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THE FISHERMAN
August 26, 1941
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EDITORIALS
THE
FISHERMAN
FEATURES
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=! FISHERMAN    'You Have The Floor'
Published Every Tuesday by The Fisherman Publishing Society at 164 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C.  Telephone MArine 1829. EDITOR    -    -     V. McCRAE Subscription Rates: One Year, $1.00; Six Months, 60c. Advertising Rates on Application. Make All Payments to: THE FISHERMAN PUBLISHING SOCIETY
Strike Action Decisive
Fishermen, as well as farmers and other food workers' throughout this Province enthusiastically hail the victory of the American Can employees over the repacious, monopolistic American Can Company, who, through their arbitrary, undemocratic action which percipitated the four-day strike, not only threatened the employment of thousands of workers in B.C., but also seriously curtailed the export of vitally needed food supplies to the embattled British people.
Flouting the recognized principles of collective bargaining and union recognition, the American Can Company by its actions in terminating the arbitration proceedings which were being conducted between the company and its employees, made a farce of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act and delayed by its stand, an amicable settlement based on the recognition of the employees' just demands.
Such companies as this while striving to place the onus on their employees are actually sabotaging the war effort. Because of their desire for profits they are willing to deprive the British people of needed food supplies and create hardships among fishermen and farmers of British Columbia by denying the workers the fundamental democratic right—the right to organize in their own interest. To allow trade union principles of collective bargaining to be dispoiled by mere petty legal-technical devices is a disastrous policy.
The workers are willing and anxious to answer the appeal of the British people because they recognize that by aiding them they are serving their own best interests. They also recognize that if companies such as the American Can are allowed to continue to deny the workers their just demands, the democratic strength of the people is sapped and their ability to wage a successful war against fascism in defense of their own democratic interests, weakened. ,
The working people of Canada stand ready to make sac-ricifes but will not sacrifice their own vital interests to the end that a privileged few may reap large profits and in their efforts to maintain these profits smother the people's liberties.
Fishermen, while bringing all possible pressure to bear on the government for a settlement of the dispute which had so direct a bearing on the fishing industry, demanded a just settlement for the employees and put the complete blame for the situation where it belonged—with the company. They urged the government to act in this case by taking strong measures against the company to force them to recognize the laws of the land which guarantee the right of workers to organize into a union of their own choice, such union to be their bargaining agent.
The entire dispute showed the inadequacy of the I.C.A. Act and the need for genuine labor legislation in British Columbia which will recognize as a fundamental principle the right of employees to collective bargaining and union recognition. It also proved once again that the most effective weapon the workers have in the struggle for their just demands is STRIKE ACTION!
This page is open to all readers, organized and unorganized. The Editorial Board requests all letters be signed. Signatures will be published unless otherwise stated. Letters should not be more than 200 words in length. Letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the policy of
The Fisherman.
Urges Fishermen To Control Their Business
Editor, The Fisherman:
I would like to reply to a letter published in The Fisherman on August 5th from J. F. This person is evidently writing on behalf of the buyer who largely if not entirely buys for Edmunds and Walker or if it suits you better, B.C. Packers in Bull Harbor. It looks as if the shoe is beginning to pinch.
I will not waste your space replying to his venomous attack on "Cascade"—he can take care of himself in any controversy with morons like J. F. All I say is, "go to it, Cascade."—You are doing a good job.
I am glad he admits the selling
methods of the opposition packer and his own are the same, and he also admits the fact that prices were raised by the Japanese packer last year. I would now like him to explain what happened to the five cents per pound spread on all the Springs which were shipped from Bull Harbor prior to the Japanese packer carrying for the fishermen for two cents per pound. The prices for Springs in Seattle had been far higher BEFORE the Japanese started packing than they ever were afterwards that season. On second thought, I think there are very few fishermen except a few thick-headed ones who will need an explanation. They know. It went into the coffers of the op-
What of Our Fish Resources?
A situation has arisen in the Fraser River that is of concern to every fisherman in British Columbia.
Because of an obstruction in Hell's Gate Canyon which has been there since 1931, untold numbers of sockeye salmon are prevented from reaching their ultimate destination—the spawning grounds. The obstruction, created when a railroad contractor blew off the hillside in 1913 has been partially cleared, but it is still bad enough to block the fish in dry seasons.
The Fisheries Department, in a statement to the press, says that nothing can be done about it. We all agree that nothing can be done without trying, but we also know that fish have been taken past obstructions in trucks. If it has been done before, it can be done again. In any case the Fisheries Department has had since 1913 to provide a means for fish to pass the obstruction which effectively nullified the traditional BIG RUN.
Major Motherwell is quoted in the Daily Province of August 22 as saying that "a rise or fall of a few inches may mean the answer of the whole problem as each change either up or down will mean the opening of new and possibly easier channels."
In view of what Major Motherwell says, it seems to us that the problems of assisting the fish up the river is not really difficult of solution. But our government does not seem to be interested in doing such things as conserving our valuable fish resources.
Had the government really wanted to perpetuate the salmon run in the Fraser River, a fish ladder would have been installed in Hell's Gate Canyon; or, if a fish ladder proved impracticable, some other means could have been provided to allow the fish to get up the river in dry years such as this.
At any rate the fish are there, below the canyon, and some temporary means of assisting them to ascend the river and reach the spawning grounds must be found. Then, a permanent means should be found to make emergency measures unnecessary.
As the situation now stands, fishermen report that even at this early date large numbers of fish, exhausted in their efforts to get above the canyon, are floating down the river—a silent indictment of governmental neglect and procrastination.
UF Compensation Brief
(Continued from Last Week)
This would then mean, that where two or more men were employed on a fishing vessel, a definite employer-employee relationship would be firmly established. At the present time, the only ef-
fect of these proposed amendments would be to include within the scope of the Act, Halibut Fishermen of British Columbia and certain independently-owned Salmon Seine boats,  which are
not now covered.
It must be pointed out, that at the present time, the majority of fishing - company - owned vessels are covered under the Act, but independent vessels merely take advantage of Section 304 of the Canada Shipping Act, and for the sum of $2.50 per year, obsolve themselves from any responsibility in event of injury to any crew members.
Our entire Halibut Fleet are not in the position at present to command the owners to apply for compensation, as they sell each individual catch to highest bidder on competitive market, and are, therefore, not directly> under any charter or obligation of delivery to any one company.
The term of co-partner in a venture is often used in describing a Halibut Fisherman, because he is not engaged at any set salary, but procures his earning from a share of the boat's catch. However, we submit that inasfar as the owner or the skipper, who, on a vessel, is the agent of the owner, has the undisputed right to hire or to fire crew members at his will, the fishermen are equally employees in the true sense of the word, the same as an employee of a construction company, who is hired or fired by a foreman or manager, who, likewise, is agent of his respective company.
It appears to us also, that regarding the matter of making suitable assessment upon boat owners, no difficulties should be encountered, as in our opinion, a flat rate per year, levied from each boat, could be made. It so happens, that because of the shortness of the halibut season, i large number of the halibut fishermen engage, after halibut season is terminated, in either packing or seine boat fishing, during which time, the crew members are covered under the Act, and, in which case, the company by whom they are engaged pay the necessary assessment.
Our idea is that when a Halibut Vessel has paid its flat rate for the year, and after having established to the Board, that for a certain period he has been engaged by a company, who have paid the assessment on the crew, while engaged in other parts of the industry, a certain portion of his flat rate would then be returned to the owner.
We append to this brief a short summary of protection afforded to fishermen in other parts of th» world, and in concluding our submissions to this commission, we are highly optimistic that definite recommendation will be made to include halibut fishermen under the Workmen's Compensation Act immediately. Such a step would receive the enthusiastic acclaim of this, one of the most vital parts of our British Columbia fishing fleet, and will also fill a long-desired want, and indicate the sincerity of the government claims, which have been made repeatedly, that they have the welfare of British Columbia's fishermen at heart.
AH of the above is respectfully submitted by the United Fishermen's Federal Union of British Columbia, in co-operation with the Deep Sea Fishermen's Union of Prince Rupert.
Next week we will run the appended statement of protection afforded in other countries.
APPENDED   STATEMENT OF PROTECTION  AFFORDED IN OTHER COUNTRD3S
In past years the Canadian government and the B.C. government have done a lot of advertising in Europe in an effort to induce people to come to this country. Then there are a lot of people in this country, some of them native born and some not, who spend a lot of time beefing about the foreigners.
Which adds up to the fact that we need a comprehensive scheme of immigration control in this country. Of course if we started to figure some way to eliminate the profiteering chiselers and produce goods for the use of the people of the country instead of for profit for a few of the people there'd be room for a lot more people here. But then there'd be room for a lot more people THERE too! Our problem isn't so much where people are to go or stay as how they are going to make a living wherever they are.
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The present international situation is the queerest that ever existed on earth, but a lot of people think they understand it, whioh they may.  But there's one thing I can't figure out:
How does the guy figure that wrote an article which appeared in the "public prints" asking if the U.S.A. would convoy merchant ships to Vladivostok, and if they did, would they shoot?
It would be a funny situation if the U.S.A., or any other country, sent a lot of warships to convoy merchant ships anywhere and then let it be known that the aforementioned warships would not shoot.
GENERAL   DATA ON COMPENSATION Belgium.
Workmen's Compensation for seamen enacted in Belgium in December 30, 1929, effective July 1, 1930, covers seamen and fishermen injured as a result of work carried on in the execution of the labor contract, whether aboard boat or not, if in any task undertaken in connection with shipping or fishing enterprise.
Temporary total incapacity 50 per cent. Partial incapacity 50 per cent of difference prior to accident and that which he is able to earn before complete recovery. After 28 days if person is still under total temporary incapacity, two-thirds of daily wages to be paid which may be increased to 80 per cent if assistance by another person is needed. Entitled to surgical, pharmaceutical and hospital care.
Benefits for death 750 francs ($20.85). Surviving heirs or wife to receive 3 per cent of annual wages. Additional allowances for children under 18 years. Absence of such heirs, parents to receive up to 20 per cent of wages or other distant relatives.
Boats presumed lost because of lack of news, benefits to be paid heirs six months after date of sailing or last time heard from. Reduced time to three months for fishing boats.
In calculation of benefits, wages or profits in excess of 20,000 francs ($556.00), are not considered. Temporary benefits payable fortnightly. Annual allowances payable quarterly. Funeral costs payable same month as death occurred.
Law provides for the establishment of General Fund of merchant marine to which owners of boats engaged in commerce are obliged *to pay an annual tax on each man embarked. Amount of tax fixed by a special decree subject to revision every five years.
Administrated by Minister of Navy through council of 4 delegates appointed by ship owners. One delegate from navigating personnel, one from navy administration. Clerk appointed by Minister of Navy.
A similar fund organized for owners of fishing vessels administered by government office in charge of maritime fishing board. Denmark.
erators. I would like to point out that this scandalous robbery has been going on for years on the whole B.C. coast. J.F. says, "many people have lost a lot of money by listening to people like Cascade." If you can do simple arithmetic, you can figure for yourself the colossal loss the fishermen have suffered by listening and selling their fish to people like J.F. and his kind. Just multiply 5 cents by about 3,000,000 yearly and see what it amounts to.
J. F. stresses the fact that all men employed by the camp are union men. That is as it should be. If the initials J. F. belong to the laddie I think they do, I would ask him to remonstrate with a very close relative of his —whose initials are N.F. who owns the only boat that would act as tender for the "Good Partner" when she was on the unfair list last year.
He further states the fishermen were offered a cooperative packing scheme some years ago. I think the principle reasons it was not taken up were: The men did not trust the packer and he did not own sufficient tonnage to pack the fish in a heavy run, which was proved true when men had to stop fishing four years ago during a heavy run because the camps were glutted and the packer could not ship them quickly enough. There has been some criticism because the fishermen got a Japanese to pack the fish. Well, there is not a single white packer on this coats who has sufficient bottoms to take care of a heavy run and is at the same time independent of the Canners' Association; and we have not the slightest reason to trust them.
Fishermen, you got a high of over 20 cents per lb. for red spring this year. Don't fool yourselves. If it had not been for the intelligence and foresight of a few men last year in Bull Harbor you would still be getting 10 cents.
I may say further that it is a deplorable state of affairs when fishermen have to go to a Japanese to get that overworked maxim: "A white man's deal." They certainly never got it from J. F.
In closing I would urge all fishermen to get together — join a suitable union and let your collective strength force decent prices for you from the operators. They want the fish and want them badly. Your union will see that you get a fair deal, and end once and for all this deplorable unorganized soiling which takes place amongst the trollers between Blackfish Sound and Banks Island. You're the boss. Control your business.
NAWHITI BAR.
If you should ever call in at Porlier Pass"Local 25 you will get your eyes opened, to see how the group of fishermen we have here cooperate. There are so many at this camp now that we are working all hours of the night to handle the fish and livers. We had started with a few fishermen a few months ago and now it has grown to a large fleet of fishermen and getting larger every day. Nearly every one that comes here are thinking of staying for the winter, and the reason is because there are fish of all kinds to be had here twelve months of the year.
To make this Local the best thing the Gulf has ever had, we are asking you to come and work with us this winter and if you do you will do the same every winter—not only the winters but all the time.
This little Co-op has the best showing of its kind on the coast and to make the Co-op movement spread we arc asking you to pay us a visit and see how it is worked so you can take it home to your Local and start the same thing as we have here.
Well, we have had a prize for the largest red spring caught between August 5 and 20 and we sure had some fun during that time; every night the boys around camp would wait till every spring was in and then the talk would start. So-and-so would say, "Well, I'll beat that one tomorrow" and so-and-so would say "I'll bet you two bits you don't." and so on.
Well, from the 20th of August to the last day of August midnight the prizes will be on the biggest white spring and the biggest red spring.
By the way, the prize just won was won by Vincent Joe with a great big fat red spring of 23 lbs. Good luck, Joe; it's up to you to buy the papers this time!
BILL BARCLAY.
(To be Continued Next Issue)
Fishermen Asked To Fish at Porlier Pass
Editor, The Fisherman:
A line to say it would be nice if you would print the following when you have space enough in The Fisherman.
Porlier Pass Local 25, PCFU, is calling all fishermen who are interested and fishing dogfish (for livers) and other ground fish such as soles, cod, ling, red cod, skates (for livers and wing), crabs, and all classes of salmon at the best prices.
Offers a Comeback On Reports From Grounds
Editor, The Fisherman:
Regarding Blackfish Sound, our reporter and the squawk on fish prices as was reported in the Cascade Harbor news item. Our reporter of Blackfish quotes prices of cohoe only on August 3, no mention being made of spring salmon. No doubt the news was written some time before then and prices may have been somewhat as was "reported" or changed for the better long before our squawkers caught up with the item in question. Around that period in this paper appeared a letter by E. Lloyd on the prices around Blackfish or Mitchell Bay, and according to it, prices as a whole were nothing to brag about. If some of our hook and liners that howl for news and prices would put in about fifteen minutes each week and donate something, others then would not have to mention, "it has been reported" when news cannot be vouched for as authentic, and of course you get it as the reporter does. Going into hysterias or running around yelling your head off doesn't improve or fill your paper of the doing3 and prices on each ground.      SO WHAT.