The United Worker

January 7, 1949 Page 1

A Happy New Year

On reviewing the history of 1948, we find that many mistakes have been made, major and minor.

Early in the year there was a serious shortage of water behind the dam, consumption was greater than the run off with the result that production was curtailed, and may crews were put on short time, some of these as short as 36 hours a week. Realizing that this situation was unavoidable our Unions met with management and through our discussions arrived at an arrangement to share the work, resulting in a minimum of 40 hours for all. One of these discussions was recorded and broadcast by CBC throughout Canada. These discussions were held to be the very acme of Labor-Management co-operation.

The contract negotiations which took place shortly after were of the longest and possibly the bitterest in the history of our Local Unions. Much of the bitterness caused by the arrival in town a short time previous of the Rental Administrator when it was learned that an application for an increase in house rents in the community had been applied for.

A settlement was reached, however the rent and electricity increases soon went into effect. Bunkhouse and hotel room rents were increased or services reduced. On top of this prices in the General Store began to spiral out of all reason. After representation were made this policy was modified, but then a new development followed. The contract was to be read to the letter. Spirit and intent were no longer part of the contract. This resulted in certain "privileges" being taken away from workers who had taken them for granted for a long time.

During the later part of 1948 departments have been closed down, which is surprising in the midst of the greatest prosperity in the Pulp and Paper Industry.

January 7, 1948 Page 3

"AGAIN - Community Centre"

The crying need of a "Centre" in the isolate town of Ocean Falls has long been felt by both young and old. This had been TALKED about for years but very little has come of it except a fine set of blueprints once presented. When one sees how easy it is to build giant lumber sheds adjacent to the Sawmill we begin to wonder just how much sincerity really does exist for a community centre at Ocean Falls.

The records on our local police blotter over the years are one quick reason which should spell action. The responsibility lies solely with PACIFIC MILLS LIMITED and they alone are to blame for any state of affairs, past or present which "Operation Community Center" could have and would cure.

Hugh Lewis Passes

Mr. Hugh Lewis, president of SORG PULP CO. At Port Mellon, died December 28th. He had been connected with the Pulp and Paper Industry for many years having served in several capacities here at Ocean Falls whilst with PML managerial staff.

January 7, 1949 Page 7

Stork Club

Dec 14 - girl Mr. & Mrs. R.H. Files

Youthful Labor Leader Steps Up

On December 24th, President Newman Compton of Paper Makers Local 360 resigned his office to accept a supervisory position with St. Regis Paper Company at Tacoma, Wash. In the space of four years he has risen to occupy the highest office of his local. During the past year he served the International Paper Makers Union as a Field Representative and also a representative during contract negotiations in the province.

Convention Call

The 19th convention of the International Brotherhood of paper Makers will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio starting March 21st. President elect John J. Torrence of Local 360 Ocean Falls will represent his union at that time.

January 7, 1949 Page 8

Join the Ocean Falls Credit Union now - J.J. MacDonald ----- Duplex 1012

January 7, 1949 Page 10

Ocean Falls General Hospital

The past year has been a good one for the Hospital Society. Here are a few contributing factors:

Family Hospital Insurance has meant that we have collected practically all of our current accounts. We have been fortunate in having and maintaining an efficient and experienced Hospital Staff in all its departments.

The Woman's Auxiliary to the Hospital has been active again this year. New furniture, drapes, bedspreads and bed lamps for the Maternity Floor are just a few of their generous contributions.

At the Annual General Meeting a year ago the Association was $1,700.00 overdrawn at the bank with new and expensive equipment needed in the operating room. We ordered the new equipment after receiving assurances from various organizations that financial assistance would be forth coming. We received $3,000.00 from the Emergency Fund to which you all contribute and we wish to express our thanks for the assistance that was so badly needed at that time.

The Annual general meeting of the Ocean falls Hospital Society will be held in the Martin Inn on February 28th, 1949. Any person who was an employee of Pacific Mills on January 1st, 1947 is a charter member of the society. Any person over eighteen years of age who has been a resident in Ocean Falls for the past three years may become a member by submitting his or her name to the Hospital Board of Management plus the payment of an Annual fee of $1.00

Hospital statistics comparing 1947 and 1948

1947 1948

Patients admitted 927 1067
Patient days 7077 7027
Major Operations 137 138
Minor Operations 206 246
Births 83 69
Cost of New Equipment 1080.00 4,324.00
Food Costs 8258.00 10,000.00
Wages 27,818.00 35,953.00
Cash Donations 5602.00 14,365.00
Grants 6282.00 6,213.00

The Board of Management - J.H. Torrance, Chairman