The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1919-06-13
tBy John NJ. Norland, Secretary
Treasurer International Union or
TimbcrwOrkers.)

csbtc ~ t' ISlOif lut WI htIo III lIl1
industry are forging to the front.
We can look back a few years,
and to those that are familiar with
the struggles that have confronted
these workers, is it any wonder,
now that they have the opportunity,
that they are advancing onward to
the goal of better living standards,
, hours and wages.
Many of the men that have been
connected with the industry for
years stare in amazement at the
change that has taken place the
last two years. They see sanitary
conditions in camps and mills
greatly remedied; blankets and
boards formerly used as covering
and mattresses, replaced with
sheets and springs; they see gen
eral improvement on every hand.
The workers are taking more in
terest in their own welfare, their
back bone and courage has been stiff
fened, and heretofore what was al
ways known as the poorest organ
lied industry in the nation is Corg-
ing to the front by leaps and
bounds This is due to the awak
ening of the workers, brought about
by conditions and organization that
have opened the half-closed eyes of
the workers 'the world over. And
to those that are standing in the
way of the rapid advancement of
the onrushing flow of real labor or
ganization in this industry, l would
sound a warning to step aside, as
the force is as strong as the on
rushing tide. and it would be well
for the operators who have not lost
any of their kaiserism, and their
allied AL, who are trying to help
them hogtie the workers in this ba-
sic industry, to take heed before it
is too late.
The workers should not be con-
sidered as q machine nor a COM
modify to be used as a convenience
to grind out large profits for the
lumber operators The workers
must be given a voice in determin-
ing the conditions under which
they labor. This has not been true
in the lumber industry. But it
must be admitted, unfortunately,
that for a long period-yes, from
the very inception of the lumber
industry. the workers have not had
a square deal, nor have the operat-
ors done anything like their duty
to their workers.
But in their rightful resentment
against unjust conditions, and their
right to determine and work out
their own problems, the lumber
operators in their frenzied efforts
to retard organization. have saddled
the boss" controlled, wOuld-be la
Dor organization, the Al upon some
Of the workers that are not in SYM
pathy with it, and are unable to
help themselves. And right here in
free America making it condition
of employment.
It is amusing to hear some OF
these so-called patriots among the
lumbermen who are lauding the Al
to the sky, and hollering American
ism to the top of their voices, and
in the next breath hiring as many
"Japs" as their plants Will stand.
If through undue eNactions,
through unfair use Of their power
the operators bring about a condi-
tion that becomes intolerable in the
industry. they have no right to eN-
pect anything but unfair treatment
from those that are trying to make
the industry what it ought to be.
What the United Mine Workers is
TO the miner-is what the Timber
workers is goiug to be to the toilers
in this basic industry. 1t is organ
lied on right lines, its foundation is
unshakable. and among its members
will be found excellent manhood
and womanhood II has due regard
for the rights of others, but it is
going to insist that its members
have substantial voice in deter
mining the distribution of the prof
its of production.
The time has passed when the
appeal to patriotism will have any
Influence Wages must be adjust
ed with due regard to the purchas-
ing power of the wage. The work
er must have the opportunity to
earn a good living wage, reasonable
hours, decent home surroundings,
and proper social conditions.
Right now lumber and shingle
prices are soaring skyward, and