The flJherm&n
— Official Organ — Pacific Coast Fishermen's Union Salmon Purse Seiners' Union
The Only Fishermen's Trade Union Paper in British Columbia
VOL. II. No. 1.
VANCOUVER, B.C., JUNE 6, 1938
(34)
©
PRICE: 5 Cents
NO AGREEMENTS, NO FISH
Gulf Agreement Gives Trollers Boost In Price
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Blueback Run Reported As Good; No Fish Near Vancouver
BLUEBACK trollers over the entire Gulf of Georgia area are again fishing under provisions of a union agreement negotiated between the Pacific Coast Fishermen's Union and two cannery companies, Colonial Packers and Queen Charlotte Fisheries.
Signed on Tuesday, May 31, after two days of negotiations, the agreement calls for a quarter-cent boost over last season's prices, union recognition, and some improvement in services.
Prices set were six and seven cents for the month of June, six and one-quarter and seven and one-quartev cents from July 1 to August 10, and six and seven cents up to September 30.
Negotiating of this agreement makes the fourth consecutive year in which the Pacific Coast Fishermen's Union has succeeded in getting operators' names fixed to agreements for bluebacks. During this period prices to fishermen have been increased from four and five cents in 1935 to the present scale, with no increase in the price to the consumer.
Blueback fishing opened June 1 with an excellent run reported at Cape Mudge and Deep Bay. At the latter point high boat the first day had 100 fish.
No bluebacks have been reported in the Vancouver district.
B.C. TROLLERS BACK ACTION OF P.C.F.U.
VANCOUVER, B.C.—Action by the Pacific Coast Fishermen's Union in negotiating settlements on blueback prices is receiving the full support of the B.C. Trollers' Association, union headquarters here was informed by J. Vineham, Na-naimo member of the association's special executive committee.
"We wish to convey our appreciation of your efforts and also tender you our wholehearted support," Mr. Vineham's letter states. "We will be glad to keep in touch with you by mail or contact any representatives you may see fit to send here."
The B.C. Trollers' letter was accom-panier by the signatures of some 30 Na-haimo members of the organization, signifying their intention of backing the actions of the executive.
JACK DONALDSON
He Made the Printed Fisherman A Reality With His Initial Donation of $200 to Head the List of Pledges
Negotiations Blocked By Operators' Stand
SITDOWNERS FIRM ON PLEA FOR AID
Civic Officials Fail to Weaken Public Support
FISHERMEN AID JOBLESS
The recent meeting of the Salmon Purse Seiners and Pacific Coast Fishermen's unions at Hastings Auditorium realized a total donation of $13 toward the cause of the embattled post office and art gallery sit-downers. This collection was realized over and above the cost of hall rent.
Vancouver's sitdown strike of single unemployed at the post office and art gallery has entered its third week with complete solidarity among the ranks, officials of the Relief Project Workers' Union told The Fisherman in denying reports that any split had taken place.
Vast majority of the one thousand men occupying both buildings were reported in good health and spirits. Public support behind their demands for relief pending inauguration of a works scheme has been increasing steadily despite hopes voiced by civic officials that the sitdowners would soon be forgotten men.
Strong indication of this was given late last week when Ian Mackenzie, minister of national defence, threatened to use force to evict the men. Evidently issued to feel out public reaction, the threat was soon withdrawn when public resentment made itself known.
Decision to keep up a steady supply of food for single jobless in the buildings (Continued on Page 8)
Two Talks With Canners; Mass Meeting Called New Westminster
Presenting The New 'Fisherman'
It's Decked Out In New Gear ... We Hope You Like It
[AN EDITORIAL]
WELL, fishermen, you're in at the launching. We've slipped down the ways rebuilt from truck to keelson, packing a new masthead and sporting a new print job and make-up.
Everything's new but our policy and program. That remains as before—to organize British Columbia's fishing industry on the grounds and in the canneries for higher prices and wages and better working conditions through establishment of a united trade union movement from the Fraser River to the Portland Canal.
The launching of a printed trade union paper for B.C. fishermen is no ordinary event.
It signifies the remarkable achievements of the Pacific Coast Fishermen's Union and the Salmon Purse Seiners' Union in developing co-oneration amnn" ficViprmpn. i-n
building organization to a higher point than at any other time in the history of the industry.
It signifies months of preparatory work, of sacrifices by organized and unorganized fishermen in providing the necessary finances.
Now that the printed paper is a reality, there is still much to do. The co-operation of the entire membership will be necessary to keep it on an even keel financially. More than that, we'll need news, correspondence from the fishing grounds and canneries, letters, reports on prices, news of general interest, material that will be the life-blood of the paper.
We believe, on the basis of past experience, that we'll get that cooperation, and for our part, guarantee to give our best from this end.
So here's your first issue. We Vio^p von like it.
NO AGREEMENT —no fish" remained the central demand of British Columbia's fishermen this week as officials of the Pacific Coast Fishermen's Union prepared to mobilize all districts on the coast behind the demand that operators reopen the negotiations on prices which had reached a deadlock last week-end after cannery operators had met union representatives in two separate meetings without reaching a decision.
Stumbling block to an amicabie settlement in both meetings was the operators' refusal to accept the price of 47% and 52% cents for Smiths and Rivers Inlets, proposed jointly by the B.C. Fishermen's Protective Association and the Pacific Coast Fishermen's Union. The canners' committee offered objections to the unions' proposal of arbitration under the Fisheries Act, but finally agreed to the sending of representatives from both parties to interview Fisheries Commissioner Pearson on the scope of any arbitration board set up.
Only offer made for Smiths and Rivers Inlets sockeye this year by cannerymen was 37% and 42% cents, but on the condition that fishermen would accept 2% cents per fish for pinks. ADJOURNED SATURDAY.
The second meeting on Saturday, June 4, was adjourned after hearing the report of the delegation to Pearson. Pres-(Continued on Page 3)
THOUSAND FATHOM NET IS LICENSED
In reply to enquiries by a representative of The Fisherman, the Fisheries Department at Vancouver has confirmed rumors that Nelson Bros, have been issued a permit to operate a gillnet one thousand fathoms in length this season.
It is understood the net is to be used off the West Coast, aud much concern is being aroused among fishermen as to the possible effect on the run down the West Coast, through the Juan de Fuca straits and up the Fraser River.
The executive board of the Pacific Coast Fishermen's Union is now taking the question up with a view to protesting issuance of this permit, and other fishermen's locals and organizations are urged to send protests to the Department of Fisheries and to members of parliament and provincial legislature.