Page Four
THE FISHERMAN
March 16, 1943
Gateman Reports Progress
Produce For Victory, Organize The Unorganized-1943 Task
From PAGE ONE successful In concluding agreements covering reduction plants, steady men in fish canneries and some cold storage and fresh fish workers. In each case it is correct to say that substantial economic improvements were registered. It is also correct to say that as a result even of the small degree of organization among casual workers and female workers, the employers deemed it expedient to grant economic concessions to that section, thus indirectly our union has been responsible for materially improving the living standards of all sections of the workers within our industry.
"The growth of our organization since the last convention has been gratifying. While there has been a high percentage of labor turnover, the number of members joining our union has more than doubled. We are now nearing the stage of 100 percent organization of the steady shore workers within our industry. Our union, however, from its inception never intended to organize only the steady workers. We have at all times had as our objective the 100 percent organization of every man and woman ashore in the fishing industry.
Organization Of The Unorganized
"At present about 20 percent
with the Chinese workers with a view to putting a Chinese organizer in the field at an early date. There should be, in my opinion, a special sub local set up for the Chinese workers, to help them get together and enable them on terms of equality within our union to tackle their problems.
The Native Cannery Workers
"We are alT acquainted with the fact that there exists in our province an organization of the Natives, called the Native Brotherhood of B.C. This organization has been in existence for some 13 years. The activities of the Brotherhood have in the past been confined mostly to social, educational and cultural problems of the Natives. At their last convention in December, 1942, however, resolutions were adopted proposing close cooperation with the UFFU and with local 89. The Native Brotherhood has actively commenced interesting themselves in the economic welfare of their people.
"We welcome this spirit of cooperation and the increased ac tivity of the Brotherhood, and must leave this convention resolved that every assistance shall be given them. If the economic interests of the natives are to be best protected,
I feel, that Local 89 should issue a of the men and women working gub charter to the Brotherhood, ashore are organized in our union. thug making tnem part of the Can. It goes without saying then, that adian trade union movement. In if we are to continue to advance, this way> j am gure that the maxi.
the major problem confronting us
mum degree of protection and as-
is the organization of the uilorg- sistance can be given them_ ^ anized. A positive workable pro- wil, a]g0 aggure unlty and coopera. gram must be hammered out at tion with the natiye workers. There
this convention.
"When speaking about the organization of the unorganized, the organization of the native and Chinese workers naturally comes to the fore. Progressive trade unions do not recognize color, race or creed, and I think we should do everything In our power to help improve the lot of all workers in the industry. The problems of the Chinese are exactly the same as ours now that the Chinese contractor has been eliminated. The Chinese workers no longer work for the contractor, but on a wage basis directly for the companies. It is my contention that steps should be taken to become much better acquainted
will be, of course, a number of detailed problems to be ironed out, and I suggest that we establish a committee to meet with the representatives of the Brotherhood to review the whole question.
Net Men and Cold Storage Workers
"A degree of organization has been accomplished among the net men and cold storage workers. We are now in the process of negotiating an agreement for the net men and there is every possibility that a good agreement will be consum-ated. There is .however, a section of the net men still unorganized, and steps must be taken to bring them into the union.
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The Edmunds & Walker Cold Storage Plant and Fresh Fish Plant were covered under an agreement during the year, but there are still a number of cold storage and fresh fish plants unorganized and will require the attention of the organizer.
Relationship To UFFU
"The charter members of our union will recall that it was the United Fishermen's Union, Local 44, that lent a helping hand in the inauguration of our union. While there has been a degree of cooperation between the two organizations from the start, in my opinion, a much closer relationship and understanding is necessary. It must be evident to all that unity of action between the fishermen and the shore workers is absolutely necessary if the best interests of all are to be served. I would recommend to this convention we propose to the UFFU, that steps be taken to establish a joint industrial committee to coordinate activity and policy. In fact I would go further—I would propose that such a committee, if established, be Instructed to explore the possibilities of establishing a single industrial union for the fishing industry. I ask the delegates to give this matter their deepest consideration during the course of this convention. We have with us fraternal delegates from the UFFU, who no doubt will discuss this matter and also acquaint the delegates at their own convention with the same subject.
Education and Social Activities
"In our union agreements, plant committees are given definite responsibilities. I propose that an intensified educational program be conducted and that material be supplied to plant branches for the conduct of trade union educational classes. I further propose that the incoming executive board prepare a pamphlet on the conduct and function of plant branches. We have within our organization, I am convinced, a large number of potential trade union leaders, and if given a little assistance they will develop into qualified leaders.
"Social and recreational facilities at out-of-town plants are with rare exceptions non-existent. It has long been recognized that to maintain a high morale among people, a certain amount of recreation is most necessary. Our union in conjunction with the UFFU must com-
mence now to press for social and recreational facilities . at the plants.
Proposed Constitution
"From the commencement of our organization we have functioned without by-laws and only under the constitution of the Trades and Labor Congress governing local unions. From different portions of this report it is no doubt evident that we must take steps to tighten up the inner workings of our organization. Old and new members must be made to realize that they have a definite responsibility towards their union and that the union is only as good or as bad as they themselves wish it to be.
"The proposed constitution has been drafted with the view of impressing upon each member, his or her duties to the union. In the future all candidates for membership should before becoming a member accept the union's pledge which briefly sets out the principle of unionism. There is, in the proposed constitution, a set of by-laws for the purpose of governing plant branches, and as has been stated before, plant branches must be strengthened and their work improved. The bylaws governing them are intended for that purpose.
The Fisherman
"Trade unions have long recognized the value of a paper both as a medium of organization and education. You all know that The Fisherman has played an important part in the organizing of our union. Far too few members are subscribers to the paper..
"I think that with the improvement in branch work and the increase in branch activities, we can arrange for The Fisherman to carry more news about Local 89. The local branch committees could from time to time send in news items on their branch activities. The proposed constitution suggests a yearly press assessment so that every member will receive a copy of the paper. This is brought forward as a suggestion whereby we can bring the benefits of a newspaper that always supports the interests of labor to all members.
Social Legislation
"The duties of a trade union cannot merely be confined to the economic interests of the workers. We must also participate in the many legislative and political questions that directly effect us as Canadian citizens.
Lively Discussions Feature Cannery Convention Sessions
From PAGE ONE
hood and Native Sisterhood of B.C., in addressing the convention expressed his gratification at seeing such a large and representative gathering. "At our convention last November," he said, "without any solicitation on your part, a resolution was brought in to the effect that the Native Brotherhood would co-operate to the fullest with your organization and with the United Fishermen's Union. In order to attain the confidence that we must have in our fellow workers, perhaps you will excuse me if I say that I hope you will give consideration to the confidence that the Native people of this province have placed in you and that you will reciprocate with a similar resolution before the end of your convention."
Harold Pritchett, president of the IWA, brought greetings on behalf of the IWA and of the thousands of organized loggers, sawmill workers and shingle workers in the province. "I am happy to be able to report to you,1' he stated, "that we now have on the statute books a law that states very clearly and definitely that where workers are organized and established in a legitimate trade union they may request and receive the right to meet with their employer on equal terms for the purpose of bargaining collectively."
Before proceeding to the report of the general secretary-treasurer of the union (reported separately in this issue), the convention elected the following committees:
Resolutions Committee: Jack Sedgwick, chairman; Bert Richardson, Bert Goddard, L. Lowry, Hugh Ponton.
Constitution Committee: C. Mac-Kenzie, chairman; Harold Britten, Bob Atchison, George Copptn, Walter Sedgwick.
Audit Committee: Dan Sutherland, Mrs. Cox, Lawrence Taylor.
The afternoon session was devoted to a full discussion on the report presented by the secretary-treasurer and the financial statement of the union, distributed to all delegates. Many delegates participated in the lively discussion, as a result of which the resolutions committee elected at the convention will bring forward suitable resolutions at later sessions.
Prominent amongst the matters discussed was the question of whether foremen should be allowed to act as plant branch officials. The general •pinion seemed to be that although foremen should be welcomed as union members, it would be preferable both from the point of view of the union and to save them from being placed in an embarrassing position, that they should not hold official positions in the branches. A number of suggestions were brought forward for developing social activities at out-of-town canneries. Ways and means of organizing women workers in the industry and other sections net yet organized led to considerable discussion. Amongst those participating in the discussion were: Bro. Taylor, H. C. Carslake, C. MacKenzie, D. (Ralph, H. Britton, H. Dabner, C. Howden, J. Critch-ley, L. Lowry, G. Getts, E. Goddard, A. Snikkar, Martin Engeb-eitsen, F. Lowden, H. Bowing, W. Ross, F. Carroll, Miss Effie Ole-phant and Mrs. Francis Cox.
Consideration of the new constitution of the union, clause by clause was begun before adjournment and was continued when the convention reconvened Monday evening. The final session is expected to be held Tuesday night.
"The united effort of all B.C. labor has been responsible for the provincial government amending the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act in such a way that the righs of labor are greatly protected. The Act In its final form is by far the best piece of, labor legislation existing anywhere in Canada.
"It provides for possible challenging of any organization that has been designated as a bargaining agency, after a period of six months, which means that if employees wish to maintain their union as their representative they must keep themselves in good standing with the union.
"There is no doubt that passage of this legislation will go a long way to improve labor relations in the province, and will therefore reflect favorably on the war effort of the province.
Members In Armed Forces
*T am pleased to be able to state that there are some fifty-odd brother members who have joined the armed forces. They have accepted the responsibility of fighting the fascist on the "many battle fronts. Let us accept our responsibility and win the battle of production. Let us accept It and when our brothers in arms return, let it never be said that we fell down on the job."
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WRITE FOR CATALOGUES
There's Greater Need Of Canadian Fish Than Ever Before!
Canada's fighting men will never let their country down. Every Canadian knows that. Knows, too, the courage and the spirit of the fighting men of the other United Nations.
And Canadians at home won't let the fighting men down!
Soldiers, sailors, airmen risk the dangers, suffer the wounds, but they can't win the war alone. Victory depends, too, on civilian service. The home-front job is to keep vital supplies rolling forward, and among the chief supplies huge quantities of fish and other foods.
Every pound of Canadian Fish that can be produced this year will be required to meet the food needs of Britain and other United Nations, supply Canada's forces, serve ordinary domestic demand, and replace in the Dominion other food shipped out to the Allied peoples.
That's the Fishing Industry's 1943 Job — Canada Knows the Fishing Industry Will Do It
Department of Fisheries, Ottawa.
Hon. Ernest Bertrand, M.P., Minister.
