No reply was received to the wire.

The government also fail- ed to provide sufficient voter registration forms for others able to meet the registration deadline.

The B.C. Federation of Labour immediately prepar- ed 70,000 registration cards, of which 62,000 were distri- buted to affiliated unions, labour councils and all politi- cal parties.

Officers of Local 1-71, IWA, on receiving the cards rushed them inte as many of their Coast camps as was possible. They reported that unfortun- ately, because of the time ele- ment, a great many of their members will be denied their democratic right to vote.

OANA

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

AULT

A pledge to implement an eleven-point labour programme which will provide greater protection for workers has been made by the New Democratic Party if it is elected to the government September 30. oe

It will also introduce legislation to provide for a total medical coverage plan, an economic development fund to stimulate the economy, increased educational grants, a public power programme, and low cost automobile insurance.

The labour programme contains a number of measures long pressed for by the IWA and the B.C. Federation of Labour and is as follows:

e A full-time Minister of Labour.

e Three weeks vacation after 5 years by Statute.

e A 40-hour week by Statute and a $1.25 minimum wage (male and female).

© A complete overhaul of the Labour Relations Act and the necessary amendments to provide for an impartial, intelligent and effective voluntary Conciliation Proce- dure.

@ Amendments to the Workmen’s Compensation Act in line with the Federation’s proposals to the Royal Commission.

‘@ Repeal of Bills 42 and 43.

® Introduction by the Government of a programme of training and re-training to meet the problems being created by automation.

eo Establishment of a competent, impartial Arbitration Service to assist to resolve grievances arising during the life of an Agreement (this Service to be paid for by the Government).

e Establishment of a permanent Registration System to insure that all qualified electors are on the voters’ list.

e A system of portable pensions operating within the Province of British Columbia to protect and extend contributory pension rights of every worker in any change of employment.

© Full collective bargaining rights for government em-

. ployees.

The Party’s medicare plan will be the most comprehen- sive health insurance in North America. It will cover, not only doctors’ and specialists’ fees, but will also include ambulance charges and prescriptions.

The programme will be financed from existing revenue sources and no premiums will be required. Charges by the sarees profession that the plan will cost $100 million are absurd.

According to the Annual Reports of the four major medi- cal plans in British Columbia — MSA, MSI, CU&C, and the

See “LABOUR PROGRAM” — Page 3

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On September 30th the people of British Columbia will choose a new government. The Labour movement in this province has much at stake in the outcome of this election. We have found that over the years, even though our strong, democratic and militant unions have given us the highest living standards for workers in Canada, we have been unable to cope properly with the problems of unemployment and automation.

Unions can only negotiate wage increases and fringe benefits for those still working for the employer and with the advent of automation, greater wealth is being produced by fewer employees, causing an ever increas- ing pool of unemployed and redundant workers.

_ We in the Labour movement of this province have recognized that we have a responsibility not only to our own members but to society at large. Medical Insur- ance plans, pension plans, longer annual vacations and other benefits which we in organized labour have ob- " our efforts in negotiations, should be made available to all citizens if we are to build the kind union leaders envisaged.

political party that puts hu- man needs ahead of the necessity for profits. They have passed restrictive and See “MESSAGE” — Page 3