Western Pulp and Paper

 October 1967 Page 6 OCEAN FALLS REPORT by Peter Freund

Labour Day 1967 was a great success with the theme on celebration of Canada's centennial year, as well as the anniversary of the formation of Local 312 and 360.

Celebrations were spread over the weekend starting Friday night with a bonfire followed by a dance including a floor show. Saturday, an open air dance for the younger set and Sunday soccer and ball games, tug o'war, free show at the theatre for the children. Then Labour Day with the best Labour Day parade and collection of the finest array of floats, decorated cars, wagons, bikes and costumes including best dressed cats and dogs.

We had everything planned except the weather. There were to be pigeons released, pie throwing contest, pillow fight, bingo, midway, clowns, a 100 pound centennial cake, junior and senior sports, water sports, log rolling, log sawing, barbeque, prizes - you name it ,we had it - but it rained.

The fireworks planned to finish the Labour Day weekend had to be postponed until the following weekend, but then it was a great success and proved a really enjoyable display. The Labour Day Committee under chairman George Nairn deserve great credit for the amount of preparations.

October 1 sees another 18 or 19 men to be laid off. The company wanted to keep eight and find others to take their place. The company stated it needed these men as they were essential for the operation of the mill. Local 312 Automation Committee could not agree; it would mean setting back severely the whole question of seniority.

According to ex-resident manager Bill Cyrus, by 1970 the work force up here will only be around 450 to 500 including staff; currently we have about 750 including staff. It's a much quieter hotel and annex with only 45 percent occupancy. Shorter hours are in force in all small businesses. The shrinking of our town has made one think of an old friend who is getting older and more tired, slowing down, not as active and bouncing as before.

December 1967 Page 8 [photo 16th safety conference with labour and management in Vancouver] From Local 312 and 360, Ocean Falls, Joe Young, A. Jack, Bill Phillips and J. Ingram.

January 1968 Page 8 BIG LABOUR DAY PARADE ATTRACTS HUNDREDS AT OCEAN FALLS For many years, Local 312 Pulp Sulphite and Local 360 UPP at Ocean Falls have combined to put on outstanding Labour Day celebrations. Last year was not exception and a Centennial theme was used extensively in the Labour Day festivities. These pictures are published with apologies to Local 312 and 360 for the delay. [8 photos of the parade and train]