TiJherm&n
Representing the Organized Fishermen of British Columbia
VOL. HI. No. 43.
(129)
VANCOUVER, B.C., TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1941
®
PRICE: 5 Cents
Pacific Bolt Stage Mass Picket Line
A mass picket line, representing major trade union organizations, marched up and down in front of the Pacific Bolt Manufacturing Company plant on Granville Island on Saturday afternoon to show their sympathy for the demands of striking employees.
Represented on the picket line which marched from 2:30 to 5 p.m. were the Bakers' Union, A.F. of L.; Jewellers, A. F. of L.; shipyard unoins and United Cannery Workers, C. C. of L.; International Woodworkers of America, CIO; and Amalgamated Building Workers, independent; also the United Fishermen's Union, A. F. of L.
Carried by sympathetic picketers were placards asking that Vancouver Metal Workers' Union, Local No. 1, a C. C. of L. affiliate, be recognized as bargaining agent for the striking employees.
This display of solidarity on the part of organized labor in support of the strikers is most commendable and we feel that should such a mass picket be called again in the future even more representation should be forthcoming.
Comments On 57 th Convention Of Trades and Labor Congress Held Recently At Calgary
The 57th Convention of the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada drew to a close on September 27. After a week of extensive discussion delegates left to return to their respective unions with the proposals, etc., brought forward at the convention. The following are highlights of the convention as reported to The Fisherman by Brother H. Allison, executive board member of the United Fishermen's Union, Local 44. In President Tom Moore's open-<*>--
Camacho Bares Hidden Claws
MEXICO CITY.—The Red Cross reported that at least eight persons were killed and several others were wounded when troops guarding the President's house clashed with 1000 munition workers.
The employees were protesting government measures in the factory. They refused to obey the orders of the guards to disperse and the latter opened fire.
Authorities are reportedly investigating the suspicion of Axis implication on the rioting in front of the President's home, during which a total count showed that 15 were killed and 14 striking workers wounded. A semi-official report said that "some hidden source" was trying to foment labor troubles.
—Courtesy Alaska Fishing News.
Support Needed To Insure Success
The fresh fish stall of Local No. 1, PCFU, can report fair activity. We have been hampered to a great extent by being unable to secure fresh cod and other groundfish. This condition, we hope, will be remedied when more of our members hang away their salmon nets and commence fishing dogfish.
Remember brothers, it is your market. Help make it a success and it will help you to make fishing more profitable.
Wharf Committee, Local No. 1, PCFU.
Fish Prices
Vancouver:
Following wholesale fish prices obtained at Campbell Avenue Dock at Vancouver on Monday, Sept. 29: Ling Cod
Large and Baby ..............9c lb.
Medium .....____........------lb.
White Spring; Salmon
Salt Water______.........._........6c lb.
Bed Spring; Salmon
Salt Water--12c lb.
Fraser Biver Salmon,
Bed (round) ______________-8%c lb.
White (round)----4J4c Ik.
Soles---------------6c lb.
Grey Cod ....................................3c lb.
Dogfish Livers ......................10c lb.
Grey Cod Livers ..................4c lb.
Pt. Grey Herring: ------------J6c lb.
West Coast Cod .........-........-7c lb.
Seattle:
Seattle flsh prices for Saturday, September 27, are as follows:
Crabs, large ...........$2.01-$2.51 dor-Small  .____....._.........86c-$1.01 doz.
Dogfish Liver .........--------.20-SOc lb.
Spring; Salmon, Ige. __________15c lb.
Halibut:
Chicken ____.................llc-liy4c lb.
Medium ......................ll>4c-12c lb.
Large ................._.......llc-ll3/4c lb.
ing remarks the keynote of the whole convention was sounded. He pointed out that the attacks of unscrupulous employers was a slander against organized labor. He stressed the loyalty of Canadian workers and how the real saboteurs of Canada's war effort were the profiteers who had on several occasions forced the Workers to take strike action. He further pointed out that labor would never under any circumstances give up this right: i.e. the right of collective bargaining.
By unanimous approval 350 delegates at the opening session directed their resolutions committee to present their substitute resolutions dealing with the Defense of Canada Regulations in printed form so as to enable more careful 'study of their report. Twenty-five resolutions from various parts of hte Dominion, demanding the release of all Trade Unionists and Anti-Fascists had been received by the Congress. Although the Credentials Committee brought in a report of non-concurrence, progressive amendments were made. Perhaps it may be wishful thinking on our part that had the full delegation of 335 been present, results might have been different. ATMOSPHERE OF UNITY.
Significant was the fact that the credentials of several Vancouver delegates who had been denied a seat on the Local Council were accepted with the apparent approval of the whole Congress. This attitude of the Executive Committee was fundamentally responsible for laying the basis of the atmosphere of unity which was general throughout the Convention. An active stand was portrayed by these delegates throughout the whole convention in their consistent fight for a Trade Union Policy. AID TO SOVIET UNION.
Thirty resolutions dealing with International Relations were also
debated, the majority of which dealt specifically with the urging of the Dominion Government to immediately establish diplomatic relations with the U.S.S.R. Much criticism was leveled at the Mackenzie King government for this failing which was concurred upon by all delegates present.
One resolution dealing with the recent government order-in-coun-cil authorizing the use of Canadian troops in the event of strikes was presented. The general trend of the resolution was to the effect that strikes were caused by the unwillingness of the employers to bargain collectively with the employees while making huge profits out of war industry. A situation which places the government in the position of a strike-breaking agency was met with the demand that employers be forced to live up to Canadian legislation which guarantees labor's rights.
The British Labor representative, Mr. Thompson, outlined the policy of the British workers in their all out effort to win the war—nothing was left undone, said he, that could be done—but we will not agree to the stabilization of wages—or lose our right of collective bargaining. He then made this significant observation: There is no use winning a war for your freedom, if you lose your freedom in achieving it.
The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta addressed the council.
"Throughout my life," said he, "I have been a friend of labor." During his speech he spoke of a certain factory in England which was turning out tanks which were being sent to the Soviet Union at a speed which would amaze you. He also said, "you wrfuld be even more amazed at the enthusiasm displayed by these workers at the knowledge that these tanks were to assist the Soviet workers in their gallant fight against the hordes of Nazism."
News Of U.S. Fishermen
Puget Sound salmon season ended September 10 for the seiners— with the thrill of having had the best season for a number of years, which was needed badly. The humpies, which were expected this year, made a poor showing, but earnings were brought up by an unexpectedly good sockeye run, and a silver run during the first week on the Cape. It has been reported that the "Georgia" is high boat this season, with a $2360 share.
Kodiak and Prince William Sound fishermen have had a good season. Herring seiners in the Kodiak area report a successful season there, only being 43,000 barrels short of the quota of 250,000 barrels. Bad weather conditions have held up the catching of the quota, but with a few fair fishing days it should be filled up soon. When the fleet first went up, considerable fish was brought in from outside the quota area.
Prince William Sound herring seiners also report a fairly successful season to date, but bad weather for fishing. Southeastern Alaska has had a very poor season thus far.
Mrs. iYiefsen to Address Meeting
Mrs. Dorise Nielsen, Canada's crusading woman M.P., who is now touring Canada in the interests of a Peoples' Victory Campaign, has announced that she will address Harold Pritchett's Election Rally in Burrard Hall on the evening of Wednesday, October 1. This announcement was made by John Stanton, campaign manager for Harold Pritchett. "At this meeting Mr. Pritchett will place his program before the electors of Vancouver Centre and Mrs. Nielsen will speak on her plans for a Peoples' Victory Campaign," stated Mr. Stanton.
Four Thousand at Anti-Fascist Meeting; Urge Importation Of Soviet Military Experts
Warning against a direct German threat to Canada if Russia is defeated was given by Dorise Nielsen, M.P. for North Battle-ford, when she spoke to 5000 persons at a mass meeting sponsored by the Anti-Fascist Mobilization Committee in the Forum Sunday night.
"If support is denied to the Russians and they are beaten back behind the Ural Mountains, it will lead to a direct threat to Canada," she said. "Hitler will gain outposts that make Canada vulnerable along her northern borders." NATIONAL SUICIDE.
"If we as a nation do not place ourselves side by side with Britain and the United States alongside the Soviet Union we will commit national auicide."
The meeting passed a lengthy motion demanding that Canada strain its resources "to the utmost in aiding our Soviet ally."
Mrs. Nielsen scored Prime Minister Mackenzie King for not mentioning "the greatest battle in history, raging from Leningrad to the Black Sea," when he recently spoke in London.
The speaker suggested that Canada import Soviet military experts to train Canadian troops in battling a modern blitzkreig.
IMPORT ADVISEBS.
"Only one army in the world knows  how to stop a blitzkreig.
We want our boys trained in every trick of the ghastly business," she said. "Why not import military advisers from Russia to train them?"
Vocal public demand could raise the pay and allowances of the armed forces and obtain free transportation "from one end of the Dominion" to the other for men on embarkation leave, she said.
"You should support dependents' allowances and organized labor's fight in the industrial field.
HITS B.C.M.F.
She scored the R.C.M.P. as a "secret police under whose advice the minister of justice interns and releases whom they say."
In her concluding remarks Mrs. Nielsen likened the Canadian people unto a sleeping giant. Her words were, "Canadian people get up from your knees, on your feet, and stand up and fight."
During the meeting an announcement was made that the Ariti-Fas-cist Mobilization Committee had donated $200 to the Queens Fund for aid to Air Raid Victims.
Boat Rescued
The 45-foot packer, "Alco", with Captain Rod Matheson and Jim Mowat, members of the United Fishermen's Union, were reported missing on Wednesday September 24 in the neighborhood of Entrance Island, Gulf of Georgia, due to engine breakdown. They were subsequently picked up by the seiner, "Ivana," and towed into Steveston after being adrift for two days.
Receiving Treatment For Leg Injury
Jack Peterson, executive board member of the United Fishermen's Union arrived in Vancouver last week from the West Coast and is taking treatment in St. Paul's Hospital for a leg injury sustained a year ago which has been giving him trouble while pilchard fishing.
He hopes to be back in time to rejoin his ship, the "Pacific Queen" in time for the herring season.
Herring Catches Low At Point Grey
* The Herring Gillnett fleet at Point Grey reports fishing poor, with an average of less than 200 lbs. Eleven boats are fishing at present. Some of the men who usually Gillnett for herring at this time of year, have started fishing dogfish.
Pack Disappointing
The red salmon pack in Bristol Bay this year was disappointing. Sixteen canneries with approximately 900 boats secured a pack estimated at 600,000 cases, less than half the normal pack. It was the third "off season in a row. Few of the packers put up more than 50,000 cases.
—Courtesy Alaska Fishing News.
"Good Partner" Skipper Sues UFFU For Being On Union's Unfair List
An action has been started in the Supreme Court of B.C. by S. B. Nordhus, owner of the pilchard and herring seiner, "Good Partner," against the United Fishermen's Union, Local 44, for allegedly, "without legal excuse or justification, placing the ship 'Good Partner' on the Union's Unfair List." In the statement of the claimant*
it is alleged that as a result of placing the "Good Partner" on the unfair list, the good name and reputation of the plaintive has been very seriously impaired and the plaintive has suffered damages in being delayed in getting men to engage themselves for work and
Ask Elimination Three Fish Traps
WRANGELL. — At the fishery hearing held here by the Bureau of Fisheries recommendations were made by local fishing interests for the elimination of Colpoys trap and two traps near Port Protection.
W. G. Wies, representing the seiners, and Mayor E. J. Wheeler, were both on record for the elimination of the traps, and were asked to submit briefs before December 1.
Fred Gunderson, trap owner, asked for the extension of the season in the eastern Prince of Wales district, for five days at the end of each season. A. iR. Brueger asked for more flexibility in enforcing fishing rules and that more authority for doing so be vested in field agents, so that the rules would conform with the rnus of fish. -----
—Courtesy Alaska Fishing News.
Cannery Workers Boost Wages
SAN FRANCISCO.— The closed shop and wage increases ranging from 5 to 25 per cent have been won by the Alaska Cannery Workers Union in a new contract with the Northern Packing Corporation, sardine packers.
About 120 workers are employed at season's height, in mid-October. The contract is one of the best in the industry in the bay area, said union officials.
Minimum wages are from 75 cents per hour for men and 65 cents for women up to $1.
—Courtesy Alaska Wishing News.
NOT BEING ABLE TO GET A QUALIFIED CREW ABOARD THE SHIP.
Defendants in the case of W. T. Burgess, secretary of the United Fishermen's Union, sued on his own behalf and on behalf of all other members of the United Fishermen's Union. Damages claimed are as follows:
For loss in catch of fish owing to delays in getting full complement of crew and in not having a fully qualified crew—$1500; loss due to depreciation of net — $500, as well as general damages for good name and reputation and an am-andamus requiring the defendant Union to remove the name of the plaintive and of the "Good Partner" from the unfair list of the Union.
This action is a sequel to the dispute between the Union and Nordhus last November when trouble arose over the discharge of four crew members of the "Good Partner" at the conclusion of herring negotiations and which resulted in the placing of the "Good Partner" on the Unfair List of the Union, where it has remained ever since.
This is not the first time that Nordhus has tried to sue the Union. An attempt was made to do so some months ago when action was started in the Supreme Court by the Fishing Vessel Owners' Association, on behalf of Nordhus, against the Union. At that time the case was not allowed because of the fact that the Union was not registered under the Trade Unions' Act and was not considered by the Court to be a legal entity and therefore could not be sued.
The present crew on the "Good Partner" will not very much appreciate the reference made in the claim that he has-not been able to secure a competent crew. Apparently, as far as the crew is concerned, Nordhus did not know when he was well off, when his former crew were with him.
People's Program Carries Urgent Message To British Columbia Workers
An opening campaign rally will be held on Wednesday, October 1st, in the Burrard Hall at 8 p.m., sponsored by the Harold Pritchett Election Committee.
Harold Pritchett is well known among Vancouver workers and is asking for the support of all trade unionists in Vancouver Centre to ensure that the voice of labor will be heard in the provincial legislature.
The program put forward by Mr. Pritchett is without doubt one that will appeal not only to the workers of Vancouver Centre but to the people of B.C. and gives a direct answer to the most pressing problems of today.
This is the most urgent question of the day. The resistance of the Soviet people has given new hope to democratic peoples everywhere and has placed victory within our grasp. We must not permit this opportunity to pass. Our war effort must be stepped up and a more vigorous foreign policy adopted to ensure that the present opportunities for Victory are fully utilized. Immediately the following steps need to be taken: A NEW FRONT IN WESTERN EUROPE
The Federal government should urge upon the governments of Britain and the other Dominions the need for opening a new front against Hitler in Western Europe. Now is the time to defeat Hitler, when his forces are occupied in Eastern Europe!
MILITARY PACT WITH U.S.S.R.
The Federal government should immediately follow Prime Minister
Churchill's lead by signing a military treaty with the U.S.S.R. along the lines of the Anglo-Soviet pact. Through this action Canada will give a lead to all countries in the Western Hemisphere and will take its place along with other great powers, in the world front of democratic peoples.
TRADE RELATIONS WITH U.S.S.R.
Diplomatic and trade relations should be established with the Soviet Union. Delay in taking this step weakens the forces arrayed against Hitler, and means prolonging the war.
SECURITY AND DEMOCRACY MUST BE WON AT HOME.
Fascism cannot be defeated without maintaining high morale among our people. The home front Is inseparable from the war front. Public morale has suffered because of
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