1903 –2003 By Edward E. Seymour • Local Union 353 • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 By Edward E. Seymour 1903 2003 ILLUMINATING THE PAST

YEARS of Electrifying Progress BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE

BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 353 1903 –2003 ILLUMINATING THE PAST By Edward E. Seymour 1903 2003 ILLUMINATING THE PAST

YEARS of Electrifying Progress BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 353 1903 –2003 By Edward E. Seymour 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress Edward E. Seymour

Edward E. Seymour is the owner of Solidarity Consulting, a labour relations consulting firm for unions.

He is also a partner with Michael Lyons and Sherril Murray in Resolutions Unlimited (2000), a firm that concentrates on resolving harassment and discrimina- tion issues in the work place.

Ed serves as a nominee on arbitration boards for several unions including the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the Communications Energy and Paper Workers Union.

Born in Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and raised in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Ed moved to Ontario in 1958. His trade union experience dates from 1962 when he became a member of Lodge 1246 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Waterloo in 1974 after attending classes during the day and working at night.

Ed was the Canadian Education and Publicity Director for the Textile Workers Union of America (now part of U.N.I.T.E.) from 1970 to 1977.

Following that he was the National Representative for the Communications Workers of Canada (now part of the Communications Energy and Paper Workers Union) in 1977 where his primary responsibility was education. He left to establish Solidarity Consulting in 1986.

This is Ed’s second book, the first – An Illustrated History of Canadian Labour 1800 – 1974 – was published through the Canadian Labour Congress in 1976.

Ed is married to Cynthia Tenute and currently lives in Hamilton, Ontario. He has five children, Donald (and Denise), David, Deborah, Darren (and Catherine) and Douglas, and is grandfather to Tyler, Emma and Henry.

Edward E. Seymour ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Dedication 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress The late Wally Majesky was the them as well trained and skilled at what main motivator behind the writing of this they do. history book. Wally, long active in the labour movement, thought it was crucial- Norm Purdy, a former President of ly important that the achievement of the Electrical Contractors Association of Local 353 be recognized. Ontario, referred to one of his prized pos- sessions in a taped interview for the 50th This book is dedicated to the men anniversary of the ECAO. A plaque, and women who were, and are today, the which hung on his bedroom wall, was members of the International presented to him on his retirement as well Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local as an honourary membership in the 353. Most of them are not addressed by IBEW. Also in another taped interview name in these pages but they are there another contractor, John MacDonald, just the same. Some of them never took referred to the stability in Local Union an active day-to-day part in their union 353 under the leadership of Bill Farquhar and some of them seldom participated in and Bill Hardy. MacDonald described union meetings. Nevertheless, they Farquhar and Hardy as fair and objec- support their union quietly and without tive, and straightforward in their dealings fanfare. with management. He described them as men of integrity and principle who while Of course there are others who philosophically at odds with the contrac- take a much greater role and many of tors, understood that both the contractor their names are recorded in these pages. and the union had a common purpose to They lead. They inspire others. And, work together for what was in the best sometimes they frustrate those that are interest of both management and labour. not quite so involved. These compliments should not be All are an integral part of the taken lightly. They are deserved and are whole that is Local 353. a tribute to the men and women of today and yesterday who have managed to Through the last 100 years this achieve gains not only for themselves but organization has advanced the cause of for others as well. They have maintained the electrical worker in Toronto so it is the respect of their employers and these now one of the most safety-conscious are not insignificant achievements. organizations in Canada. They have sup- ported the advancement of education in Congratulations International both their trade and their union. They Brotherhood of Electrical Workers have made a tremendous contribution to Local 353! their community as good community citi- zens, actively involved in many communi- ty organizations. They have earned the respect of the companies that employ

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Dedication 1903 2003 Table Of Contents

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

Page Page Number Number

Biography Chapter 5 – Edward E. Seymour – Hard Times Continue 1933 - 1943 ...... 62 Dedication • Another War for Workers to Fight ...... 75 Table of Contents • Labour Day ...... 82 Chapter 6 Acknowledgements – Winning The War and the Dawn of a New Era Foreword 1943 – 1952 ...... 84 • War Ends ...... 87 Chapter 1 Chapter 7 – The Beginning ...... 1 – Prosperity and Unity • Early Organizing Successes ...... 5 1953 - 1963 ...... 97 Chapter 2 • Founding of the – Growing Pains New Democratic Party ...... 109 1903 - 1912 ...... 9 Chapter 8 • Immigration ...... 14 • Reid-Murphy Split ...... 18 – A Period of Growth and Change • Electricity 1963 – 1972 ...... 111 – Who Will Own It and • Autonomy for How Will It Be Distributed ...... 24 Canadians within International Unions ...... 111 Chapter 3 • Medicare Becomes – The Uneasy Truce Reality in Canada ...... 117 1913 – 1922 ...... 28 • 1967 – Canada’s Centennial Year ...... 119 • World War I ...... 29 • War Measures Act Imposed . . . . . 120 • War Ends ...... 32 • Running the Local ...... 121 Chapter 4 – Rebuilding the Local 1923 – 1932 ...... 38

Table of Contents 1 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Page Page Number Number

Chapter 9 Chapter 11 1903 2003

YEARS – CLC Building Trades Split and – A New Direction of Electrifying Progress Local 353 Trusteeship 1993 – 2000 ...... 192 1973 – 1982 ...... 128 • IBEW 1996 Convention Victory • CLC Building Trades Dispute . . . . 129 for the Members ...... 195 • Rose Leads IBEW and Building • Local 353 Members Respond Trades into the CFL ...... 140 to Survey ...... 197 • Bill Hardy Defeated ...... 141 • The Canadian Federation • Anti-Inflation Board of Labour Folds ...... 199 – Wage and Price Controls • Market Recovery Become Law ...... 143 – Market Share and • IBEW Local 353 Goes Stabilization Funds ...... 201 on Strike ...... 145 • Joe Fashion Suspended Appendix A from Office ...... 148 – Retirees Club ...... 208 • Local 353 Placed in • Retirees Scroll ...... 211 Trusteeship ...... 152 Appendix B Chapter 10 – Education and – Reversals of Fortune – Recession and Apprenticeship Training ...... 212 High Unemployment 1983 – 1992 ...... 156 Appendix C • Welcome to Toronto ...... 157 – Substance Abuse ...... 230 • Ken Rose Retires ...... 162 • Joe Fashion Elected ...... 163 Appendix D • Canadian Federation of Labour Proves to be – Local 353 Executive ...... 231 Limited Force ...... 169 • Growing Concern Appendix E about Market Share ...... 172 – Press Secretaries – Local 353 ...... 236 • Credit Union ...... 172 • Work Situation Improves ...... 177 Appendix F • Free Trade or Fair Trade ...... 179 – 50 Year Members ...... 237 • Votes by Polls or Mail-In Ballots . .180 • New Democratic Party Elected to Power in Ontario . . . . . 185 Photograph Credits ...... 241 • Sports Fun and Games ...... 188

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Table of Contents 2 1903 2003 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

Wally Majesky initially approached International Office in Toronto were also me in early 2001, through Resolutions very helpful. They tolerated my interrup- Unlimited, to undertake the research and tions to their routine while I was accessing the writing of a history of IBEW Local resources, and allowed me to photocopy 353 for its 100th anniversary. Not being any material I saw as relevant. Thank you fully aware of what resources would be to Theresa Daly, Jim Spillane and Mike available I agreed and thought I would set Nugent in the International Office in about the project in two stages. I would Washington in particular for their cooper- do the research and if there was sufficient ation and assistance in locating photos material to work with I would agree to and information. write the history. Some of my research into the early Unfortunately, the finished product years was done in the Hamilton Public is a work in progress. There are obvious Library, and I certainly appreciate that facil- gaps that must be filled another day. Any ity’s staff who were most anxious to assist. work of this magnitude is not the province of one individual, but rather the combined I would also like to thank F.W. Dietz effort of many. for providing me with copies of The Makins.

Certainly this work would not The entire Local 353 executive was have been completed without the prodding extremely helpful. This project was just of the late Wally Majesky who even when one of the many demands on their time, he approached me was very ill. Through and everyone tolerated my being a nui- his last days, his support for the project sance in my pursuit of information – occa- was unwavering and he expended precious sionally at the most inconvenient of times. energy in very difficult circumstances to I am particularly grateful to my have it accepted. wife, Cynthia Tenute, who read the very Len Zawaski was also enthusiastic first draft and offered numerous insightful about the initial project and was the first to suggestions. Her patience, particularly direct me to the international office and when various deadlines for the work were gained access for me to the Electrical approaching and I was becoming even Workers Journal and the convention pro- more agitated, kept me centered. I am ceedings. While neither collection was com- especially grateful and appreciative to my plete, I was able to review the convention assistant, Shirley Mollon, who suffers sto- proceedings and the Journal back to 1946. ically through my atrocious penmanship daily, but even more so through what These resources proved to be most turned out to be well over a thousand helpful, particularly a wonderful feature in pages of hand-written material. She typed the Journal – “Local Lines.” I was later the first draft and offered many helpful able to review those back to 1918. suggestions. Quite frankly, she was indis- pensable to the project and without her it International Vice President Don would never have been completed. Lounds and the entire staff of the

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 1 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Interviews take a long time and, Towards the end while we were in unfortunately, I did not interview nearly as the editing process, Business Manager Joe many as I would have liked. Those I did, Fashion directed me to Bob O’Donnell of however, offered their own unique per- the Electrical Contractors’ Association of spective on the union. They are: Joe Toronto. Mr. O’Donnell had a number of 1903 2003

YEARS Fashion, Bill Baird, Bob Barker, Ed Nott, tapes of conversations with contractors of Electrifying Progress Mike Yarkony, Larry Priestman, Bill who had a long history in the industry. Smith, George Campbell Jr., Herb These proved to be a prized resource and Worthington and the late Steve Weslak helped immensely. and Mike Mungy. Many of them not only agreed to be interviewed but also wel- Thank you to the O.P.E.I.U. Local comed me into their homes. They all 343 – the staff that supports IBEW Local spoke freely of their experiences in Local 353. A special thanks to Jennifer 353 and no one put restrictions on what I Burrows, Cindy Olders, Jacey Gill, Lori could write. Fraser-Bursach and Donna Laidler.

The Local 353 Executive – Joe Thanks must also go to Wayne Fashion, Business Manager; Robert Lawrence and Lee Caprio who worked in Gullins, President; John Smith, Vice the background and picked up the slack to President; George Smith, Recording make sure that this project was completed. Secretary, as well as Dan Drummond, Thank you to the entire staff Robert White, Barry Stevens and Stephen of Belanger, authorized the project in their capacity as executive board members. They were at all times helpful in their for making this project a top priority – encouragement. Renata Bero-Koch in particular. Renata’s professionalism throughout was much A special thank you must go to appreciated. On behalf of Local 353 a Ed Nott. Ed provided his assistant to edit sincere thank you. this book only to lose her services for major portions of time through the editi- I am most certainly aware that ing process of this book. To him, I owe a many Local 353 members contributed tremendous amount of gratitude for his material from which the illustrations in this understanding, patience and cooperation book were selected. In all, we were given in seeing this project to its conclusion. thousands of photographs, only a few of which could be used; however, all of them The Editorial Board, consisting of will serve as an archive for future projects. Barry Stevens and Katherine Hoy, provided tremendous assistance in editing the book, On a very personal note I want to selecting photographs, and readying it for thank my team that is supportive of all my publication. A special thank you to Stan projects. They are by seniority Nuns, T, Balding and Robert Rynyk for their help. Joe, Jane, Joey and Katie. And, of course, in our thoughts every day, Pa. Ms. Hoy read every word with an extremely critical eye and was ruthless in All credit for the publication of this wielding the “editor’s pen.” Her eye for book is due to the efforts of all the above- detail sent me scurrying back to my named. For any shortcomings or errors, I resources time and time again for clarifica- accept complete responsibility. tion. All of her efforts are very much appreciated because the book is a far Enjoy your history! superior product than it would have been without her input.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 2 1903 2003 FOREWORD

YEARS of Electrifying Progress Just for a moment imagine your ty standards for themselves through the life without electrical power and how collective bargaining process, and through drastically different it would be. legislation for both themselves and the Personally, I can’t say that I gave much general public, has been impressive. thought to the impact electricity has on our lives before I undertook the responsi- While researching this project I bility of writing this history of Local 353 was reminded once again of what I in recognition of its 100th anniversary. already knew – that the working men and Since accepting that responsibility in women of this country still do not have a 2001, and as I researched the materials full appreciation of the major contribu- available, I began to look at Toronto in a tion they have made to the society in way very different from how I had which they live. viewed it in the past. A great deal of fanfare ushers in I began to look at some of the each major construction project when it buildings that IBEW Local 353 members is announced. Puffed up politicians and have been responsible for wiring over corporate leaders, many of whom have those 100 years since the union received never done a lick of physical work in its charter on February 2, 1903. I looked their lives, trip over one another to don at them in terms of the number of miles the hard hat, to turn the first sod, of wire used, the number of electrical out- unaware of how ridiculous they look in lets. But that’s the simple part. their suits and ties. Yet those who actual- ly do the job – all the trades, including I also began to wonder about the electrical workers – receive virtually no complexities of Skydome, the CN Tower recognition. and the many massive office complexes in the downtown core alone. In the city of Toronto, and for practically every major project since Even though I regard myself as a 1903, an IBEW Local 353 member did labour historian and take pride in my the electrical work in a safe and efficient knowledge of trade union history, I was manner. They often not only install it but shocked (no pun intended) to discover maintain it as well. They go about their that in the early years and prior to the business every working day not giving unionization of the electrical industry, as too much thought to the importance of many as 50 per cent of the electricians their work – the efficient running of this employed in the trade died on the job – city. largely because of inadequate safety measures. Many of the illustrations in this book were lying around in boxes, hidden Certainly the role the IBEW in and unseen for years. In fact, I was general, and Local 353 in particular, almost two years into the project before I played in the development of proper safe- laid eyes on many of them and discovered

Foreword 1 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE they comprise a monument to the work I hope this short history of Local done by the members of this local. They 353 will at least convince those who are are priceless artifacts of a century of his- reading a work on labour history for the

tory and I hope that through the publica- first time to question the state of things 1903 2003 tion of this book, they have illuminated as they are today and demand an end to YEARS the past for you. the trend towards the privatization of of Electrifying Progress those services fundamental to all of us: Local 353 is an organization that transportation, Hydro, hospitals, health- has contributed much to the goodness care, water supply, education and homes that is Toronto. In seeking safety stan- for the elderly. dards for themselves, they gained them for everyone; in seeking pensions for themselves, they gained acceptance for the concept that everyone deserves one; in providing health and welfare benefits for their own, they gained acceptance and helped win them for everyone.

The labour movement, including IBEW Local 353 and its members, are often depicted by the right-wing press and political parties (like the Alliance) as greedy. Yet it isn’t labour leaders and members who shower themselves with $3000 meals and $60,000 two-week vacations disguised as business trips for themselves and their families at taxpay- ers’ expense.

It has been said that the more things change, the more they remain the same. Approximately 100 years ago, when the dawn of electrical power was in its infancy, politicians and corporate lead- ers debated who was going to control electricity – the public or the private sec- tor. The politicians and business leaders of that era, with a far greater sense of social responsibility than many today, opted in favour of public ownership. To them it was insane to do otherwise.

Today, politicians and corporate leaders are striving to dismantle and destroy the system that has served us so well.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Foreword 2 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE CHAPTER 1

1903 2003

YEARS THE BEGINNING of Electrifying Progress

For any organization to survive This change occurred in response long enough to celebrate its 100th to a request from Canadian electrical anniversary is a remarkable achievement. workers for unionization within the This is no less true of the International American organization – a request that Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local was turned down by convention delegates Union 353. When Local 353 received its on several previous occasions. charter on February 2, 1903, the Brotherhood had already been in exis- When Local 353 received its char- tence in the United States for 12 years ter, the IBEW was still experiencing grave and had, in 1899, changed its name from difficulties that threatened its very sur- the National Brotherhood of Electrical vival. Few would have predicted that one Workers to the International Brotherhood hundred years later Local 353 would be of Electrical Workers. celebrating its formation.

Stolley’s Dance Hall – 1891

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 1 The National Brotherhood of accomplished following the launch of the Electrical Workers (NBEW) held its first organization. Unfortunately, these expec- convention in a small room above tations were not fulfilled. “At such a

1903 2003 Stolleys Dance Hall in St. Louis, Missouri diminutive showing there naturally existed from November 21 to 28, 1891. Ten del- a feeling almost of despair,” said Henry YEARS of Electrifying Progress egates attended representing a total of Miller. “Those who attended the conven- 286 members. They were Henry Miller tion will well remember the time they had – elected as the first president; James T. hiding from the reporters, trying to make Kelly – elected first secretary-treasurer it appear that we had a great delegation.” and William Hedden – all from St. Louis; The facade was successful and newspapers C. J. Sutter from Duluth, Minnesota; reported that nearly one hundred men James Dorsey from Milwaukee, took part in the proceedings. Wisconsin; Thomas J. Finnel from Chicago, Illinois; E. C. Hartung from The seeds for that convention had Indianapolis, Indiana; F. J. Heizleman been sown a year earlier when electrical from Toledo, Ohio; Joseph Berlovitz workers – including linemen and wiremen from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and from all over the United States – were Harry Fisher from Evansville, Indiana. gathered at an exposition held in St. Louis. They were there to wire the build- This small group of pioneers had ings and exhibits and they discussed their high expectations for what could be working conditions that for all of them

The Original 10 – 1891

Page 2 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE were 12-hour days seven days a week quence the men who have placed our earning 15 to 20 cents per hour. Earning country foremost in material and intellec- $2.50 per day was seen as an excellent tual progress, are today poorer than ever

wage for wiremen. before.” 1903 2003

YEARS There was no apprenticeship train- To rid the trade of large numbers of Electrifying Progress ing and safety standards were non-exis- of unskilled electricians the first constitu- tent. In many locals the death rate for tion established an apprenticeship system. linemen was one for every two hired. For A minimum of three years training under these workers unionization was the the direct supervision of a journeyman answer. They sought assistance from the was required before an applicant could American Federation of Labor (AFL) who become eligible for membership. The assigned the task to organizer Charles constitution also established a limit on Kassel. As a result, they were chartered the ratio of apprentices to journeymen as Local 5221 of the AFL. It quickly that an employer could employ. The became apparent, however, that small, apprentice was also required to pass an isolated locals were not effective bargain- examination before being admitted into ing units and could accomplish little on membership. It was through these meas- behalf of their members. For this reason ures that the Brotherhood expected to the electrical workers were convinced of elevate the standards of its members. the need for their own national organiza- tion with jurisdiction over the entire Within one month of the founding industry. Once that decision was made convention President Henry Miller the first convention was convened. sought, and was granted, a charter to the AFL. The charter, dated December 7, Because the new organization was 1891, granted the new union jurisdiction completely without funds, the St. Louis over every branch of the electrical trade local offered them a $100 loan to finance and industry. their launch. The founding convention set dues at 10 cents per month and estab- lished a death benefit not only for the members but also their spouses.

The same year the national Brotherhood was founded, Pope Leo XIII In 1891 the average issued a Papal letter – the Encyclical size of an Rerum Novarum – defending the dignity of labour. He advised Catholic workers American family to form trade unions through which they was four members, could advance social reform. and the average age at The forward to the first death was 31. Brotherhood constitution read in part: “In this great age of invention, men are apt to be so dazed by the natural splen- dor which surrounds them that they for- get the wage worker, whose labor Samuel Gompers has produced it, and as a conse-

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 3 Upon signing and presenting the The death benefits problem result- charter, AFL President Samuel Gompers ed from the fact that workplace safety said, “there can be no doubt but what was virtually non-existent. Safety equip-

1903 2003 with the general application of electricity ment, electrical codes and protective for so many purposes and its possibilities equipment were unknown. If a worker YEARS of Electrifying Progress yet unknown the…Electrical Workers will suffered a serious injury or died as a exert a vast influence upon the industrial result of a workplace accident, the problems of the future.” employer did little to compensate the worker or his family. The newly formed union com- menced its life, but progress was painfully Eugene V. Debs – a charter mem- slow. At the second convention in ber of the brotherhood of Locomotive Chicago in 1892 there were 1,600 mem- Firemen and the American Railway bers in 43 locals and only 24 locals were Union – addressed the plight of the represented. By 1893 the union had labour movement in 1894. “Ten thou- expanded as far west as San Francisco sand times has the labor movement stum- and as far south as New Orleans. They bled and bruised itself. We have been were represented in 63 locals! enjoined by the Courts; assaulted by thugs; charged by the militia; traduced by At the 1893 convention in the press; frowned upon in public opin- Cleveland, Ohio the delegates voted to ion; and deceived by politicians,” said hold the convention bi-annually. The Debs. “But notwithstanding all this and annual event was a financial burden that all these, labor is today the most vital and the organization couldn’t afford. Because potential power this planet has ever of an economic downturn in 1894, the known, and its historical mission is as 1895 convention in Washington, DC had certain of ultimate realization as is the only 11 delegates representing eight of setting of the sun.” the 49 locals still in good standing. It wasn’t long before Canadian The 1895 convention mirrored the electrical workers, hearing what was tran- humble beginnings of the founding con- spiring in the United States, sought to be vention with the exception being the included in the new organization. union now carried a heavy debt load. Secretary-Treasurer Kelly reported he was At the 1897 convention in Detroit forced to mortgage his household goods the question of accepting Canadian locals to keep the organization afloat. He into the Union was raised and put to a believed that the major cause for the referendum vote of the membership. For financial difficulties the union faced was several years NBEW leaders had encouraged the constant struggle to keep up with local unions to continue their organizing death benefit claims. Survival of the efforts with like-minded electrical work- organization in those circumstances was ers in Canada; however, solidarity with impossible and the delegates knew that Canadians was not forthcoming. The measures had to be taken to revive the resolution was rejected. fledgling union. In 1895 the executive board voted to discontinue the exhaustive This was not the end of the mat- death benefits. Despite this the locals ter. After the 1897 convention some local demanded that the claims be paid. unions tested the waters by helping to organize electrical workers in Canada.

Page 4 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The November 1898 Electrical Worker, later become Local 114 in Toronto, was the NBEW’s publication, reported that: elected Vice President at the 1901 convention.

“Mr. James Burgess, a member of 1903 2003 Any misgivings or doubts anyone

Local 41, Buffalo, New York, has YEARS might have had about Canadian electrical of Electrifying Progress succeeded in forming a local of elec- workers’ willingness to join an “American trical workers in Toronto, Canada, Union” would be dismissed in short and our Brothers across the water order. After only a few years, locals from are very desirous of having the many provinces in Canada joined the Brotherhood made international…It newly formed IBEW. would not do to have rival organi- zations, they would jeopardize each others’ chances of success. But for us all to join in one body would be of mutual benefit to all concerned.” EARLY ORGANIZING

NBEW general secretary H. W. Sherman presented his argument for for- SUCCESSES mal unification at the 1899 Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “The time has come…when the American eagle and the British lion are friendly, when Old Local 93 in Ottawa was the first Glory and the Union Jack are flowing Canadian local to join the parent organi- side by side, representing the two greatest zation, but its existence as a Canadian nations on earth,” said Sherman. “We local was short lived. Chartered in should extend our hands and say, Come December 1899 the local survived as a with us, your fights shall be our fights, Canadian local for fewer than three your defeats ours, and your victories years. ours.” Hamilton’s local – Local 105 – He argued that the 1897 rejection continues to exist to this day. Chartered of Canadian electrical workers was in January 1900 difficulties experienced “…the most serious mistake made at by the local required its re-organization [that] convention because a great many in September 1914. It was declared men in our Brotherhood who, in the past, defunct in January 1919, but was could not see any benefit in an re-chartered in May 1928. International Organization, today are the most ardent advocates of it. I would like, Local 111 was chartered in therefore, to see our organization made, Montreal, Quebec in March 1900 but The International Brotherhood of was defunct by December of that year. Electrical Workers.” The local re-surfaced in Denver, Colorado in December 1907. IBEW Grand President Thomas Wheeler appointed John H. Maloney as The first Toronto local to be char- the Vice President with jurisdiction over tered suffered the same fate. Chartered in Canada. H. J. Hurd, from what would April 1900 Local 114 was defunct as a Canadian local by December 1908.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 5 Many of its members would become It also waned as a Canadian local but members of Local 353. experienced several re-births in U.S. localities. Canadian locals continued to join 1903 2003 the IBEW. Local 120 of London, Ontario Finally, Local 353 in Toronto,

YEARS of Electrifying Progress received its charter in April 1900 and was Ontario was chartered on February 2, defunct by July 1906. It was re-chartered 1903. Local 353 – like many other in February 1907 and reinstated as per a Canadian locals – collapsed in 1908. tentative agreement in November 1914. Local 353 was reinstated under a tenta- Local 120 remains active to this day. tive agreement in September 1914, and, of course, remains very active today. Local 166 of Winnipeg, Manitoba was chartered on March 9, 1901, but Of the 14 charters issued to was defunct as a Canadian local by Canadian locals up to the time Local 353 December 1908. received it’s charter, only five remain today: Local 120 in London, Ontario; The charter for Local 174 was Local 105 in Hamilton, Ontario; Local issued in St. John, New Brunswick in 213 in Vancouver, British Columbia; May 1903 and to Niagara Falls, Ontario Local 230 in Victoria, British Columbia; in April 1916. Local 174 also became and, not surprisingly, Local 353 in defunct as a Canadian local. Toronto, Ontario.

Local 211, Windsor, Ontario This illustrates the rapidity with received its charter in November 1900 which Canadian electrical workers and collapsed by November 1902. embraced the IBEW, but also reflects the fragile nature of the union. The briefness Local 213 in Vancouver, British of the existence of the locals, and the Columbia underwent several changes. It haste with which local numbers changed was issued its charter in November 1902, is the result of a number of factors. reinstated under a tentative agreement in April 1914, revoked in August 1919 and Firstly – while electrical workers reinstated in May 1920. Local 213 con- readily accepted the union, the price paid tinues to be an active local of the IBEW. often meant immediate dismissal for those who did so. This was especially Halifax, Nova Scotia was issued true during economic downturns. its charter in January 1902. Local 224 Secondly, many employers refused to folded as a Canadian local by December negotiate with the union – which still 1902. happens in the U.S. today – and many of Local 230 in Victoria, British the members lost heart. Columbia was chartered in February Prior to 1903 the records for each 1902. It was inactive from May 1902 year show that the membership in good and was reinstated under a tentative standing consisted almost entirely of the agreement in March 1914. new members signed within the year. In Local 249 in St. Catharines, some cases more new members were initi- Ontario was chartered in April 1902 and ated during the year than there were mem- subsequently became defunct and was re- bers in good standing by the year’s end. issued in Ottawa, Ontario in July 1911.

Page 6 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE In December 1903 – the year the Globe newspaper on April 29, 1901: Local 353 was chartered – the total mem- bership of the entire union was 9,222, “Carelessness is a favorite explana- tion, but if one looks for the cause whereas 18,341 new members were initi- 1903 2003 ated in the previous 12 months. of the alleged carelessness it will YEARS generally be found in the high pres- of Electrifying Progress In that same year the members sure that creates a demand for voted to pay a full-time salary to speed in modern industry. The International President Frank McNulty so workman is admonished by his he could devote all his efforts to the foreman or employer to take suffi- affairs of the Brotherhood. cient time to ensure safety, to make everything perfectly secure, and to While attempting to organize and avoid accidents. At the same time maintain membership in the United States he is admonished by the very condi- was difficult at best, it was no less so in tions under which he works to sac- Canada. Business was quick to pounce rifice all things, safety included, to on the existence of U.S unions promoting speed for he knows that sloth is the the unionization of the Canadian work unpardonable sin, that if his day’s force. work does not show satisfactory Additionally, the safety of workers results, he will be forced into the in Canada was a source of major concern ranks of the unemployed without for unionists. In the 1898 Ontario further inquiry.” Factory Inspectors’ report, Robert Barber, inspector for the western district of Mr. Robert Glockling, a member Ontario, made numerous recommenda- of the legislative committee of the Trades tions concerning the prevention of acci- and Labour Council of Toronto, spoke to dents and provided details of the accident a gathering of young Liberals in June rate during the year. 1899. In a prepared text he outlined Barber specifically highlighted the labours demands. His speech, covered at actions of the British government con- some length in the Globe, is as relevant cerning the improvement of conditions today as it was when first presented over for workers engaged in dangerous trades one hundred years ago. “Labor demands and he referenced the management of and insists upon the exercise of the right electrical generating works. The report to organize for self and mutual protec- contained a considerable amount of infor- tion,” said Glockling. “That the life and mation on the control of electricity and limbs of the wage-worker shall be regard- the precautions to be adopted to guard ed as sacred as those of all others of our against accidents. Instructions were pro- fellow human beings, that an injury or vided for the prompt application of artifi- destruction of either by reason of negli- cial respiration as a possible means to gence or maliciousness of another shall revive people who were suffering from not leave him without redress simply electrical shock in particular. because he is a wageworker.”

The 1900 report of the Ontario “The trade union, taking normal Factory Inspectors recorded 394 accidents conditions as its point of view, regards of which 22 were fatal. As reported in the workman as the producer of the

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 7 wealth of the world,” continued J.J. Wright of the Toronto Electric Glockling, “and demands that as long as Light Company also stressed that, “the the wage system may last, shall be suffi- company had notified the public that no

1903 2003 cient to enable him to support his family further contracts for lights could be in a manner consistent with existing civi- made.” Every wireman was busily YEARS of Electrifying Progress lization, and all that is required for main- employed and every firm in the city was taining and improving physical and men- experiencing the same difficulty. tal health and self-respect of human beings.” Many large private financial and commercial institutions adopted artistic He regarded the reduction of designs to illuminate their buildings for hours as one of labours important goals, the visit. Among those was the Bank of a proposition he justified by alluding to Commerce building, The Dominion Bank, the remarkable inventions and discoveries The Queen’s Hotel, The Robert Simpson that made producing wealth easier than Company, Canada Life, Canada ever before, not the least of which was Permanent, the Grand Trunk Railway the improvement of tools and the conse- and the Canadian Pacific Rail offices. quent division of labour. Given that the visit was in 1901, it “The force of electricity so little appears that electricians were fully known a few years ago, is now applied to employed. However, a comparison of an enormous extent,” said Glocking. “ If, wages for wiremen in selected cities as it has often been said, cheap labor and shows that earnings for an eight-hour day long hours are necessary to a country’s were $2.50 in Toronto compared with prosperity, commercially and industrially, $4.00 in Chicago, $2.75 in Duluth, $3.50 China should necessarily be at the height in New York and $3.00 in Newark. of civilization.”

Even before Local 353 was char- tered, light and electricity and their enor- mous potential were the focus of numer- ous articles in the Toronto newspapers.

The visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall to Toronto in 1901 occa- sioned great fanfare. The Globe reported that the provincial parliament building “is being outlined throughout the massive front walls with electric lights, of which 5,000 will be required... At Osgoode Hall and Government House outline dec- orations for the fronts of the buildings are also being put up, in the former 3,000, and in the latter 600 lights being required.”

Page 8 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE CHAPTER 2

1903 2003

YEARS 1903 – 1912, GROWING PAINS of Electrifying Progress

Local 353 was initially chartered as other labour organizations. At a March a local for outside wiremen, while Local 1903 meeting of the Toronto Trades and 114 was established for inside and outside Labour Council, delegates representing wiremen. Since Local 114 did not survive the electrical workers reported that two the Reid-Murphy split, Local 353 eventu- labourers were working on the new hotel ally became an inside wiremen’s local. as full-fledged mechanics. The electrical workers’ union complained to the con- The March 1903 Electrical tractor responsible for putting in a por- Worker recorded that Local 353 met the tion of the electrical appliances and the first and third Monday of each month at complaint resulted in the discharge of the the Occident Hall at the corner of Queen two men. Nevertheless, the matter did and Bathurst streets. The President was not end there. The two men were D. Mathieson, the Recording Secretary engaged by another contractor and was John S. Fyfe and the Financial placed on the same job. Representatives Secretary was Chris Walker. The same of the Building Trades Council met with issue showed that $37 was received from the contractors in an effort to resolve the the Local for initiation fees. And the problem. Grand Treasurers report recorded $24.63 for organizing expenses from H.J. Hurd Less than a week later electrical for organizing Local 353. A referendum workers went on strike because steamfit- vote conducted by the Local on whether ters were performing what they consid- the location for the upcoming convention ered to be their job. The 1903 strike should be changed was defeated, and threatened a full stoppage of all work on Local 353 voted with the majority. the hotel. The 20 electrical workers involved, employees of Bennett & Throughout the years IBEW’s Wright, went on strike because the Canadian membership, including its Canadian General Electric Company had Toronto members, have been involved in three non-union workers installing con- controversy within the IBEW itself, and duit on the project. The steamfitters within the labour movement generally. claimed it was work that fell under their In 1903 a room at the jurisdiction and the electrical workers When Local 353 was chartered, claimed likewise. King Edward Hotel was the King Edward Hotel was under con- $3.00 U.S. per night. struction and the hotel opened informally The dispute was eventually on May 11, 1903. referred to the executive of the AFL. AFL president Samuel Gompers notified During construction of the King the steamfitters that they should immedi- Eddy, the electrical workers became ately cease laying the conduit – an order involved in a jurisdictional dispute with that the steamfitters ignored.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 9 At a special meeting called by the from Washington where he submitted the electrical workers the day following the details of the dispute to the IBEW execu- walkout, it was reported that the dispute tive council. Hurd proposed that

1903 2003 had not been resolved because the con- Glockling submit the question to the AFL tractors had refused to remove the steam- executive, scheduled to meet in Toronto YEARS of Electrifying Progress fitters. The two unions agreed to submit in mid-April. the dispute to a panel composed of the president of each of the unions and a The AFL executive addressed the third person to be mutually agreed upon. issue and decided that conduit work was to be performed by IBEW Messrs. Bennett and Wright – who had the contract for the installation of fit- The request for the intervention of tings for gas, steam and lighting for the the AFL in a dispute involving two of its hotel – requested the intervention of affiliates within Canada was a natural pro- Robert Glockling who was secretary of posal for the Canadian leadership to make, the Ontario Labour Bureau. and was testimony to the sense of brother- hood that existed between the Canadian Bennett and Wright wanted the and American memberships. However, dispute resolved as quickly as possible. everyone in the labour movement did not Glockling became involved in efforts to accept this sense of brotherhood. It was resolve the differences by meeting with most certainly not acceptable to the manu- H.J. Hurd, Canadian Vice President of facturers who had to contend with the the IBEW. Hurd had recently returned presence of international unionism.

LOCAL UNION NO. 353. Toronto, Can., July 2, 1903. Editor Electrical Worker: We are having thousands of feet We are what you may call a of cable in stock ready for new con- little green at union work, but our struction, and as far as I can see, we Brother Hurt (sic) is with us now and are very short-handed. then, and we are doing all right. We There are number of gangs on are doing, I would say, good work. trunk line work, and a number of We started about five months gangs at local work in this city. ago with about thirty-seven or thirty- We have about two hundred nine members, and we are receiving new linemen in the city of Toronto, and I members nearly every meeting night. hope they will all be in 353 before Our membership, I think, is about nine- long. We are getting them slowly. ty now, and are still coming in. Members of 114 are also doing Just three weeks ago I received well, but we would like to hear a few three applications from Stradford, so words from No. 17, Detroit, as I know things look all right. there are some of our old mates there. As I am connected with the Fraternally yours, B. T. Company of Canada, for a good H. W. Link, Press Secretary. many years, I must say the company is (Local 353 first contribution to very busy now, and will be for some “The Electrical Worker”) time to come.

Page 10 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE It should not be forgotten that it on the principles of justice to all and was Canadian trade unionists that favouritism to none. approached the AFL or its affiliates to organize in Canada. By 1902, the divi- “We have only to look with a 1903 2003 sions between nationalists and interna- calm and unprejudiced eye at the labor

YEARS tionalists were apparent when the Trades horizon,” said Day, “we are compelled to of Electrifying Progress and Labour Congress convention expelled enquire, ‘Is the great labor union move- unions for dual membership resulting in ment slipping from the control of the real the formation of the all-Canadian leaders and best-thinking men, and National Trades and Labour Congress in whither is the movement drifting.’” September of that year. He took exception to a resolution The newly formed organization which was debated but not passed at the claimed that the AFL and its affiliates had AFL convention; it read: secured the Dominion Trades and Labour Congress for its own use. According to “Where, capital being the product the National Trades and Labour Congress of all the toilers of the human race, this meant that unions belonging to the and as wages can never be regarded American federation had no choice but to as the full equivalent for labor per- submit to direction from international formed, and since it is the mission officials. Alternatively, they could form a of the trades union to protect the federation of purely Canadian unions wage-earner against oppression and equal to those in the United States, Great to fully secure the toilers’ disen- Britain or one of any independent nation. thrallment from every species of The main objections to the AFL organiza- injustice; therefore be it resolved tion was that strikes were caused by and that this 22nd annual Convention carried on by labour officials from the of the American Federation of United States to the disadvantage of Labor advise the working people to Canadian enterprise. Interestingly, the organize their economic and politi- arguments put forth by the National cal power to secure for labor the Congress were markedly similar to those full equivalent of its toil and the of the Toronto Employers’ Association. overthrow of the wage system and At the Toronto Employers’ the establishment of an industrial Association first annual meeting held in co-operative democracy. Toronto in April 1903, secretary E.W. Day stated, “over 25 branches of business He believed the resolution was a in Toronto were represented, an aggre- trend towards socialism or something gate of whose employees is greater than worse. “We in Canada have not reached all Trade Unions in Toronto.” that dreadful state of affairs that prevails in many parts of the United States,” said Day defended the formation of the Day, “and surely we all hope we never new organization as being necessary will.” It was alleged that our own labour because of the rapid development of unions were assuming a dictatorial atti- organized labour and its attitude towards tude that if pursued would lead to their society generally. He predicted that with- very undoing. in two years every town and city would have an employers’ association founded

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 11 The presentation must have left erning bodies, and any strike vote must one to wonder if the speaker or his audi- be preponderatingly in favor before it ence were aware of the contradictions in would be allowed.”

1903 2003 his position. On the one hand he lam- basted the AFL for even discussing a reso- The executive endorsed the fol- YEARS of Electrifying Progress lution that was not adopted. On the lowing resolution about Canadian trade other hand he condemned the labour union interests: movement for having the nerve even to discuss it. As long as labour was organ- “(1)That the A. F. of L. will make it ized and capital was not, the struggle was a qualification of issuing charters to thought to be an unequal one resulting in Trades and Labor (sic) Councils in unfair settlements – in the best interests Canada that they will affiliate with of neither labour nor capital. the Trades and Labor (sic) Congress, and the central bodies Management was not the only throughout the Dominion now group to address the presence of interna- holding A. F. of L. charters will be tional unions. It was also a subject of instructed to take similar action. discussion when the AFL executive paid a fraternal visit to the Toronto Trades and “(2)That trade affairs in the central Labour Council. Trades and Labor (sic) Councils in question shall be transacted along Paddy Draper, President and the lines of international trades Secretary of the Dominion Trades and unionism. Labour Congress, declared that Canadian trade unionists believed in international “(3)That all local unions in the organization as long as Canadian union- Dominion of Canada affiliated ists were given proper representation on through international unions or the executive and had absolute and com- holding charters direct from the plete autonomy. American Federation of Labor be notified to become affiliated with AFL Secretary Frank Morrison the Trades and Labor (sic) Congress said his organization gave all local of Canada for the purpose of mak- branches complete liberty of action on ing it a more potent factor to secure local affairs as long as they sought to the adoption of favorable legislation make conditions better for workers. by the members of the Federal and Provincial Parliaments.” Speaking to the accusation that strikes in Canada were caused by the At that time over two million United States, AFL President Samuel wageworkers were affiliated with the Gompers said he would gladly submit the AFL. Even so, the issue of American constitutions of every international union dominance of Canadian labour was one to anyone who chose to investigate. He that wouldn’t go away. In a report to the was confident that none of them would federal government, representatives of find any power in those constitutions to manufacturers and employers asserted initiate or authorize a strike. That power that labour men in Canada were virtual “rested with the local union,” said slaves, subject to the dictates of tyranni- Gompers. “And further, no strike can cal delegates from the United States. take place without the consent of the gov-

Page 12 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The manufacturers pressed the govern- The Loughheed Bill – named after ment to deal sternly with what they the senator who introduced it – was regarded as unlawful interference by expanded to include employers and pre-

means of strikes. They felt such action vented the agent of any organization 1903 2003 should be made a criminal offence pun- from counselling a lockout. YEARS ishable by fines and imprisonment. of Electrifying Progress The AFL contributed a total of The unrelenting pressure from $500 and $445 was contributed by inter- business and industry was the motivating national and national unions to assist the force behind the Toronto Building Trades efforts of the Trades and Labour Council June 1903 resolution: Congress to defeat the Lougheed Bill.

“Whereas an attack on organ- The question of national versus ized labor has been made by one of international unions became part of an our city representatives, Mr. W. R. address by British MP Keir Hardie – a Brock, M.P., in the House of socialist and prominent labour leader. Commons, in which, he made the “…I see no reason why the influence of charge that (1) our local unions are the American unions should affect the controlled and directed by citizens organization of labor in Canada,” said of another country; (2) that trades Hardie. “I don’t see why there should unions are irresponsible bodies not be one union for the whole of the before the law, having “neither American continent. The trusts develop- souls to be damned nor bodies to ing on both sides of the boundary line be kicked;” (3) we are compared to and the interests of the workers both in men who shoot from behind Canada and the United States have so hedges, and disappear when much in common that whether they are attacked. organized in one union or not they are bound to come to some common under- “Resolved that we regard this standing.” attack as untruthful, insulting and Then, as now, these types of uncalled for. The charge that debates and disagreements within the Canada’s local unions affiliated broader public sphere had influence with- with international bodies are con- in the labour movement itself. So it trolled by aliens is not true to should not be surprising that there would facts…We derive assistance which be division within the house of labour would be impossible to us were around such issues. we not members of international societies.” In 1905 the building trades sev- ered its connection with the Toronto The Toronto Building Trades District Trades and Labour Council. It Council refuted the claim that outsiders re-established the old Building Trades controlled local unions. They claimed Council with twenty-five locals in total. they had full control over their own affairs and that international union offi- In March 1908, building trades cers only rendered assistance when council locals for both national and inter- requested. national unions gathered. The interna- tional unions were in the majority and

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 13 they barred the national union represen- labouring classes were getting wages that tatives from membership and proceeded had reached the highest point possible. to organize the Building Trades Council Architect A. R. Denison thought 1903 2003 as a purely international body. the criticism was unjustified. He empha-

YEARS of Electrifying Progress Those who supported the nation- sized his point by comparing other com- alists simply went to another room where munities building costs and concluded their own Trades and Labour Council that if identical buildings were construct- was meeting and decided that they too ed in Pittsburgh the cost would be one- would make strenuous efforts to form a third less in Toronto. national building trades council or at least “kill the rival organization.” At the time in Toronto six-room dwellings were available for rent in work- ing men’s quarters for $22 a month. This compared with $8 to $9 in New Brunswick and Quebec, $25 to $30 in IMMIGRATION Brandon, $45 in Saskatoon and $40 to $50 in Prince Rupert. There was great wage disparity between the provinces.

The building boom was the per- Another issue of concern for the fect excuse for manufacturers to appeal trade unionists was immigration and the to the Ontario government to import exploitation of new immigrants as a skilled tradesmen. John Acheson – for- source of cheap labour. The immigration mer president of the metal trades section question is one where the labour move- of the Toronto Trades and Labour ment didn’t distinguish itself, but acted in Council – refuted their claim. Acheson what can only be regarded by today’s argued that if employers were not so standards in a completely shameful man- opposed to unions there would be many ner. Employers argued the need for applicants for every position available. increased immigration because of a sup- He cited wages of $4.40 per day in the posed shortage of skilled trades. The United States compared with $2.50 per labour movement disagreed. day for the same work in Toronto. The When Local 353 was chartered in issue was that people just weren’t hiring 1903, the building trades in Toronto were union tradesmen. experiencing a boom and there was plen- W. C. Blake of the sheet metal ty of work in both residential and busi- workers echoed the sentiments of Acheson. ness construction. Rosedale was seen as He said that if all trades were unionized, the choice location but the Annex and and if Canadian employers treated labour Parkdale were also popular locations. unions and the men who belonged to them Construction was also happening to the as fairly as they were treated in the United east of the Don River and to the south States, there would be no shortage of where frame buildings were an attraction skilled tradesmen whatsoever. for those seeking moderately priced homes. This caused anxiety for the con- The controversy led the Building struction industry – both architects and Trades Council to pass the following contractors alike. In their view the resolution:

Page 14 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE “Whereas a deputation of rep- The labour movement pressed the resentatives of Canadian manufac- federal government to increase the head turers have interviewed Premier tax on Orientals entering the country from $100 to $500, but Orientals were Ross, representing to him that there 1903 2003 is a great scarcity of skilled labor in not the only group labour targeted. YEARS this Province, and asking the of Electrifying Progress Ontario Government to secure Some labour delegates objected to skilled labor from Europe by adver- referring to England as a foreign country. tising for and financially assisting The Secretary defended his position by the immigration of such persons to declaring that as far as importing labour this country; and whereas there is was concerned; England was considered a no such scarcity of skilled labor, as foreign country. Discriminatory practices the deputation stated, but, on the ran rampant. contrary, there is at the present time One executive report of the and has been for some years a con- Toronto Labour Council included a stant exodus of the finest kind of clause that referred to correspondence skilled mechanics, for the reason from the Hamilton Trades and Labour that better financial inducements Council on employers efforts to induce are offered elsewhere, while other the government to bring all kinds of wages have advanced and living labourers into the country. The corre- expenses have advanced out of pro- spondence requested that the Toronto portion to the small advance in council take action on the matter. The wages of skilled mechanics; and secretary replied and outlined actions whereas we are entirely opposed to they had already taken – namely sending the system of assisting immigration a deputation to the Ontario government on account of its having a tendency and contacting labour organizations in to flood our country with an unde- Great Britain informing them of sirable class of people; Canadian employers’ efforts to flood the labour market in Canada. Be it resolved by the Building Trades Council, representing In April 1903 the labour move- Toronto and its suburban districts, ment met with the Ontario government in that we enter our emphatic protest an effort to counteract an earlier deputa- against the Government entering tion by the manufacturers. The manufac- into a system of financially assisting turers asked the Ontario government to immigration to Canada, both on help them by encouraging the federal the grounds that it is a pernicious government to bring 5,000 skilled labour- system and not in the best interests ers into Canada to relieve the skilled- of the country, and that the state of labour shortage. Labour contended, yet the labor market does not warrant again, that there were sufficient skilled any such extraordinary efforts, but, tradesmen in Ontario to meet its require- on the contrary, if there is a ments. The labour presentation dismissed demand, as claimed, it will soon be the employers brief as an action whose filled in the natural course of events sole purpose was to depress wages. by a satisfactory class of immigrants. According to the labour delegation many of the manufacturers refused employment to competent workers.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 15 Premier Ross assured the labour of labour, specifically the American trade delegates that government efforts directed unions, Gurney argued that the manufac- at immigration were for the purpose of turer was actually a friend of labour.

1903 2003 bringing in farm labourers and not skilled tradesmen. Gurney stressed that he held no YEARS of Electrifying Progress malice towards unions. He claimed they At Toronto’s Massey Hall, AFL had the same right to exist as the manu- president Samuel Gompers addressed a facturers association, but when malice large gathering including the Mayor of came to be the basis of the organization it Toronto. He referred directly to the was a matter of serious concern. He Chinese labour question and declared, insisted manufacturers were handicapped “that unless the white and Negro peoples for the want of labour. of this continent united to prevent it, the Mongolians would so overrun the coun- A 200-person delegation from the try that it might be necessary for the Toronto District Labour Council believed Caucasian races to rise up and drive them the manufacturers were inventing statis- back by the sword.” According to tics about the shortage of skilled labour- Gompers it was more humane to keep the ers. In an effort to ascertain the truth, Chinese out of Canada and send mission- labour delegates asked Ontario Premier aries to China to work out the social and James Whitney to enact labour legislation moral revolution in that country. compelling manufacturers to provide their statistical information to the bureau Fifty manufacturers and employers of labour on request protested the enactment of the Anti- Contract Bill to the federal government. The labour movement’s request They believed that the bill would exclude for information was made in response to the entrance of hundreds of workmen a letter circulated by the Canadian paralyzing industrial development. Manufacturers Association. The letter advised its members to suppress this The manufacturers argued that information. Robert Glockling, secretary 20,000 artisans were required in Canada of the Bureau of Labour, opposed the and, according to enquiries received from manufacturers request to publish a letter the Toronto Board of Trade alone, posi- claiming Ontario was in need of 11,000 tions could be found for 11,000 immedi- skilled workers. Rather than heed the ately. manufacturers request, Glockling said he had proof that far from requiring men the Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier manufacturers were turning them away and MP’s Sir William Mulock, A.G. and employing fewer workers than they Blair, Raymond Prefontain and R.W. claimed. Scott received the brief on behalf of the government. The Labour Gazette reported in 1905 that the only group that showed a Speaking on behalf of the manu- net decrease in earnings for that year was facturers delegation, Toronto manufactur- unskilled labour. This was largely due to er Edward Gurney stated his opposition lower rates paid for railway construction on the exclusion of immigrating skilled in western Canada. tradesmen. Blaming foreign agitators for depicting the manufactures as the enemy

Page 16 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE More than 6,000 workers were from one of the employment yards on impacted by a weekly wage decrease College Street. Over 200 workers had averaging $1.32, while in the construc- already gathered and the gates were closed

tion trades over three thousand employ- because of an over-supply of workers. 1903 2003 ees enjoyed wage increases averaging YEARS $2.11 per week. The men were hopeful that more of Electrifying Progress snow would fall and provide a few more Statistics showed that immigration days work. One man – a Yorkshire car- to Canada at the end of the fiscal year penter – said that he had shown up on half 1905 totalled 145,591 – the highest ever a dozen occasions previously but was only to-date. The largest increase was from successful in obtaining work for a total of the British Isles, while immigration from eight hours. He was enthusiastic though the United States was in decline. about his prospects figuring they looked good for at least another day’s work. To emphasize his position Glockling referred to a letter from an elec- Another man from the south of trician in Delaware, Ontario. Inquiring England simply said, “Fancy anyone about the possibility of obtaining a good moving 3,000 miles to shovel snow from job in his trade, the electrician claimed he the sidewalk.” Still, he regarded it as a had recently come to Canada from Godsend having invested a quarter to England in response to the alluring prom- purchase his own shovel! ises made by the Secretary of the Canadian Labour Bureau in England. The Canadian The question of farm employment Labour Bureau was actually a private surfaced repeatedly as positions for farm organization but its name gave the impres- work were advertised. When workers sion it was an arm of the Canadian gov- responded to the ads, they were dismayed ernment. Government Order ordered the to learn they were not only required to branch in England closed and removed cover their own fare to the job, but also from the building, but it continued to had to negotiate with an agent upon their flourish from other locations. arrival. They could not afford the fare so the jobs remained unfilled. It was report- Whatever the situation there was ed that two brothers walked 20 miles an abundance of workers in 1908. determined to get work somewhere. Something as common as a Canadian They stopped in a number of farms but snowfall brought temporary relief to could get nothing. Their offer to work many. Newspaper reports indicate the for room and board alone was also snow gave considerable pleasure not only turned down and consequently they for “social and playful purposes,” but it returned by foot to Toronto. also provided much-needed employment. The Globe reported on hundreds of The Salvation Army also became a workers, a great many of them target of the labour movement for Englishmen, who said they were only too encouraging people to immigrate to pleased to get a day or two working at Canada and leaving them ignorant of the clearing snow from the streets. hardships they would endure. Labour called attention to the problem of unem- During one such snowfall a Globe ployment saying it cried out for a solu- reporter turned out at 5:30 a.m. to accom- tion. City council was criticized for its pany a party of nearly a dozen workers feeble efforts to provide employment for

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 17 the hundreds of workmen anxious to work in an oversaturated market because of misrepresentations of the REID-MURPHY SPLIT

1903 2003 Manufacturers Association and the Salvation Army. Many were forced to YEARS of Electrifying Progress accept charity to survive. The labour council thought that city council should In 1908 a split within the IBEW do more to help the unemployed by put- practically destroyed the union and there ting more money towards the problem. were extreme implications that lasted over a decade. All Canadian locals left The dilemma facing immigrants the IBEW at the time with the exception coincided with what was taking place in of one. Some did not recover. police court. In 1908, the Crown Attorney stated that one of the reasons At the 1905 convention in “foreigners” were preferred to the Louisville, Kentucky membership was English, Irish and Scottish for labour was 24,000. Several changes took place at that they would pay a dollar to the fore- the convention including scheduling con- man to secure employment. ventions every four years instead of every two and the establishment of district This was the argument in a case councils. brought against a foreman working for contractors Kelly and Company. The The extremely bitter disputes main defendant in the case was charged with players were James J. Reid and J. W. taking a dollar from several Italians after Murphy on the one side, and President of making promises of steady jobs. The vic- the union Frank J. McNulty and Grand tim claimed that after he paid the fore- Secretary Peter C. Collins on the other. man a dollar he was given work, but he McNulty and Collins were the lawful was discharged after working only half a officers and recognized as such by the day. AFL. Collins was well educated and was seen by most as having a sense of superi- The defense claimed the payment ority and was not particularly well liked to the foreman was owed to them. They because of it. claimed that the Italians received payment for hours they did not work. Adjourning The dispute stemmed from a num- the case to obtain additional evidence, the ber of factors including lingering prob- Magistrate simply commented, “There is lems between inside wiremen and outside something crooked in it!” linemen. Disappointed office seekers, and a former grand treasurer who had been removed from office in 1907 because of irregularities, exacerbated the situation.

Another source of dissatisfaction within the union was an intensive union campaign against a well-financed employ- er campaign for the open shop – where employees have the option to join or to not join the union.

Page 18 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The IBEW campaign drained the financial support, but Reid refused saying union’s resources which led to criticism that the members would not approve. that too much money was spent recruit- McNulty wondered why the strike would

ing weak-kneed workers. The president be called in the first place if the members 1903 2003 was also criticized for accepting a salary didn’t support it. YEARS when money was scarce. The payment of of Electrifying Progress delegates expenses for the 1905 conven- Reid also pressed McNulty for tion and the formation of district councils access to the entire membership and the was also condemned. AFL membership to raise the funds required to support the strike. McNulty Inside workers fought to maintain complied but the AFL chose to approach high initiation fees and the administration the president of Bell Telephone hoping to of technical examinations to keep job reach a settlement. McNulty supported qualifications and skills at a superior this approach and in doing so alienated level. Inside workers control of the union members who were convinced he industry required a very skilled workforce was not fighting on the linemen’s behalf. and an adequate treasury. On the other hand the outside workers fought hard for Reid urged McNulty to extend the low initiation fees and universal travelling strike to other locals. He not only cards. They also supported the elimina- refused to do so but also refused to sub- tion of qualifying examinations. Both mit the request to either the executive factions arrived at the 1905 convention board or a membership referendum. with well-organized coalitions. Each cast Reid then severed all ties with block votes on key resolutions resulting McNulty and said McNulty wasn’t com- in a deadlocked convention. petent to handle the strike. McNulty The convention voted to extend rejected this accusation and claimed that the time between conventions from two it was Reid who was incompetent. It was to four years. The convention also voted Reid, after all, who called for a strike to move the headquarters from that his own members refused to support. Washington to Springfield, Illinois and to As with many matters of a similar trim the number of vice presidents from nature, these two trade unionists - each seven to three. All of this was seen as the with impressive histories and credentials centralization of power into the hands of with the union – were at loggerheads the executive. McNulty was re-elected as over their respective positions on what President and Peter Collins replaced trade unionism should be. They also Secretary Harry Sherman. both stuck to their respective positions, A strike of Bell Telephone workers unfortunately, to the detriment of the in Philadelphia in 1906 complicated mat- union. ters even more. Reid requested that the Frank Sullivan was appointed to Brotherhood finance the strike and the replace F. J. Sheehan as Treasurer. International spent $16,000 on the strike Sheehan had a serious drinking problem – a huge sum for the day – and practical- and there were improprieties with respect ly wiped out the union’s defense funds. to union finances. Sullivan further com- McNulty asked Reid to approach the plicated the internal problems because, as working members of the district for an outside worker, he regarded it his duty

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 19 to monitor McNulty and Collins and promised delegates would have their report confidential office matters to Reid. expenses paid by the Brotherhood. Only 190 delegates from 176 of the 450 locals When private union information 1903 2003 attended the convention and before it was became public knowledge it was deter- adjourned the delegates from 16 of those YEARS of Electrifying Progress mined that only Sullivan could be the locals departed. source. Collins sought and was granted board approval to have him dismissed. The delegates in attendance impeached McNulty, Collins and their Sullivan began an intensive letter- supporters and elected James Reid as writing campaign against both McNulty President, James Murphy as Secretary and and Collins and was successful in organ- Frank Sullivan as Treasurer. Interestingly izing enough opposition to demand a call they lowered the salary for both the sec- for a special convention. The demand retary and the president but increased the was dismissed by Collins simply because treasurer’s salary. the wrong constitutional clause permit- ting such a convention was cited. Collins The delegates believed they had also refused to call for a referendum vote returned the union to its rightful leaders on the issue. The dissidents then com- and in the process freed the organization pletely bypassed the officers and a con- of corruption. Sullivan made good use of vention was called. his contacts in the press to control the information flow and to create a McNulty initially supported the favourable public image for the Reid- special convention. He believed it would Murphy group. lead to a resolution of the differences. Collins adamantly opposed it and sought Peter Collins hired private detec- legal advice to support his position. tives to prevent Sullivan from removing records and the property from the inter- Louis Geib - a lineman and a national office. member of Local 39 - filed a lawsuit requesting a court order ordering a spe- A few weeks after the convention cial convention. These actions also tied adjourned the Cleveland Citizen up the district’s funds. The special con- announced that McNulty had given up vention was slated for September 15, the fight and retired. McNulty, far from 1908 in St. Louis. having retired still had considerable power within the union. He came out Sullivan appeared in court on swinging and announced he had no inten- behalf of the Brotherhood to answer tion of stepping aside. Geib’s suit without either McNulty or Collins’ knowledge. Sullivan stated that “It has been reported in the daily the Brotherhood had dismissed Grand press through the influence of at least one Treasurer Sheehan without cause. dear brother, that we are in hiding and that we intended to resign if shown Sullivan continued the facade at mercy,” said McNulty. “To the authors of the convention, claiming that McNulty these statements, we want to state that we and the executive board authorized the are not in hiding, that we do not intend to convention – which wasn’t true. James resign, and that we ask no mercy, but are Reid opened the convention and Sullivan going to fight the disruptionists and

Page 20 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE falsifiers to the finish and feel satisfied At its January 1909 executive that when the truth is known the guilty council meeting the AFL gave both sides ones will be shown up in their true light.” 24 hours to drop their lawsuits and com-

ply with the Denver agreement. 1903 2003 Reid then looked to AFL president Unfortunately the Reid-Murphy group YEARS Samuel Gompers for support. The AFL refused to co-operate. As a result the of Electrifying Progress convention was scheduled for the follow- AFL recognized the McNulty group as ing month in Denver and Gompers sug- the bona fide organization and enabled gested that both factions seek representa- McNulty to work inside the AFL in his tion at the convention, which they did. efforts to re-gain control of the union. Gompers appointed a five-person committee whose members were approved by both sides in the dispute. The convention seated McNulty and J. Fey as delegates because they were the delegates selected by the IBEW member- ship at their 1905 convention. All others were denied delegate status.

The AFL committee recommended that both sides call a special convention for January and withdraw all lawsuits and hold funds in both organizations in trust. The disputants signed an agree- ment to this effect but each group inter- preted it differently. As a result the agreement fell apart.

Construction of The Island Filtration Plant – 1909

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 21 The endorsement of the McNulty The Geib suit finally came to trial group only served to substantiate the in March 1912 – almost five years after it Reid-Murphy contention that the AFL was initiated and Judge John Phillips

1903 2003 designed an agreement that amounted to sided with the McNulty faction. The the unconditional surrender of their side. judge ruled that Collins should have sub- YEARS of Electrifying Progress If that were so, the question that must be mitted the calls for the 1908 convention asked is why Reid-Murphy agreed to the to a referendum or to the executive. He terms of the agreement in the first place. also ruled that once McNulty determined the petitions were fraudulent he was well Both sides continued to battle it within his rights to refuse the request for out to the further detriment of the IBEW a convention. The locals could still have and it remained an issue when the AFL appealed the decision, but since no met at convention in Toronto in 1909. appeals were filed that’s where the matter should have ended. Another committee was appointed to resolve the dispute and they recom- Accordingly, Collins was not mended that the two groups amalgamate, derelict in his responsibilities by refusing but no settlement was reached. to issue calls for a referendum and as a result the St. Louis referendum was unau- The two factions held separate thorized and all actions taken at the 1908 conventions in Rochester, New York in convention were nullified. September 1911 and yet another attempt was made to resolve the differences. This attempt also failed.

Moving day in the slums – 1911

Page 22 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE McNulty, ecstatic over the deci- organization were exempt from qualify- sion, wrote to AFL president Gompers. ing exams and were not required to pay “I cannot find words to express my feel- initiation fees.

ings when the judge rendered the decision 1903 2003 yesterday,” said McNulty. “I always At the 1913 convention in Boston YEARS informed you that the confidence you had Grand President McNulty expressed his of Electrifying Progress placed in me was not misplaced and that feelings in these words: time would bear that out ----. I feel so happy I can scarcely attend to my busi- “I have seen our Brotherhood in ness.” Although it was appealed to the victory, as well as in seeming defeat; I Ohio Supreme Court the decision stood. cannot say ‘in defeat’ because I do not concede to anyone that our It was at this juncture that many Brotherhood has met defeat;—. No of those who supported the Reid-Murphy labor organization, in our opinion, is faction withdrew their support. J. W. ever defeated. When it suffers a set- Hart from Cleveland Local 38 spoke for back, it incites the members to greater many when he said, “We felt at all times effort in organization, and makes bet- during the fight that the St. Louis conven- ter pilots out of the leaders who profit tion was a valid one and were greatly sur- by their past experiences and guide prised when we learned of the court deci- their organizations over the dangerous sion. We class ourselves as law-abiding shoals upon which they had grounded citizens and feel that the court (decision) in the past—. is, and should be recognized as final.” “We have fought a clean fight and we Reid-Murphy continued to com- have won simply because we were right.” mand support from the most radical members, particularly those on the Pacific Within three months 35 locals coast of the United States and in parts of returned and within a year there were Canada. By 1914, however, virtually all 37,000 members – an increase of 12,000 those members who had left the union over the 1905 total. One wonders what returned to the fold. McNulty’s response the membership might have been had the after the court decision played a major dispute not occurred. role in winning the old members back. McNulty believed – and correctly so – Whether anything was learned that many who had opposed him did so from the dispute was a question that one because they really believed their position Reid-Murphy supporter posed. “When was a correct one. In the true sense of the smoke finally cleared in 1914, a brotherhood he sought to mend the reunited Brotherhood vowed never again fences and set himself to the task of re- to raise the bloody shirt of secession and building the union. civil war. The IBEW had truly been up against the real thing and the organiza- Following McNulty’s lead the tion managed to survive. Now we have Brotherhood decided to accept all locals had a grand lesson – five and one half that paid per capita taxes with no penal- years in the greatest university could not ties. All members were also eligible for teach us what our division----should the $100 death benefit, and those who [have taught] us. The question is, has it had five years of good standing in either taught us all the same lesson?”

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 23 From where he sat, it seemed Canadian, who will be chief executive obvious that the electrical workers should officer of the Dominion, the right to say have learned that solidarity of labour is who will work for us in this country, and

1903 2003 the first requirement for the advancement the right to vote without interference of the working class as a whole. from the brothers in the (United) states YEARS of Electrifying Progress Learning lessons comes hard though and on matters pertaining to Canada. We do the IBEW would experience similar differ- not want to dig into your purely national ences again and again. business,” he insisted, “and we resent very strongly the attitude you assume on The relationship between forcing men and conditions down our Canadian IBEW members and the inter- throats.” national have been quite complicated at times and the Reid-Murphy split was no When the courts finally resolved exception. True, Canadians approached the dispute, many Canadian members – the NBEW to organize in Canada but, as including Vice President of the First the membership grew and the union District, Ernest Ingles – worked tirelessly became more established, divisions often to rebuild the union’s Canadian surfaced among the Canadian member- membership. ship and between Canada and the U.S. over the question of whether it was better to belong to the international or to go it alone as a national union. ELECTRICITY: Many in Canada believed they could not get a fair deal as long as they belonged to the international, and it was WHO WILL OWN IT AND this sentiment that the Reid-Murphy fac- tion appealed to. HOW WILL IT BE

Dissident Canadian members believed the alliance with the Reid- DISTRIBUTED ? Murphy group would buy them the autonomy they sought but, as with many issues within Canada, regional, political, cultural, ethnic and generational differ- It was predicted early on that ences make it difficult to achieve a con- water-powered electricity would be the sensus on any issue. energy source for the future and that Niagara Falls would be the key to mak- The feelings of many Canadian ing Ontario a major manufacturing members were expressed in the April centre. 1917 Journal. “The Reid Murphy broth- erhood had promoted the kind of nation- In 1903, a special committee of al autonomy many Canadian members Toronto City Council was appointed to craved,” said John Pegg – Press Secretary consider the question of securing authori- for Fort William, Ontario. “We will ty to produce, convey, buy and sell elec- never be satisfied until we have a consti- tricity in the city. tution that will give us that liberty that we are entitled to. The right to have a

Page 24 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Transmission problems, which had would be under private or public control. long delayed the adoption of electrical This is still heavily debated today. It was energy, had been solved and the short dis- estimated that Toronto required 33,500

tance between Niagara Falls and Toronto horsepower for industrial use at a cost of 1903 2003 made it feasible to investigate the devel- $30 per horsepower per year. The most YEARS opment of power through that route. It important consideration of the proposal of Electrifying Progress was estimated that the transmission of was that the supply of power should be power from Niagara Falls would result in continuous 24 hours a day, every day. an immediate cost saving of $75,000 This meant that by expanding the reser- annually for the city. voir all the city’s water could be pumped at night and the city could have public A major subject of debate was street lighting for practically nothing. whether the supply of electrical energy

Inauguration of Hydro-Electric at City Hall – 1911

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 25 The possibility of distribution The AFL in both Canada and the falling into the hands of private monopo- United States supported the concept of listic control was a major concern. The public ownership of waterworks, gas

1903 2003 only way to prevent that was to place it works and electric works. under public control. The city of Toronto YEARS of Electrifying Progress requested that the legislature enact legis- In December 1903 the Electrical lation authorizing the city of Toronto to Development Company was incorporated develop, purchase, transmit, distribute for the purpose of developing energy at and sell electrical energy. Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Toronto and Niagara power companies built one of The Ontario government was con- the largest powerhouses in North gratulated in the Globe editorial of April America. 24, 1903 for its statesmanlike grasp and insight when it came to anticipating the The building was made of solid needs and conditions for the provision of granite and was 425 feet in length, 200 electrical power. It said, “New legislation feet wide and cost $400,000. makes provisions for the development In 1903 the Ontario legislature and distribution of power by municipali- determined that municipal waterworks’ ties for their own corporate use and for systems were a losing proposition for the the use of private consumers.” period of 1898 to 1902 when it came to providing electric lighting. The report

Mayor Church, Sir Adam Beck and Driver

Page 26 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE stated that approximately $20 million Sir Adam Beck introduced J. H. had been invested and 12 cities, 51 towns Fryer, the President of the Niagara Power and 16 villages constructed their own Union. Beck said the occasion was one

waterworks. Three cities, 23 towns and of great importance and consequences for 1903 2003 eight villages had their own electric light Ontario. He believed if the development YEARS plants. of waterpower were left to the corpora- of Electrifying Progress tions, the general public would suffer in The Toronto Railway Company the end. In his view the development of and the Toronto Light Company entered affordable power was a practical under- into a contract in 1905 with the Electrical taking and the occasion that day was a Development Company for the supply of complete vindication on the part of the Niagara Falls’ power at the wholesale government and the municipalities. price of $40 per horsepower of electricity annually. Almost all the material used in the development of the project would be The agreement meant that the manufactured in Ontario, or at least in Toronto Electric Light Company would Canada, giving employment to labour at practically have total control of the a time when work was becoming scarce. power transmitted to the city except for what was required by the railway. In May 1908 Toronto city council authorized the Mayor to sign a contract The Globe’s 1908 New Year’s with the Hydro Electrical Power headline read: “Vote for Power By-law Commission for 10,000 horsepower. The as a first step toward cheaper light and city’s share of the cost of the transmission power.” The electorate did just that by line was approximately $828,000. The voting for a power by-law by an over- cost of power for the city was estimated whelming majority – 14,078 in favour at $3,578,080. and 4,483 against.

Similar mandates were given in other communities as well. The Globe interpreted this to mean that the munici- palities had placed their trust in the provincial government and had commis- sioned it to procure for them the pur- chase of electrical power at the lowest- possible rates.

The November 19, 1908 edition of the Globe announced the turning of the sod for the construction of Ontario’s big power line at Exhibition Park – just a few yards from the edge of the lake. There were 300 in attendance and speak- ers described it as “the dawn of a new industrial era.”

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 27 CHAPTER 3

1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress 1913 – 1922, THE UNEASY TRUCE

Efforts to stabilize the union and appease these forces McNulty offered an to instill a sense of solidarity proved diffi- alternative solution. He suggested vice- cult. Old hatreds died hard and the presidential districts that he believed wounds from past confrontations were would permit locals to work in harmony slow to heal. Almost as soon as the on a regional basis and preserve the con- uneasy peace had been agreed to at the stitutional authority of the international 1913 convention, the question of district officers at the same time. councils and the resultant decentraliza- tion of power resurfaced. These issues served once again to deadlock conventions and render the The supporters of the Reid- union impotent because while compro- Murphy faction attempted to reactivate mises were often agreed upon they fell the same old causes. In an effort to apart almost immediately.

Hydro Electric Wagon - 1915

Page 28 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The 1915 convention delegates this, when conscription was first pro- approved the concept of district councils posed the executive recommended that and placed them on a self-sustaining labour cooperate with national registra-

basis, but when the matter went to a ref- tion – an action vigorously protested by 1903 2003 erendum vote the members defeated the many trade unionists across the country. YEARS concept and the convention decision was of Electrifying Progress rendered invalid. This then led to calls To complicate matters further, from the membership to eliminate con- when the United States entered the war in ventions entirely. 1917, AFL president Samuel Gompers deposited $10,000 of AFL funds in John Pegg, a delegate and advo- Canadian War Bonds and lectured cate for decentralization of power from Canadian unionists on their patriotic Local 339 in Fort William, Ontario (now duty – an action that earned both praise part of Thunder Bay) asked: “How long and condemnation. During both the first is this Brotherhood going to stand for the and second world wars conscription was antiquated method of voting we use at a source of great division among convention? How long are we going to Canadians, divisions from which this be slaves of the will of a few well-organ- nation still suffers. ized locals?” It was a question that would need to wait another day for While the war brought new-found resolution. prosperity, prices far outstripped wages. Wages increased by 18 per cent compared with an 80 per cent increase in profits.

Employers demanded 13 to 14- hour days to keep pace with the war WORLD WAR I effort. Trained electricians, including IBEW members, were called upon to train more electricians to support the war effort. Internationally, IBEW membership Great Britain declared war on grew from 23,500 in 1913 to 57,112 in Germany in 1914. As a member of the 1917, and to 148,072 in 1919. Despite British Empire, Canada was automatical- the increase in membership relationships ly involved in the conflict. Canadian within the union were anything but har- Prime Minister Robert Borden and his monious. ruling Conservative party, viewed the war There was a call for a general as an opportunity for Canada to win a strike against conscription. When con- new respect and total independence from scription was legislated one worker said, the mother country. “I am a wage slave here, and I have three The war would complicate rela- brothers in France; that’s enough con- tions within the Canadian labour move- scription for me.” ment because they did not support the Complicating matters further, war effort. Delegates attending both the advertisements in U.S. newspapers were 1915 and 1916 Trades and Labour calling for American workers to come to Congress of Canada conventions passed Canada as Canadians were marching off anti-conscription resolutions. Despite to war. “50,000 workers were needed,”

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 29 the advertisements declared. While the Part of labour’s opposition to con- province of Quebec has unfairly taken the scription in Canada stemmed from the brunt of criticism for opposing conscrip- belief that workers were making a greater tion, labour’s demonstrations against the contribution to the war effort than indus- 1903 2003 war were held throughout the nation. try, both on the home front and abroad. YEARS of Electrifying Progress If labour were to be conscripted then so In the United States Gompers too should wealth. committed the workers of the United States to conscription and, in his view, Although the conscription issue Canadian workers belonging to interna- drove divisions within labour it also tional unions were equally committed. instilled in Canadians a patriotic fervour This meant that a general strike by all that would have future consequences for Canadian unionists against the war effort labour. was impossible. Gompers support for conscription meant that the anti-conscrip- In 1913 before the outbreak of tion forces within labour in Canada were war, the executive of the Trades and decimated and led to support for con- Labour Congress of Canada called upon scription by the Trades and Labour the Ontario Premier to establish the Congress by a vote of 136 to 106. eight-hour workday. At the time, the 60- hour workweek was set for all women A second vote that called for the and children from the age of 14. Hours repeal of the conscription law, but falling of work for children aged 12 years and short of a call for a national strike, older were from 7am and 10pm on a passed by a slim margin of 111 to 101. Saturday, the day before a statutory holi- A large majority adopted a motion day, and during the period from affirming opposition in principle to December 14 to December 24 – the busy conscription. Christmas season.

Hydro Level Pumping Station - 1913

Page 30 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The Labour Gazette for January/February 1966, reflecting on its con- tents 50 years previously, revealed the following:

1903 2003 “The barbers of St. Thomas, Ont., have succeeded in reducing their YEARS working hours,” this journal reported. “A recent civic by-law provides that the of Electrifying Progress working hours for the barber shops of the city shall be as follows: (1) ordinary working day – 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.; (2) Wednesdays – 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.; (3) Saturdays – 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.; (4) on the day immediately preceding a public statutory holiday and on civic holiday – 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. When, however, a holiday falls on a Monday, the working hours shall be from 5 a.m. to 12 noon.”

When IBEW delegates met at may have; let us sit down and, whatever convention in 1917, delegate after dele- differences may exist, see if we can’t gate implored the membership to set come to a logical conclusion ----We are aside past differences. Speaking as much going to stand shoulder to shoulder and for the union as he was for the support of fight the battles that our respective coun- the war effort president McNulty said: tries are engaged in for the defense of “Let us try to lay aside any feelings we democracy and the world.”

BROTHER JOHN MCGUIGAN FLASHBACK TO 1917

“Last September I was 45 years good standing in 353.

“My first contract with the union was in Lindsay where a union was started by some members from Buffalo in January 1917. We tried to get 60¢ per hour but after two week s we were beaten. Seven of the journeymen (I was the only helper on strike) reported for work where they said that I was not required. The journeymen said that if I was not started that they woud not start work. The foreman Al Shulty from the U.S.A. congratulated me for having had the guts to stay out and then we all started. The work finished on the 24th, of May 1917 and I went to Toronto and reported to Tommy Crawford at the Labour Temple. He sent me to work at the British Forgings where I met Joe Godden and some weeks later Cecil Shaw started to work.

“Next year I joined the army and six weeks later I was on my way to overseas. It was all a long time ago, we had many ups and downs, other unions in opposition, no work, etc. One thing I have been blessed with is a good mem- ory of all the changes in 353 over the years.”

— Brother John McGuigan

from April 1974 Spectrum

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 31 The animosities around the issue of conscription would lead to the assassi- nation of British Columbia Federation of WAR ENDS

1903 2003 Labour Vice President Albert (Ginger) Goodwin. Goodwin, who was also an YEARS of Electrifying Progress organizer for the Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers, was called upon by the con- The best efforts of the IBEW scription board in 1917 and classified as leadership to move the union forward Class D and unfit for military service. from the divisions of the past failed mis- erably. A major complicating factor was During a smeltermen’s strike that that every convention decision had to be he led in Trail, British Colmbia, he was referred to a referendum vote of the again called before the board. On this membership. These votes were often occasion he was placed in Class A and divisive and time-consuming for the offi- called up for active service even though he cers who were defending convention deci- suffered from tuberculosis. It was widely sions against the dissidents. In turn, the believed that the mill managers instigated dissidents used the referendum as a con- Goodwin’s call-up, however, Goodwin venient vehicle to promote their views never saw active duty. He was shot in the and to disrupt the union’s business. back by a special constable who was later exonerated in a special inquiry.

Bringing in the crops – Willowdale, ON - 1916

Page 32 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The 1919 IBEW convention was a member each month and through the notable one. Delegates voted to make all appropriation of 50 per cent of the convention decisions final, except for initiation fees.

those that the convention itself specifical- 1903 2003 ly referred to a referendum. By passing It was also at the 1919 convention YEARS this resolution, the union hoped to curtail that a plan was formulated to establish of Electrifying Progress political manoeuvering by dissident fac- the council on labour relations. The plan tions enabling officers to devote more was first conceived following World War time to perform the tasks for which they I. The idea was originally suggested by a had been elected. small group of electrical contractors who had been meeting since 1916 to talk James Noonan replaced McNulty about the electrical contracting industry. who had served as President since 1903. McNulty experienced a dramatic and Acting on a suggestion by contrac- event filled tenure, that in retrospect, the tor L. K. Comstock, the group called IBEW unquestionably owes its very itself The Conference Club. It formulated survival to him. the idea of getting together with the IBEW to draft a national labour agree- The establishment of a strike fund, ment, which would be of mutual benefit which became effective on January 1, to both the contractors and the union. 1920, also marked the 1919 convention A committee representing both groups as an important one. It was financed met and approved a declaration of princi- through an assessment of 14 cents per ples that created the Industrial Relations

University Avenue Electrical Building – 1919

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 33 Council. The council has proved to be a on sound footing and formed the Ontario milestone in Brotherhood history and has Provincial Council of Electrical Workers. resulted in the settlement of thousands of Ernest Ingles and Canadian IBEW organ- disputes without resort to strike action. izer J. Noble – a Local 353 member since 1903 2003 1913 – attended, and officers were elect- YEARS of Electrifying Progress In February 1907 Ernest Ingles ed and a constitution was drafted. joined the IBEW and in 1917 was elected to lead the new district of Canada and McCollum reported in the June Newfoundland. At the 1917 Atlantic City 1919 Journal that work in the trade was convention, all actions were overturned by very unsettled. There were strikes in referendum however, Ingles was appointed Ottawa (Local 724), London (Local 120) as an organizer in 1918. When a propos- and Kingston (Local 573). Local 353 man- al for a new vice presidential district was aged to escape the turmoil and all the nego- submitted it was approved and in 1919 tiations it had been engaged in were settled. Ernest Ingles became Canadian Vice President for the IBEW. Local 353 would however face a major crisis in 1920. The bulk of its In the May 1919 Journal IBEW membership (cited in later reports as Local 353 Secretary Treasurer G. W being anywhere from 1,000 to 1,260) left McCollum reported that a number of the IBEW and opted to join an all- delegates from IBEW locals met in Canadian union called the Canadian Toronto. They decided to put the trade Electrical Trade Union – later known as

First Loblaws Store – 1916

Page 34 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE the Canaries. There were several reasons tractors. Wages for wiremen at the time 1 for this move. Some members resented were 87 /2 cents an hour. the intrusion into their affairs by Samuel The split was also encouraged by Gompers who promoted conscription 1903 2003 during the First World War when the the electrical industry and for good rea- YEARS Canadian labour movement opposed it. son. By April of 1921 wages had dropped of Electrifying Progress 1 Others had a burst of Canadian national- 7 /2 cents per hour or $3.30 per week. ism that had been fostered by the war On the international level the effort. There was also a tremendous eco- IBEW membership also showed a sub- nomic downturn post-war and this led to stantial decline and lost 97,000 members considerable unrest. between 1920 and 1923. Almost imme- In the end all but 30 members left diately the valiant few who were left in the local. The defection was officer-led Local 353 – all inside men – set them- and most of the rank-and-file followed. selves to the task of organizing its mem- Many of the coup’s leaders were outside bership. As Press Secretary Peter wiremen who never returned to the local. Elsworth would later report, “soon after The break happened in September 1920 the split, the local began to realize it was and Local 353 had agreements with Bell still in existence – the charter still hung Canada, Toronto Hydro and other con- on the wall.”

Replacing burnt out lightbulbs – 1920

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 35 At times during this period the Toronto electricians had a dual organiza- entire membership of the local was unem- tion and that Local 353 was fighting ployed. Gradually, many who left the tooth and nail to survive. He implored

1903 2003 local began drifting back and once again all brothers to be sure they landed at the the local began to function for the benefit right address, which was the “Labor YEARS of Electrifying Progress of the membership. The linemen, howev- Temple, Church Street, Toronto.” er, did not return. Many stayed with the He also asked them to boost the Canadian organization and others joined International while in Toronto. the new linemen’s local – IBEW 636 char- tered in February 1922. The local is still In another report in May of the active today. same year, Hensen said Local 353 was still fighting to keep the international The rebuilding would not be easy. movement going in Toronto. He also Local 353 Press Secretary E. Hensen said the trade in Toronto was still bad wrote in the January 1922 Journal that and there was no sign of things picking the trade in Toronto was just fair, and up. He lauded Vice President Ernest advised all brothers who were “floating Ingles for assisting the local in settling the around the Toronto area to float away agreement when employers attempted to for the time being.” There was no point introduce further wage cuts. looking for jobs in Toronto. He said that

Union Station construction – 1920

Page 36 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Throughout the years many would reflect on the 1920 to 1925 period as a real test for Local 353. Frank Selke in

his capacity as Press Secretary, described 1903 2003 the period 1920 to 1924 in the 1938 YEARS Journal as the “lean years when a mere of Electrifying Progress handful of members stuck together.”

Writing in the Journal many years later Cecil Shaw said that he regarded the formation of the Canadian Electrical Trade Union as the start of the national trade union movement in Toronto. He cited Brother Ernest Ingles and Brother John Noble for their valiant efforts to prevent the catastrophe and said the building trades council of the time treated it as a joke. The council went so far as to call a special meeting and allowed Brother Ingles to debate the merits of the international union movement against the national movement with the leader of the secessionist movement. Shaw applauded Ingles for refusing to do so and said that the rest of the international union move- ment washed their hands of the affair and seemed content with the situation thus created. However, the same menace was creeping into practically every trade and going outside the building trades.

It has often been said that leader- ship is born out of adversity. There is no doubt that many of those who would become strong leaders within Local 353 went through their baptism by fire during the 1920 to 1924 period. Not only would members like Cecil Shaw, Frank Selke, Jack Nutland, Jack Noble, Peter Elsworth and others from the ranks of the “mere 25 to 35” who remained to fight another day come out of this trou- bled time as unquestionably great leaders within the local; they had been tested under fire and prevailed.

Listening to the radio – 1920’s

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 37 CHAPTER 4

1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress 1923 – 1932, REBUILDING THE LOCAL

The first IBEW convention to be was a mixed local – the linemen were in held outside the United Sates was held in Local 636. Press Secretary Peter Montreal, Quebec in 1923. The 17th Elsworth stressed that there were always IBEW convention had 334 delegates rep- a few Local 353 members unemployed, resenting 214 locals of the 63,000 union but that local contractors would hire a members. The convention strengthened stranger in preference to local members. the sense of brotherhood and co-opera- tion between Canadian and American Elsworth also reported that a members and, no doubt, contributed to member who desired to work in the the IBEW’s rebuilding efforts in Canada. United States would get his travel card at a cost of 10 cents, but he had to pay his Alzee Bastien of Montreal Local dues of $2.65 to $2.75 one month in 568 was convention chairman and wel- advance. He also had to apply to the comed all the delegates to the city. He American Consul for permission to enter recited the city of Montreal motto: the United States and had to pay $10 for “Concordia Salus Harmony of Welfare is a passport. Additionally, he had to pay on our lips with the heartiest wish for a $2.00 for a doctor’s certificate to prove good time while you are sheltered under his good health, and supply two passport its distinctive freedom.” photographs – another $2.00, and two copies of his birth certificate – 75 cents “We are meeting to shape a policy each. On top of that there was a head for the coming years. Let us prove wor- tax of $8.00, bringing the cost to enter thy of the trust. Let us so guide our the United States to $26.25. None of this actions that posterity will be thankful that included his rail fare for the journey. we lived,” said Canadian Vice President Ernest Ingles. “And when we have By 1925 Elsworth reported that shaped our policy, let us endeavour to the membership of the Local stood at carry it out to the best of our ability. Let approximately 30 per cent – 300 to 400 us go down the line fighting every inch of members compared with the 1,000 to the way. It is a fight. Life is a fight.” 1,260 at the time of the split in 1920.

In 1925, the city of Toronto had a The Canadian Trades Union mem- population of 600,000, and the Journal bership was approximately the same as reported wage rates for electricians at 85 Local 353 and had dues of $1.50 to cents per hour. At the time, Local 353 $1.75 payable each month. Because all

Page 38 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE wiremen were licenced into three grades, Department. In addition to these poten- they formed what was known as the tial sources, many factories employed Licenced Journeymen’s Association (LJA) electricians and a conservative estimate of

that was attempting to negotiate an membership potential was around 1,500. 1903 2003 agreement with the contractors. The LJA Elsworth claimed that to mount a suc- YEARS dues were $2.00 for six months with a cessful organizing campaign for these of Electrifying Progress $2.00 initiation fee. In comparison, people would require a reduction in the Local 353 members paid $2.65 per dues to $1.00 per month. month, of which $1.90 was per capita to the International office. Each member Potential contracts to supply work also paid 25 cents of his dues to the sick included a $5 million steam engine plant benefit, which left only 50 cents to run to be built in Toronto, the construction of the local. new hydro stations and the expansion of old ones. The estimated value of all this Elsworth regarded these dues as was calculated in the millions of dollars. too high to compete successfully against the LJA for members. Potential members In response to Elsworth’s submis- for the local worked for the Toronto sion the Journal’s editor noted that in Hydro Electric System, Bell Telephone 1923 the International office agreed to and the Toronto Transport Commission. place a special representative in the field to assist Local 353 for a three-month Other sources for membership period. The local turned down the offer were employed at the University building, because it believed that the scarce the Provincial Hydro System and Public resources of the International could be Works Department of the Provincial put to better use when the potential was Government and the City Works uncertain.

Women apply at CNE for jobs as waitresses at $1.25 per day – 1920’s

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 39 Toronto electrical workers were affiliated with the Trades and Labor forced to work for low wages – the low- Council (sic). We are affiliated with est in the building trades. While there the Trades and Labor (sic) Congress was ample work it was not performed by of Canada and the American 1903 2003 IBEW members. “We have a Local union Federation of Labor. YEARS of Electrifying Progress of men here who have stuck with us, pay- The moral effect of your association ing their dues and assessments when they combining with us would mean the have work,” said Elsworth, “and when making of an electrical workers’ union out of work two and three months at a in Toronto that would be in a position time each winter, paying their dues just to command respect for its members. the same. These men are union men and will remain union men.” I would just like to say this much more. You men have spent a great Elsworth claimed that since 1920 deal of time and done a lot of hard the local, along with Vice President work to build up your association. Ernest Ingles and organizer John Noble, Are you going to use the results for the had made every effort to keep the IBEW benefit of all concerned? Or is there to going in Toronto. An organizing drive be another war among the electrical was conducted and, while progress was workers in Toronto, which without a slow, there were encouraging signs point- doubt will mean a further reduction in ing to success. our wages? I thank you.” The Local 353 organizing commit- tee presented a prepared text to the LJA The two committees agreed to that was reproduced in the September meet again. Local 353 knew that consid- 1925 issue of the Journal. erable organizational effort would be saved if these Toronto wiremen were to “Is it your pleasure by the formation join the local. As part of its reorganizing of your association to repeat this efforts Local 353 ran an advertisement experiment by forming another dual for one week – at a cost of $18 – urging organization? Our interests are in the 600 electricians to attend the meeting. common; we all want an increased rate In addition to the IBEW, represen- of wages. Do you know that the great- tatives of the LJA and the Canadian est and most effective method that is Electrical Trade Union (CETU) attended possible just now would be to combine the meeting in September 1925. The your association with No. 353? CETU offered the LJA a charter for Toronto wiremen at a cost of $2.00 for A number of our ex-brothers have each member. Only fifty men attended worked very hard to build up your the meeting. association and we need your member- ship in our Local Union. There can be From Local 353’s perspective, it only one electrical workers’ union in appeared that those who were represent- Toronto. Why not let us unite and ing the LJA were playing one group make it the International? against the other by determining whether There are 19 International unions in Local 353 or the CETU favoured a the Toronto Building Trades Council. licence for wiremen. Local No. 353 is one of them. We are

Page 40 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE IBEW Canadian Vice President “Value is only given as value is Ernest Ingles and Local 353 Press paid for. Of course, there are always cer- Secretary Peter Elsworth attended the tain persons who will go into a store and

meeting. Elsworth was asked to speak expect to buy a suit of clothes for $12.50 1903 2003 but deferred to Ingles who received a very (with two pairs of pants) and actually kid YEARS attentive reception and responded to themselves that the suit will give them the of Electrifying Progress questions regarding the IBEW. prosperous-looking electrician appearance that a $40 suit would,” Elsworth said in The question of licences for wire- the December 1925 Journal. “It is easy men was a contentious issue with all the to recognize them.” organizations. The provincial licence board sent letters to all organizations and The local attended the meeting requested delegations of two men from with the licensing board and there were each group to send recommendations on changes in the licensing fee for 1926 from the licencing issue on September 30, $4.00 a year to $2.00 a year, with an 1925. additional $1.00 to the Licence Department for a total fee of $3.00 Local 353 delegates met with the annually. LJA delegates and the CETU prior to appearing before the Licence Board. By March 1926 the local reported Local 353 viewed the possible merger that the organizing campaign sponsored with the LJA as a way to increase its by the Trades and Labour Council and membership and its strength. However, the Toronto Building Trades Council was the IBEW’s high dues were seen as a in full swing. During the membership stumbling block to a merger. campaign 20 international representatives were in Toronto for the period of January Local 353 regarded the division to March of 1926. The city directory between the two groups as a detriment to was divided and the names of tradesmen both. The wage rate for wiremen in were transferred to index cards and sort- Toronto in 1925 was 80 cents per hour ed for each trade. Literature was then compared with $1.00 per hour for mailed to the different tradesmen and plumbers and they believed that as long as open meetings were held to recruit new electricians were divided it would take members. another five years to reach $1.00 per hour.

W. H. Brown served as Business Manager of Local 353 from 1926 to 1930.

He is credited with having done a lot of W. H. BROWN good work for both Local 353 and the IBEW in Canada. Both Brown and Frank Selke were Business Manager 1926 - 1930 nominated for the Business Manager’s position in 1930 and Brown declined, and Selke was elected by acclamation for the position.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 41 It was estimated that building accepted, and at a Local 353 open meet- projects in the city – valued at $70 mil- ing on March 19, 1926 a number of lion in 1926 – were either underway or in membership applications were received

1903 2003 the planning stage. The peak electrical from members of the LJA load for the population of 600,000 was YEARS of Electrifying Progress approximately 200,000 horsepower. An agreement was also reached between the Toronto Building Trades The May 1926 Journal reported Council and Lawrence Soloman on the that the organizing campaign was effec- construction of the new baseball stadium tive and the local was beginning to take confirming that only international union- in new members. It was also reported ized labour would be employed. that a committee from the LJA attended an IBEW Local 353 meeting in March Other construction projects in the and a Local 353 committee was appoint- works included an office complex on the ed to interview them while their meeting northeast corner of Bay and Albert was in progress. streets, a 12-storey building on the south- east corner of Bay and Adelaide streets President Jack Nutland, Vice and an 8-storey warehouse at the harbour President J. Curran, Financial Secretary front. The Uptown Theatre was running Peter Elsworth, Executive Board Member a night shift in order to complete the Fred Todd and International Vice project by Labour Day. President Ernest Ingles served on the committee for Local 353. President O. At the same time, negotiations for Occomore, Secretary George Shepherd, a new agreement were underway. Local and Executive Board Members H. Weale 353 refused to sign an agreement that and J. Dotson represented the LJA. automatically extended the terms of the CETU agreement. The contractors want- The LJA and Local 353 met in ed IBEW Local 353 delegates to sit on the March 1926. This meeting was the cul- same conference board as the CETU. If mination of a six-month effort of the two agreed to, this would give the CETU organizations, and after two hours of dis- direct say on the conditions of work for cussion Local 353 agreed to present the Local 353. This was not acceptable to resolutions to their members for support. the local. The local felt the CETU was The resolutions meant that Local 353 nothing more than a company union that would cease its opposition to Toronto had a depressing effect on the wages of licensing by-law 156 – concerning an electricians. They believed that serving electrician’s license – until such time as with the CETU on any committee would the united local decided differently. Local mean any vote on contentious issues 353 also agreed that the initiation fee would automatically be two-to-one would remain at $5.00 until March 30 – against the IBEW. subsequently extended to April 30. It was reported that construction Representatives from the LJA employees at Toronto Hydro Electric agreed that if the resolutions were System – through the efforts of the CETU endorsed they would do everything in – reached a wage settlement in the spring. their power to influence their members to The rate for a third rate man was join with Local 353. A letter from Local increased from 64 cents to 69 cents per 353 confirmed the resolutions were hour, and 70 cents men received 74 cents.

Page 42 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The 81 cents per hour men were placed The contractors did not immedi- on salary with holidays, but no overtime. ately sign the agreement and the local was on strike for two days before an The negotiations were at a stand- agreement was signed. Although the 1903 2003 still and a final offer was submitted to the agreement didn’t achieve all that was YEARS contractors providing for 80 cents per desired, there were improvements of Electrifying Progress hour from September 1926 to April 1927 nonetheless. Pay rates remained at 80 and increasing to $1.00 per hour on May cents per hour until December 31, 1926. 1st, 1927. Salary was increased to 90 cents per hour for 1927, $1.00 per hour for 1928, and Local 353 urged its members to $1.10 per hour in 1929. A journeyman’s cease work on September 1 and report to helper received no increase. The agree- the Labor Temple from 9 – 10am. ment also provided for railway fare and If enough contractors had signed the pro- board for 10-hour day jobs out-of-town posed agreement they would return to with the exception of jobs under the work; if not, the local would officially be jurisdiction of the Building Trades on strike. Council.

Mungy talks about how he got in to the trade. As Mungy tells it, one day he was lying on the bed and Swailes rushed in and said, “Mike, please let me lie down, I am tired as hell. So I got off the bed and I said to him, “What do you do?” He said, “I am an electrician’s helper.” I said, “How did you get so tired doing that?” He said, “I have been threading pipe.” He told me all about it, and I said, “I am interested in that.”

Swailes was working at Canada Electric and he told Mungy to go there at 8am the next day to request a job. In those days all the helpers would go to the store, which had a storage room downstairs and the office upstairs. Mungy did as he was instructed and asked if they needed any help, only to be told they didn’t. He repeated this process every second day.

One evening, a sign – Help Wanted – was placed in the window. Swailes saw the sign and “he was running all over looking for me. He finally found me and said: “There is a sign in the window for a Helper, get down there in the morning.”

“I slept in, I got up, rushed in – I only lived a couple of blocks away. I walked in and there was a big lineup. So, as I waited, I notice Harry Chapman (Chappie), the owner, look out the window, and he spotted me. He told everyone in line that he didn’t need anyone. So when I was getting near the front of the line I figured he didn’t need any help, so I turned around to walk out. He said: ‘What do you want?’ I said, ‘I am here for the same job,’ and he said, ‘Okay, you got it,’ and asked if I could start now, and I said ‘Yes.’ I asked how much he paid and he said 25 cents per hour. I said ‘$10 a week,’ and he said, ‘No, $11, because we work four hours on Saturday.’”

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 43 Mungy was hired on a Thursday and Chappie told him to hang around. Left to his own devices, Mungy did just that, but occasionally Chappie would

1903 2003 stick his head in the door and Mungy would grab a broom to start sweeping the floor. The scenario repeated itself a number of times and on Friday YEARS of Electrifying Progress Chappie finally asked him when he thought he would be finished sweeping the floor, and Mungy replied, “You didn’t tell me what to do, I am just trying to keep busy.”

On Saturday morning, his third day on the job, Mungy was assigned to Stan Pernell. The first job was on Dixon Road. Pernell had a large tool box, and Mungy, who was 16 years old at the time, had to carry the tool box on the street car to the job site.

On his first job, they went to the cellar and Pernell said he was going into the other room and would push a fish wire through, and when it came out, Mungy was to pull it. There were two wires hanging down on Mungy’s side of the wall, and when he reached up to grab the fish wire he received a shock causing him to yell out. That was Mungy’s start.

As Mungy sees it in those days there was a union but they were not organized. He said that one man might be getting 90 cents, another 80 cents. It was Mungy’s job to go to the office each morning to pick up any needed materials and on one occasion when he was sent to the office to get materials, Chappie looked at him with a big smile on his face and told him, ‘Never mind the list, come with me.’ They went to a job and Mungy threaded the pipe while Chappie was doing the slab. Mungy could not recall the exact location of the job, but did remember that when he left the work site that day there was a car parked across the street. “Stan Pernell was there, he motioned for to come over, and when I complied, he said, ‘hide behind the car, get down.’” Somebody said, ‘What the hell are you doing here, we are on strike.’ I said, ‘I didn’t know,’ and Stan said, ‘I didn’t tell him.’ So he said, ‘Are you going to be in in the morning?’ and I said, ‘Not if you are on strike.’

When Mungy returned to the shop that evening Chappie told him he would meet him on the job site in the morning. Mungy said okay but did not show up for work the next day, and neither of them ever spoke of it again.

He recalls Comstock, Canada Electric, Roxborough Electric and Bennett and Wright, a small company which did not do any contracting. Mungy also recalls that when he first joined, he was advised to attend all the union meet- ings, which he did. He was told that, ‘If you don’t attend union meetings, your union brothers could be walking up Yonge Street, and you could be walk- ing down and you won’t know him.’ “So,” Mungy says, “I went to the meet- ings at the Labor Temple on Church Street, just below Shuter.” He recalls being required to write an exam and one of the questions was, ‘What colour is your hair?’ He asked another apprentice, ‘What colour is my hair?’ and received the reply, “Auburn” which he then put down as the answer.

Page 44 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE When interviewed in 2001 Mungy the skills of the trade. Education pro- remembered his early days as an electri- grams expanded and the National Joint cian with great fondness. Over 90, he Apprenticeship and Training Committee

had a sharp mind and a wonderful sense (NJATC) for the electrical industry was 1903 2003 of humor. On his career as an electrician created. YEARS he said, “I enjoyed every minute of it, I of Electrifying Progress was fortunate, I worked with the best The dawn of 1927 would see a mechanics in my day.” He recalled Bill number of Local 353 members out of Jennings, Bob Law, Sam Genise, Tom work. At the time, 35 of Local 353’s Gracie, and his first boss – Harry approximately 350 members were out of Chapman with a sense of pride. work, but things looked hopeful for the spring with a number of construction From 1925 on the union worked projects in the offing. on improving apprenticeship training, promoting the licensing of contractors, The dues were increased to $3.25 improving electrical ordinances and a month and members were encouraged codes, and attaining the five-day work- to pay three months in advance. To put week. The union sought to prevent and the dues in perspective, referring to the reduce accidents on the job and actively recent wage increase Peter Elsworth promoted the education of its members in asked, “Do you know what 10 cents an hour amounts to? $4.40 a week.” Citing

Labour Day Parade float – 1928

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 45 the average employment for an electrician rialize. Another project – the 30-storey as 40 weeks a year, it meant that each Toronto Towers, slated for construction electrician received a $176 per year between King and Adelaide, was post-

1903 2003 increase and the dues were only $39 poned indefinitely. annually. Comparatively, he explained YEARS of Electrifying Progress the hydro workers had rates of only 68 to Adding to the shortage of work, 74 cents per hour versus Local 353’s 90 construction on the Royal York, the cents per hour. He urged members not to Woolworth Building and the Star break faith with the international. Building had slowed due to a steelwork- ers strike and the new Hydro sub-station The Queen’s Hotel opposite Union at Leaside was a 100 per cent CETU job. Station was torn down to make way for a new Canadian Pacific Railway Hotel – The power on the new Gatineau The Royal York. By June 1928, however, power line from the Gatineau River to work was not as plentiful as had been Toronto was scheduled to be on-line by anticipated. Several of the big jobs that September 1928. Started in 1925, the were reported in the news failed to mate- project planned three hydroelectric power stations that were expected to produce 526,000 horsepower. By September 1928 only 436,000 horsepower was completed.

In 1928 another organizing effort was announced. Approximately 50 men – mostly non-members – attended a spe- cial meeting in August of that year. This organizing effort differed from earlier ones because they considered it unwise to suspend initiation fees. Very few locals had previously experienced any organiz- ing success because of low initiation fees.

Even though the old agreement was not due to expire until May 31, 1929, in December 1928 negotiations for a new agreement were initiated. The negotiating committee was seeking an increase of 15 cents per hour effective June 1, 1929. Additionally, the commit- tee demanded a five-day workweek – meaning no work on Saturday – and dou- ble time for all overtime. The five-day workweek was a demand on the agenda of all 19 unions in the Building Trades Council.

L-R: Herb Price, Wilf Oldfield, Cecil Shaw and Norm Brownlaw with Casa Loma in background - 1927

Page 46 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

Working Rules - 1929

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 47 Local 353 began 1929 with a feel- 1929 Journal reported in Local Lines that ing of optimism. The local had no idea the electrical trade in Toronto was boom- that before the year was out the greatest ing and that “all members are contented-

1903 2003 economic disaster in North America ly employed.” A three-year agreement would transpire. The October 1929 had been signed that brought the wage YEARS of Electrifying Progress stock market crash was the beginning of rate to $1.35 an hour in the third year, the Great Depression. The February and “the boys were knocking down $1.10 an hour, with lots of overtime,” said Frank Selke.

Business Agents Cecil Shaw and Bill Brown were credited with adding sev- eral clauses to the new agreement that called “for conditions dear to the heart of every Union worker.”

The Daily Star Building, one of the finest buildings in Canada, was almost complete. Brother Fred Todd served as foreman on the job and Edward Forsey was the job steward. It was a 100 per cent union job and a “credit to the efficiency and skill of the members employed in its construction,” continued Selke.

Local Press Secretary Frank Selke couldn’t help but tweak the noses of his union brothers in the United States. He alluded to their problems under the 18th Amendment (Prohibition) by sharing the details of a social sponsored by IBEW Local 105 in Hamilton that Local 353 members attended. Selke wrote: “…suffice it to say that the working parts of the boys were ‘well oiled’ and everyone joined in with enough whoopee to make it a memorable evening for all who attended.” Local 353 returned the favour by inviting Local 105 to its social in Toronto in February, and expressed a tongue-in-cheek regret that the “parched brothers south of the border” could not be on hand to enjoy the evening’s fun.

By May 1929 Local 353 still believed it was doing very well. It had Toronto Star Building recently initiated 40 new members – a

Page 48 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE majority of whom had transferred from of 39,581 to 5,405. Local 353’s Cecil the registered apprentices and helpers Shaw was appointed on the committee branch of the local. Only 20 local mem- and, after a week in Washington,

bers of approximately 400 were without returned with the proposed revisions. 1903 2003 work and business was expected to YEARS increase sufficiently to have jobs for them Local 353 Business Manager of Electrifying Progress within the month. Some members were Frank Selke accepted the proposed working on the construction of a new changes to the constitution. Selke felt hotel in Niagara Falls, and Local 353 saw that after a week of intensive study, if it as a “lucky break for the boys” that Shaw thought the changes were in the would otherwise be unemployed. membership’s best interests, everyone should get behind him. A new Eaton’s department store was under construction, but a problem presented itself. The plasterers and lath- ers were being pressured by the contrac- tors to relinquish the five-day week in exchange for more money for working half days on Saturday. This greatly con- cerned Local 353 because it was due to adopt the five-day week in 1930 in accor- dance with the terms of its collective agreement.

In September 1929 the International convention was held in Miami, Florida. It was not known that because of the Depression this would be the last International convention until 1941. Elected to attend for Local Union 353 were Jack Nutland, Ed Forsey, Jack Price and Cecil Shaw.

H. H. Broach, who had been appointed International Vice President in 1919, was elected International President in 1929 and it was Broach’s wish to amend the constitution. He wanted to clarify some sections, strengthen others and provide for discipline to ensure that business was conducted in an orderly fashion and, in the process, secure respect for authority.

To oversee the revisions, an 11- person committee – with no two mem- bers from the same local – was estab- The Royal York Hotel - 1935 lished by a membership referendum vote

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 49 July 1929 Journal SOME FACTS, BY F. J. SELKE, L.U.

1903 2003 No. 353

YEARS of Electrifying Progress The Royal York Hotel, which has just been opened in Toronto, Canada, is owned and operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway. The building is situated on the site of the old Queens Hotel, just opposite the new Union Station, consequently though a new building it will be backed up by the traditions of the famous old hotel which in years gone by was the scene of some of the most vital gatherings pertaining to the welfare of Toronto and Canada as a whole.

The Royal York is the largest and finest hotel in the British Empire, and in the writer’s humble opinion has few equals anywhere on earth. Situated in Toronto, known all over Canada as the centre of social and business activity, the new hotel will house thousands of visitors from the United States and all the world from now on, adding comfort to the stranger within our midst and ever standing out as a splendid structure which was built entirely by organized labor.

Space does not permit me to give all the details of this magnificent structure, so I will give our readers the high lights of the electrical installation.

First and foremost, of course, comes the fact that the job was handled from beginning to end by members of Local No. 353, and not one iota of electrical work in this building was done by any but loyal members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Five tons of copper buss bar were used in the erection of the switchboard. One hundred and fifty miles of rigid conduit of various sizes were installed in the job. Three thousand four hundred outlets are situated in the structure, thirteen hun- dred of these being fixtures also installed by Class “A” men of our local. One hundred and fifty thousand feet of telephone wire and six thousand feet of signal cable were used in the room to room connections and so on.

The Canadian Comstock Company were the electrical contractors on the job and their tender called for the following details of installation:

Complete lighting wiring Complete power wiring Fire alarm system Maids call system Maids indicating system Watchman’s clock system Miscellaneous bell signal system Radio and public address system Electric fixtures Telephone wiring Main switchboard Stage switchboard and dimmers Electric clocks Flood lighting of building

Brother Ted Shortt was job steward on this job, which employed an average of seventy members for a period of one year. To the everlasting glory of Brother Shortt, I am pointing out once again that every bit of the above work was done by our boys, at the regular rate of Class A wages and this should convince every one of the wonderful power of organization as depicted in the IBEW.

Page 50 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE In the June 1929 Journal Selke for helpers and apprentices. There was referred to three or four years previously virtually no disagreement over the rate when the “boys were working for just for the apprentices and helpers increase.

whatever they could get and all the cushy 1903 2003 jobs were in the hands of cheap men. The disagreement centred mainly YEARS All of this the result of an earlier split on the insurance proposal. Even in those of Electrifying Progress when the boys were fooled by the tanta- days Canadian workers were far ahead of lizing bait of company unions and self- American workers in social legislation. governed organizations.” Selke stressed Canada already benefited from mothers that “the only thing to do is to stick by allowances, workers compensation your local, fight for it, and good condi- (enacted in Ontario in 1915), and old age tions are bound to come.” pensions (enacted in 1927).

A major debate erupted in the According to Selke this was all local in 1929 over a dues increase to fine but nothing could take the place of a $5.00 a month. The debate was described membership card in the IBEW. All one by Selke as a “humdinger” but with few had to do, he said, was to ask any of the exceptions it was well executed by both members of the local who stuck by their sides. The increase would be used, in guns from 1922 to 1926. This was when part, to provide an additional $1,000- the Brotherhood split into three or four worth of insurance for each member. factions – all of them feeling they were right. Selke believed they were now pay- An alternative clause was included ing dearly for their “folly” with a lean that eliminated the insurance by making pay envelope and Selke thought that con- the dues $4.00 for journeymen and $2.75 ditions had improved wonderfully since the re-organization of the local.

Nevertheless, Selke maintained his mem- bership in Local 353 and when he was presented Frank Selke Jr. his 50-year membership pin in 1975 he said that Business Manager July 1930 – July 1932 he regarded his union card as one of his proud- est possessions. Frank Selke Jr. first joined the IBEW in Berlin (now Kitchener) Ontario in 1911. Selke While serving as Business Manager and served in World War I and he joined Local 353 Press Secretary, Selke announced that the local on November 12, 1925. In 1928 he left the had a monthly paper called “The Makins,” a trade and served as the publicity director for name it was given because that was what it was Maple Leaf Gardens. He also served as the intended to be – “the makins of a good Union unpaid Business Manager of the local. He Man.” As Press Secretary, Selke’s writings for FRANK SELKE resigned that unpaid job in 1932. Local Lines are a lasting legacy for the local. He became Acting General Manager of In recognition of his contribution to the Maple Leaf Gardens and Hockey Club, but hockey, the N.H.L. created the Frank Selke tro- he resigned from that position in 1947 to phy. This trophy is presented annually to the become the General Manager of the Montreal NHL player considered to be the leagues best Forum and the Montreal Canadiens Hockey defensive forward. It is in many aspects a fitting Club. His transfer from the Toronto Maple Leaf tribute for a trade unionist who believed in mov- organization to the Montreal Canadiens organi- ing forward in the promotion of workers rights, zation resulted largely from his inability to while at the same time defending against the appease Conn Smyth, the team’s owner, who forces that would deny these same workers their regarded Selke as a threat. While managing the rightful place in society. Montreal Canadiens, Selke led the team to Frank Selke Jr. died on July 3, 1985. Stanley Cup championships in 1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 51 By September 1929, all local ousted the cheap fixture men leav- Canadians, including Local 353 members, ing local members to complete the electri- were feeling uneasy about the poor wheat cal work. This building was completed

1903 2003 crop in western Canada. Factories and in 13 months and the local saw it as its commercial enterprises were starting to first complete victory since the split of the YEARS of Electrifying Progress cut their staff of electrical workers to a early 1920’s. minimum. The construction of the Eaton building came to a standstill, and the From 1927 to 1929 a large per- Hinde and Dauch paper box factory centage of apprentices took an active role reduced its electrical work force from 38 in the local. One of those was Bill to two journeymen and two apprentices. Farquhar who joined Local 353 in 1927 About 30 members were unemployed and at the age of 17 and was employed by much of the work in apartment housing Canadian Comstock Company. He sur- and theatre construction went to the vived the Depression by working at the hands of unfair contractors. Canadian National Exhibition during the summer and Maple Leaf Gardens in the The Robert Simpson building was winter. He would eventually become close to completion and was a source of business manager of Local 353. pride for Local 353. It was there that the

View of Tip Top Tailors (under construction) from Fort York - 1930

Page 52 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE By 1930 64 journeymen in the By mid-1930 employment reports local were without work. The local was were bleak for Toronto and up to 40 lavish in its praise of those employers members were out of work over the win-

who continued to employ unionized ter and into May of 1931. Selke stressed 1903 2003 labour including Tip Top. The Tip Top that the membership be “particularly YEARS building on Fleet Street, a $1 million anxious to preserve the morale of the of Electrifying Progress project, was a 100 per cent union job Brotherhood.” with about 12 IBEW Local 353 members on the job. “All the good things we have ever received, boys, have come to us through Frank Selke appreciated the sup- the efforts of the local union,” Selke con- port of people like David Dunkleman, the tinued, “so don’t let any individual, with owner of Tip Top Tailors. Dunkleman, a an axe to grind or personal ends to meet, Toronto native, started Tip Top Tailors in convince you that there are other and bet- 1911. He invested $1,500 in savings in a ter ways of improving your economic small clothing store on Adelaide Street position than through your local union.” and by 1930 had expanded to 45 stores across Canada. In a tribute to Selke, who had a great sense of Dunkleman Selke wrote, “…this is the humour even in difficult times, also jok- one and only large clothing firm in ingly announced that members had Toronto, which has always dealt fairly formed an orchestra and a male quartet with the officers of the Building Trades of “members who threaten to entertain movement in Toronto. That is why we the rest of us during the off-season.” are taking time out to say a good word to In July 1930 Bill Brown returned help those who have always been pre- as Business Manager – a position he held pared to help us.” for four years, and he was replaced by Frank Selke.

The Robert Simpson Building

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 53 Mike Mungy recalls Selke, whose shoes were so well shined that it impressed him, would sit beside him at union meetings. Mungy felt that Selke

1903 2003 liked him because he was “always polite.”

YEARS of Electrifying Progress Mike Mungy remembers going to Ottawa in 1930 because there was no work in Toronto. The National Pacific Building was under construction in Ottawa and Bob Law and Tommy Graham were both working there. Chappie told Mungy he would have to lay him off but wondered whether Bob Law would give him a job. Mungy agreed he probably would because he worked with Law in 1928 at Point au Pic, Murray Bay on the St. Lawrence.

While he was there, fellow apprentice helpers Tom Graham, Polly Doyle and Wally Fenton all received their apprenticeship papers together with a beauti- fully designed diploma. Having received his apprenticeship as well, Mungy enquired where his diploma was. The bookkeeper had not put his name down and said he would not get one because his name was not on his list, and also because he was in Ottawa.

Today, Mungy still sees humour in the fact that he did not receive a diplo- ma, but was the only one of the Ottawa apprentices’ helpers to remain in the trade.

Mungy prided himself on being regarded as a good worker, and, when interviewed at his residence in Toronto he recalled a number of incidents, that took place during his working days.

He remembers a job on the Lakeshore in Toronto installing transformers. Admitting to making a mistake on one connection – he inadvertently twisted the wires – Mungy said: “Every time they pulled the switch the transformer blew.”

Even Bob Law could not find the problem and finally, after about a week, Mungy thought about it and he checked it once again. “It was so simple, I could have kicked my own ass.”

On yet another occasion he had to install a 110 generator, which he had never seen before. The generator was sitting on the floor and Harry Chapman came in. Mungy told him he could not figure out the connection on the generator. Chapman looked at him and said, “That’s what I’m paying you $1.25 an hour for,” and walked out the door. “He was a good man, I figured it out,” said Mungy.

Times were tough. IBEW retiree quently worked in Sudbury, Ontario Bob Barker recalls working for Toronto operating power houses. Hydro as a delivery boy in 1930 for $35 a month. He later transferred to the Over 50 per cent of the local Hydro Garage but, because of “politics,” would eventually be out of work during he was turfed out when his boss decided the Depression, and the same was true he liked someone else better. He subse- for the entire union. Remarkably, the membership would only drop to 50,000

Page 54 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE members from 64,000. International rep- IBEW began another of several attempts resentatives wages were reduced by 50 to organize these workers. Despite deep per cent and some were cut to half time wage cuts at Hydro in 1932 and 1933 all

with no expenses or salary while others efforts to organize them into Local 353 1903 2003 were laid off. From a high of 121,742 would fail. YEARS members in 1919, membership in the of Electrifying Progress International had plummeted to 60,421 by the end of 1930.

In Toronto, Frank Selke stated bluntly, “Work is dead, absolutely the worst we have had for many years, and it doesn’t look any too promising for the coming months.”

While the situation was bleak there were glimmers of hope. Canadian Comstock was doing the electrical work for the Canadian Commerce building – a 100 per cent union job. The Canada Life building was another unionized project which certainly didn’t fill the full need, but it relieved the pressure.

In October 1930 a packed assem- bly hall voted to give the local executive and business agents more power in their efforts to reclaim residential work. The executive looked for solutions to the helpers’ problem – no work for the apprentices. About a dozen handpicked apprentices who had displayed extraordi- nary ability were given the examination. Others would have to wait a long time because “quality and not quantity was the order of the day.”

The local was in a continuous search for solutions to the acute unem- ployment problem and with the Eaton’s project wrapping up, an additional 85 men would soon be out of work. One solution was a shorter workweek.

By 1930 a group of employees at Toronto Hydro were beginning to speak openly about some system of collective representation and, at the same time, Contract of Apprenticeship

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 55 The 1931 International convention a measure of relief for everyone and was scheduled for Toronto but economic everyone was paid, content and no one circumstances forced the union to cancel was totally destitute.

1903 2003 not just that convention, but all others until 1941. Selke felt it was better to can- Local 353 President Jack Nutland YEARS of Electrifying Progress cel the convention than to do a poor job. appointed a special education committee to arrange lectures on subjects of interest To complicate matters for Local to the building trades. He wanted the 353, the wage increase scheduled for members to improve the skills they 1931 was postponed to 1932 by both the already had and the programs also kept union and the contractors consent. With the members occupied while they were half of the membership unemployed all unemployed. The lectures covered vari- the building trades agreed to take a 25 ous topics like general starting equip- cents per hour decrease in 1932 reducing ment, photo-electric cells and technologi- the pay rate to $1.00 per hour for Local cal employment and they were well 353 members. This did not reduce unem- attended. The education committee con- ployment in the trades and efforts by the sisted of Brothers Smith, Ove and contractors to reduce wages even further Pollock. were rebuffed. Wages remained at $1.00 per hour until 1940. The Local member- Following conferences with ship sank to 250 members and at least International Vice President Michael J. half were out of work either living off Boyle of Chicago Local 134, the Local relief or doing odd jobs. began to plan a form of unemployment relief similar to the Chicago model. In February 1931, 75 per cent of Brothers Joe Godden, William Brown and the membership was out of work and no Ted Curtis formed that committee. new projects were scheduled. With the help of the contractors, however, work Despite the local’s best efforts to was being done on a shift basis. All good ease the difficulties resulting from the contractors limited work to 40 hours per lack of work, frustrations still surfaced week and if any overtime work was done, from time to time. A sense of hopeless- that employee was finished when he ness and despair could not help but creep reached 40 hours. The purpose of this into the psyche of even the most stalwart strategy was to spread the work around. of men. Under the direction of Mr. Rathgeb the Frank Selke reported on these Canadian Comstock Company empow- frustrations in his April 1931 contribu- ered its foremen to co-operate with the tion to the Journal. “They tell me the union in any reasonable relief measure. boys here had a real hot meeting while I Local 353 members Harry Wilson was away,” said Selke. “Veiled threats and A.B. Occomore each picked a crew and what not floated through the air for of key men to serve as the backbone of several hours, with the result that every- his staff, and the rest worked in shifts. one unloaded a lot of cantankerous mat- ter off their chests, then finally decided The idea was a popular one. we were all good fellows and surely the Instead of one man working for three local is none the worse as a result of this weeks while two others were laid off, all more thorough understanding of ideals.” three worked a week each. This provided

Page 56 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE “The thing I can’t get out of my events, his optimism still carried the day. system,” Selke wrote, “is that we should Even during this period of doom and be doing the knob and tube work that is gloom Selke’s view was still that there

largely done rat. Contractors here won’t was much to be thankful for, and his 1903 2003 touch it but sooner or later there will be a somewhat humorous June 1931 contribu- YEARS day of awakening and my only hope is tion to the Journal reflects that sense of of Electrifying Progress that it will not be too late.” humour.

The report of the unemployment relief committee was presented along with legal advice and adopted by the membership following several hours of “intelligent discussion.” Members in financial difficulty could receive loans of moderate amounts and while 200 men were entirely without employment, only ten men applied for assistance at the first meeting.

With increasing frustration levels, troubles arose at the Photo Engravers plant. It was 100 per cent unionized but one of the company officials, who claimed to have carried a union card all his life, saw no good reason to hire unionized electricians. Two Local 353 members who worked on the job were fined $500 by the local. “Don’t do it boys; your card in the Brotherhood is your meal-ticket for life, and protection for your loved ones after that,” Selke cau- tioned the members. “Why trade it for a few weeks’ work on a job that is break- ing down conditions it has taken so many years to build?”

There were some encouraging moments though. Following many weeks of discussion with the board at the Canadian National Exhibition, an agree- ment was reached to hire only union men.

Reading through Selke’s contribu- tions to the Journal during this time, a sense of compassion for the Brotherhood shines through. At times, when even he Bay Street from Queen Street seemed to become a bit depressed with

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 57 L. U. NO. 353, TORONTO, ONT. Editor: Time to get the letter in the JOURNAL for the month of June. Really there is 1903 2003 little to write about. We have decided that depression talk is out of order and since

YEARS of Electrifying Progress there is not much construction going on in this district, I am going to dig up and expose a little of the silver lining back of the gloom clouds now overhanging the build- ing industry. In my opinion, no matter how tough things are, there is always something a member has to be thankful for. I am going to enumerate a few of the points I have in mind: Something To Be Thankful For Jack Nutland: That Percy Eversfield does not always report for meetings in the mental condition he displayed at the special unemployment relief meeting. Pete Elsworth: That the constitution automatically adjourns all meetings at 11 p.m., eliminating a lot of domestic complications. Joe Godden: That his Dodge car was sturdy enough to stand that crash without anni- hilating Joe. Jimmie Curran: That the kind of a man who doesn’t fit in is almost a thing of the past in this Local. Jimmie McKenzie: That he lives in North Toronto, where the climate and neighbours are most congenial. Cecil M. Shaw: That it is quite impossible to load him up with any more assessments. Bill Brown: That he is not business manager with 175 men out of work. R. C. Smith: That Brother Shaw accepted his apology. Ted Curtis: That the cut-throat electric company never materialized. Doug Morris: That our apprentices are of such high calibre that the examining board’s work is a cinch. Roy McLeod: That the helper question has temporarily been settled. There’s no-one working just now. Bert Maunders: That there are still a reasonable number of motions to second. Ernie Ingles: That he still owns a typewriter in working order. John Noble: That Kitchener is so conveniently located to Toronto. Al Donaldson: That you don’t have to believe everything you hear. Harry Wilson: That he will be able to ease the load of many of the unemployed boys when the exhibition job opens. It will be short but sweet. Billy Rhea: That we have not foisted any more bun feeds on his sensitive temperament (sic). Bill Gerard: That things, although bad, cannot possibly be much worse. Johnny Dolson: That Boomer Davis is coming to town to check and double check. Frank J. Selke: That 95 per cent of the members have shown remarkable union labor spirit throughout the past winter of hardships. That the warm weather is bound to increase building activity a little. That Mike Boyle has the time and patience to help F. J. S. solve some of Toronto’s problems out of his vast experience at Chicago. That the members of Local 353 are always ready to support a worthy cause in the interests of the Brotherhood and above all that when the boys read this article the writer will be able to duck from cover until the storm blows over.

Good luck and good-bye FRANK J. SELKE

Page 58 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The Campbell Soup job was near- and bought $25,000 worth of shares of ing completion and the Canadian Gardens stock. Smythe needed only National Exhibition would provide a few $25,000 for the land.

weeks work. One interesting project was 1903 2003 Maple Leaf Gardens, scheduled for con- One wonders if Selke had any YEARS struction on College Street about half a influence on the construction of the of Electrifying Progress mile from the Labor Temple where Local Gardens. Toronto Maple Leaf owner 353 held its meetings and had its office. Conn Smythe made a deal to use only unionized labour for the project as long Selke was involved with the as they would take 20 per cent of their Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team for a pay in Gardens’ stock. The Maple Leafs number of years and would eventually went on to win the Stanley Cup in 1932. leave that organization to work with the Montreal Canadiens. In place of the convention that was cancelled in 1931 (meant to be held Conn Smythe purchased the in Toronto), an informal provincial con- Toronto St. Patricks hockey team in 1926 ference of IBEW locals was held in for $160,000 and changed the name of Toronto in September 1931 to discuss the the team to the Toronto Maple Leafs. welfare of the Brotherhood. Crying tow- Eaton’s sold Smythe the land on which els, it was stated, would not be permitted the Gardens would be built for $350,000 at any of the sessions! but took back a mortgage for $300,000

TTC laying track with Maple Leaf Gardens construction in background – circa 1930

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 59 By January 1932 Selke reported Nutland and the executive he that the members here were showing headed received glowing accolades from remarkable fortitude and trade union Selke who credited this executive with spirit. Two hundred were out of work having the foresight to build up the 1903 2003 and 200 were working less than half time reserves of the local from 1927 to 1929. YEARS of Electrifying Progress – but the local only lost a few members. This enabled the local to carry and keep “If we can weather the storm until the its unemployed members in good stand- new jobs open,” Selke wrote “Local 353 ing during the previous two years. The will have emblazoned itself in such a gavel Nutland used to preside over meet- manner that it will live a long time in ings he chaired was presented to him by Toronto’s Civic history.” the local – suitably engraved as a memen- to to his service to Local 353. In June 1932 an election for local officers was held and a full attendance of Cecil Shaw, the Financial Secretary the membership was urged. Jack and Assistant Business Manager, became Nutland didn’t run and Ed Forsey was both Business Manager and Financial elected as the new president. Secretary. Tommy Redburn became Vice President.

Financial Secretary when the offices of were combined in 1932. He was able to take the Cecil Shaw local from a deficit position prior to the Depression and create a surplus – regarded as Business Manager 1932 – 1949 one of the chief reasons the local survived the As Local 353 celebrates its 100th Depression and maintained a wage level higher anniversary in 2003, Cecil Shaw will have been than any other trade. dead for approximately 50 years. Yet there are With over half of Local 353’s member- those even today who speak of him fondly. ship unemployed through major parts of the Employers, governments and trade union repre- Depression, Shaw – along with his committee – sentatives alike respected him. During his time was instrumental in keeping the local alive. with Local 353, he was called upon to serve as a member of many labour organisations and During the war years, Shaw represented conciliation boards. Labour on the Regional War Labour Board – a CECIL SHAW post he was appointed to by the Governor Shaw was initiated into Local 353 at General of Canada. the age of 17 on June 7, 1917 and in 1921 was elected President of the local and become International President Tracy appointed Financial Secretary in 1926. He became full- Shaw to the International staff and he was time Financial Secretary and Assistant Services responsible for organizing Local 1603 in St. Manager for the local in 1928. Catharines, Ontario. This local had jurisdiction over all conversion work in the province when In 1929, he was appointed to sit on the it went from 25 cycles to 60 cycles. At that Law Committee by Local 353 President time, he was granted a leave of absence from Noonan prior to the 1929 convention in the local but because of the demands of the new Miami, and in 1930 he was asked to sit on the job Shaw resigned as local Business Manager constitution committee by International and Financial Secretary. He believed this would President Broach. This committee was charged be in the best interest of both the International with rewriting the constitution. He sat on the and Local 353. law committee at both the 1941 and 1946 con- ventions. On his death in February 1953, the March edition of Labour Gazette acknowledged He was the first person to serve in the Cecil Shaw as an authority on apprenticeship dual capacity of Business Manager and training.

Page 60 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE By November 1932 Selke admitted that things were on the rocks. He retained his optimism that they could pull

the local through unless everything “goes 1903 2003 to smash and we can start over with a fig YEARS leaf and go pick some apples.” of Electrifying Progress

Selke credited Shaw with an idea that helped many members through some tough times. Shaw wrote to all members who were working and asked them to voluntarily assume the per capita tax of one or more of the unemployed members. The response to the request was gratify- ing as many members quietly, and with- out fanfare, selected boys “now in bad luck” and paid their per capita. No pub- licity was attached to the contribution. The entire maintenance staff at the provincial parliament buildings con- tributed as well as the University of Toronto staff. It was but one of many acts that fostered the sense of brother- hood in the Local throughout the Depression.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 61 CHAPTER 5

1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress 1933 – 1942 HARD TIMES CONTINUE

When President H. H. Broach spending spree that would not only stepped down in 1933 because of illness, improve his morale, but would improve Frank Selke applauded his efforts: the economy as well.

“Without taking anything away Mike Mungy recalls being laid off from his successor, whom we do from the Western Hospital Pavilion in not know, we in Toronto think the 1933. When out for a walk Mungy Brotherhood will miss Mr. Broach. noticed a house being renovated on He was without a doubt a victim of Bathurst Street near Dundas. He went in, circumstances. No man on earth spoke to the landlady, introduced himself could guide a group of men through as a qualified electrician and offered her a as trying a time as the past four price on the electrical work. Mungy got years without encountering a great the job but had no money to purchase deal of adverse criticism, and only a materials or equipment. man with a cast iron constitution He went to Canada Electric and could put up with it.” informed them he was going into contract work and explained his dilemma. Mungy As these words were written in was sponsored for up to $500 worth of 1933, unknown to the IBEW membership credit and was officially in business. He – throughout Canada and the United States may have solved his employment prob- – a great deal more hardship lay ahead. lems, but there were many within the local who were less fortunate. Frank Selke criticized municipal, provincial and federal politicians and the The International urged all locals to corporate community for having cold feet help themselves by developing job opportu- when it came to addressing the many nities in the residential market and to co- problems facing both the city of Toronto operate with contractors to get residential and the nation. As far as Selke was con- work underway even if it meant reducing cerned, all that was required of these wage rates and dropping demands for leaders was to provide plenty of work at extras like travel-time payments. good wages for the eight-hour per day While it still paid pension benefits, boys and the rest would look after itself. maintained its research facilities and con- With steady work the working man tinued to publish the Journal the would have the resources to embark on a International did cut back a number of its

Page 62 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE expenses. The 1931, 1933, 1935, 1937 The Local constantly battled and 1939 conventions were cancelled and against those who sought to use the the revenues committed to these conven- Depression as an excuse to lower wages.

tions were instead transferred to the gen- Business Manager Cecil Shaw was partic- 1903 2003 eral fund. This enabled the International ularly critical of the Toronto YEARS to meet its financial obligations without Transportation Commission (TTC) for of Electrifying Progress incurring massive debt. trying to force its employees to take an eight per cent wage reduction. If the Local 353 searched for ways to employees disagreed the TTC threatened keep its members employed and to ease to take the matter to an arbitration board the financial burden for both the local to request a 15 per cent reduction. and its members. To promote union labour and educate the public on the Another publicly owned company skills of its membership, the local rented that came under criticism from Local 353 a display booth at the 1933 Canadian was Toronto Hydro Electric. It installed National Exhibition and had its entire electric water heaters in the homes of res- staff attend to explain what the local was idential consumers and permitted the con- all about. sumer to pay off the heater through a small amount added to his monthly elec- While the outlook was bleak, tric bill over a period of years. there did appear to be work on the hori- zon. There was the projected construc- The company promised to pay tion of Women’s College Hospital union rates but instead hired two non- ($600,000), St. John the Divine union sub-contractors. One contractor Convalescent Hospital ($300,000), an performed all the work himself with the addition to Western Hospital ($750,000) help of a labourer, while the other sublet and a number of other projects. Selke the work to another sub-contractor for brought these and other projects to the $2.00 per heater. The man doing the attention of the membership. He also work in the latter situation was required announced the addition to the Ontario to have a car to transport materials, tools Government Mental Hospital at Mimico and ladders to the job sites at his own would be 100 per cent union because if expense. If there was a defect in the the other jobs did not materialize, “We work performed he was responsible for expect to be star patients before very fixing the fault at his own expense. long.” When confronted by Local 353 Jack Nutland was appointed by about this way of doing business, one of Business Manager Cecil Shaw to chair the Hydro officials said that if the heaters an investigative committee to look into cost any more to install then the practice rumours about pay rates in various would be discontinued. shops. As part of his investigation Nutland interviewed 125 men from 12 Local 353 also enquired about one different shops. He discovered a few Hydro engineer who was closely connect- minor infractions, cautioned members ed with the contracts. The Local asked on the nature of the infractions and dis- why he did not enforce the contract only couraged them from continuing the to be told that, “Under the fair wage practice. clause in their contract they had done exceedingly well, but it was not up to

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 63 them to see the terms were honoured.” Shaw saw a change during the In other words, the terms of an agree- building boom from 1926 to 1929, when ment were of no consequence when it men who were 40 to 50 years and older

1903 2003 came to the protection of the workers. were being ridiculed as too old to work. The few who were fortunate enough to YEARS of Electrifying Progress It was Toronto’s centennial become job foremen were pushing the anniversary in 1934 and the city appoint- young 20 to 25 year olds in as assistants ed a special committee to oversee projects and superintendents and training them to for the year. The committee came under push the job and giving them no intro- criticism from Shaw, “…as the champions duction to trade union education. of all talk and no action.” By mid-year the committee, which had been allocated Now the trainee had taken the job $100,000 for its work, had accomplished from the teacher and had learned his les- nothing more than erecting a sign over son so well “that he thinks the teacher is the City Hall entrance and sub-letting the too old even to work on the job.” This contract for souvenir programs to a non- change of attitude, and lack of respect, union printing firm. Local 353 had took fewer than 10 years. hoped to gain some work for its members through this committee, however that Appealing to his members to stop wasn’t to be. for a moment Shaw asked them to take stock of themselves, consider the other The contractors and sub-contrac- fellow, and think of the old-timer and the tors were requesting legislation similar to money and time he spent improving the National Recovery Act in the United working conditions. He implored the States. IBEW wanted something similar younger members to give the old-timers a in Canada to try and get the economy hand, to act for them and to ensure that moving. Following a number of meet- they got a fair break. Shaw went on to ings, the committee made up of labour speculate that when work picked up 100 and government representatives submitted new apprentices would be advanced to a report to the government. No action journeyman status. He reprinted a poem was taken on the report and government written by one of the Local’s senior mem- action was more appearance than sub- bers, Brother A. G. Hiscock, and dedicat- stance, most likely because an election ed it to the unemployed electrician. was pending. We go out in the morning and roam Cecil Shaw lamented that 99 per around all day, cent of the trouble, trials and tribulations Looking for a little job to help us experienced could be laid directly at the on our way. door of the members. Referring to the time he had just entered the trade, he said But alas! we meet with no success, that when a new man came on the job he get turned down left and right, was welcomed and when he began to get And return home to our lodging along in years he was given the easiest house in an awful plight. jobs – like putting in switches, hooking up panels and installing switchboards. Our landlord wants his room rent, or else we cannot stay,

Page 64 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE We also have our grub to buy, for there were men who would fight for which we cannot pay conditions regardless of the cost; men who considered the troubles of We are absolutely at a loss to know one organization the troubles of all; the next best thing to do, 1903 2003 but evidently the majority of these YEARS And sit and think, and think, and men have passed on and in their of Electrifying Progress think, feeling very blue. places has come a type of man whose trade union education has If we don’t get work very soon to been sadly neglected. help us get our living,

Something serious will happen, of Much of Shaw’s outrage was that there’s no misgiving. directed towards other trade unions. The We are all getting so demoralized, Labor Temple - where IBEW Local 353 demented and darn lazy, and other unions were located – was next door to the Elliott Hotel that was under The asylums will not be big enough construction. This job was the subject of because we are all going crazy. his criticism because it was being built with non-union labour. Following several Believing that the principles of days of discussion Shaw managed to con- trade unionism were being neglected Shaw vince them to hire a few union men from did everything in his power to promote some of the trades. Despite his interven- the union’s philosophy to the membership. tion he was perplexed that the superin- This contribution to the September 1934 tendent, a non-union man, had wired the Journal reflects his feelings. tap room and wanted to hire a Local 353 member to hang a few fixtures. That Editor: way the job could be called fair but Shaw What is wrong with the trade refused to go along with this. union movement in Toronto, IBEW Local 353 notified the Canada? At a recent meeting of labour council that the local considered our local union considerable time the job unfair, but the council filed the was taken up regarding classes for letter and took no action. The manage- teaching apprentices the fine points ment of the same hotel later decided to of the electrical trade. This is an create an illuminated outside garden situ- excellent idea but I think the big ated between the Labor Temple and the thing today is to teach all trade hotel. Again, the contract was given to a unionists the first principles of trade non-union firm. The firm was permitted unionism, or in other words, just to tie the wires to the Labor Temple and plain help one another. that annoyed Shaw since it added insult I hope this thing called the to injury. depression has not affected the trade union movement in other At the same time Shaw witnessed cities to the same extent that it has several union business agents, stewards, in this one. I am also glad that it members and even international officers of was my privilege to be in the trade some unions, drinking in the hotel garden. union movement in this city when it was worthy of the name, when

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 65 By the end of 1934 – more than hotel owners sought the support of the five years into the Depression and despite union in their attempt to change existing the hardships – few Local 353 members legislation to permit the sale of beer by had dropped their union cards. the glass. The legislation was promoted 1903 2003 so “the working man could have a beer” YEARS of Electrifying Progress Efforts to find work for the mem- without buying a full case. bership took up a considerable amount of Cecil Shaw’s time. He interviewed own- The campaign was intensive and ers of bakeries and dairies in the city and all delegations to the government request- enquired who did their electrical work. ed that the legislation permit the sale of He compiled extensive lists and discov- beer by the glass. It was not only the ered who was loyal to the trade union hotel owners who courted labour’s sup- movement and made the information port but the breweries jumped on the available to the members. His hope was bandwagon as well. In order to sell beer that it would encourage them to buy by the glass a number of hotels would goods only from those firms who were require renovation and perhaps include loyal to labour. the installation of new beverage rooms. Local 353 fully supported the campaign One thing the information because the potential for jobs for its revealed was that there were 12 large members was great. bakeries with branches spread throughout the city. In addition to these, there were Indeed, there was a lot of work. 200 smaller ones, 11 large and 70 small In approximately six months, 125 hotels dairies in the city. Shaw discovered that were built or remodelled, costing as much Local 353 members received steady work as $25,000 for each establishment. To from only two bakeries while several oth- facilitate the sale of beer by the glass it ers had non-union electricians in their was reported that the breweries had to employ. install up-to-date equipment and enlarge plants at a cost of two million dollars. The statistics for the dairies was even worse than that of the bakeries. When all was said and done Local Not one unionized electrician was 353 had received the benefit from just employed. Drivers for these firms one hotel that had employed two of the embarked on an organizing campaign to union’s members. That work came from unionize 100 per cent and Local 353 a hotel manager who happened to be a encouraged its membership to buy only personal friend of business manager Cecil from those drivers who had a union card. Shaw. Union efforts to reason with the Brewery and Hotelmen’s Association Some of these firms did become management regarding their unfair atti- 100 per cent union right down to the tude accomplished nothing except empty electricians – simply because of the fact promises and the run-around. that union members began asking to see the dairy and bakery drivers’ union card. Soft drink manufacturing plant Consolidated Breweries, a subsidy of Another campaign that drew the Kuntz and O’Keefe Breweries, had agreed attention of the labour movement and to hire union. They, like many others, Local 353’s support was a campaign reneged and went “rat.” sponsored by hotel owners. In May 1935

Page 66 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The local received a constant Hutchinson was a member of the stream of circulars from the Brewery National Council of the Y.W.C.A. and a Workers Union about the “Fair special lecturer at the University of

Breweries,” but Local 353’s leadership Toronto. The Journal published her find- 1903 2003 wondered if it ever occurred to the brew- ings that included circumventing the min- YEARS ery worker to ask the person who did the imum wage provisions for women and of Electrifying Progress electrical work around their plant to girls. One incident was discovered where show his union card, or to encourage two girls received their pay in one pay management to hire union labour. packet. The purpose was to disclose only one girl on the payroll giving the appear- Shaw asked his members not to ance of honoring the minimum wage pro- offer their support to certain firms – the vision without actually doing so. breweries, the bakeries and the dairies – until they received support in return. It There were also infractions discov- was through demanding such loyalty that ered in which 10 per cent of the employ- the member would get work for a brother ees’ wages were dedicated to health and and, perhaps in the process, obtain work insurance premiums and it was believed for himself. One could say that Shaw’s the employer also contributed a further advice is as sound today as it was then. five per cent. Employees were uncertain that this was done especially since many To counter the breweries refusal to received no payment when sick. It was hire unionized electricians, Local 353 thought that the real purpose of the fund sponsored an advertising campaign to was to discourage the workers from par- “Hire Union.” They distributed leaflets ticipating in a strike. Strike action meant and pamphlets only to find them later that the employee forfeited her portion of mutilated beyond recognition. It was dis- the fund. couraging that a member of the Brewery Workers’ Union was responsible for much Another violation included the of the damage. payment of overtime only before 7:30am and after 6:30pm. Many worked 10 To display the hypocrisy of the hours a day six days a week before being Brewery Workers’ Union, a sign that had eligible for any overtime payment. the logo of one of the breweries that Others worked until 9pm and were not advertised “Union-Made beer,” which given any time off for supper. Situations included a facsimile of the Brewery were discovered where it was impossible Workers’ label, was painted by a non- for a woman or girl to earn more than union painter! five cents an hour.

While Local 353 was suffering One young 17-year-old boy was immensely and many of its members were hired out to a plumbing/tinsmithing con- unemployed, the leadership was not insu- tractor for $5.00 a week! He worked lar in its outlook towards others. One from 8am to 9pm every day and after Local 353 contribution in the February that he was ‘lent’ to his employer’s 1935 Local Lines publicized the injustices brother’s garage where he worked until 1 uncovered by a Miss Hutchinson, B.A., or 2am He received no additional who had investigated several Toronto compensation. industries employing female labour.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 67 While the leadership of Local 353 the negotiation of trade agreements that was sometimes critical of the membership would be mutually beneficial to all areas – and no doubt the criticism was recipro- of the economy. cated – there were occasions when both 1903 2003 were lavish in their praise of the other. The 1935 Industrial Standards Act YEARS of Electrifying Progress was one piece of legislation the local Press Secretary Fred Ainsworth applauded. Local 353’s Business wrote the following in the April 1935 Manager Cecil Shaw, President Jack Journal: Nutland, members R. Gardiner and Fred Ainsworth, and International Vice “The members of this organiza- President Ernest Ingles set up a committee tion have during the past six years to work on a new agreement under the stood up remarkably well, and have new Act. met the most discouraging condi- tions (where pressure was being The 1935 Industrial Standards Act brought to bear on them to break was designed to eliminate unfair competi- down conditions and rates) with a tion and Louis Fine was appointed the courageous attitude which is deserv- Industrial Standards Commissioner. He ing of the highest praise. Time and worked in conjunction with the Deputy again when the carrying out of a Minister of Labour James Marsh. Also working rule has meant the sacrific- involved was a Mr. Crawford, Chairman ing of his job with no other job in of the Minimum Wage Board and respon- sight, the member has faced that sible for administering the Act. sacrifice with never a murmur of The agreement had four parts that complaint. Members upon getting were to have the weight of the law a week’s work after six months or behind them. They were to apply to any- more idleness pay $5 or $1 a work- one in the trade, unionized and non- ing day into this organization to union, and they covered the hours of help carry along less fortunate. work, both per day and per week, the There are quite a number engaged hourly rate, the overtime rate and the in other lines of work and scattered zone in which those rates were to apply. over the country and into the far north, still managing to keep up Following several conferences with their standing in this organization. a number of contractors Local 353 Our members are making costly applied and succeeded in coming under efforts and sacrifices to hold to the Act. Commissioner Fine placed an ideals and keep up conditions.” advertisement in the Toronto papers inviting anyone connected with the elec- trical trade or construction industry to a In general, local leadership meeting at the Legislature. believed the organized worker was doing far more than his share towards the stabi- The meeting was well attended lization of the construction industry than and equally well represented by the union were the manufacturers, the distributors, and the electrical industry. An agreement or the contractors. The manufacturers, was reached providing for an eight-hour distributors, and the contractors failed to day to be worked from 8am to 5 pm, form responsible associations to facilitate Monday to Friday, a 40-hour week at

Page 68 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE $1.00 per hour and double time for all if the non-union man would come for- overtime. Saturday and Sunday work ward to join the union as an expression was to be performed only in emergency of appreciation for the work done in get-

situations and was to be paid at straight ting the government to accept the sched- 1903 2003 time rates. These conditions applied only ule. He was equally concerned about YEARS to the city of Toronto and for a 10-mile whether his own IBEW members would of Electrifying Progress radius beyond the city limits. abandon the union now that they could get the same rate in any shop – union or A board was appointed to meet, non-union. receive, and investigate complaints. The board consisted of three contractors – To discourage the members from C. Rathgeb of Canadian Comstock leaving the union Shaw reminded them Company, G. G. Richardson of that the fight was not just to improve the Richardson and Cross, and P. A. agreement today but, in order to retain it Cheevers of Art Electric Construction and its improvements, the process would Company and two journeymen represent- have to be repeated annually. ed the union – Business Manager Cecil Shaw and President Jack Nutland. Shaw recognized that while some of the non-union contractors accepted the The legislation was unique. new legislation willingly, others did not. Although Local 353 hammered it out it Those who did not were already making applied equally to union and non-union noise, which was expected to develop firms. into a considerable holler by the time the agreement came up for renewal. The Cecil Shaw and Jack Nutland Manufacturers Association was expected were primarily responsible for the negoti- to oppose the legislation as well. ation of the agreement. Shaw wondered

Part of this ground-breaking legislation was reproduced in the August 1935 Journal,

Schedule “A”

1. The rate of pay for journeymen electricians shall be one dollar ($1) per hour.

2. Eight hours shall constitute a maximum working day or shift; 40-hour week. No work Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, except as hereinafter noted. Hours to be between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. where one shift only is used.

3. Shifts to work at any time of the day or night between 1 a.m. Monday and midnight Friday of the same week. Eight hours’ pay for seven hours’ work where two or three shifts are worked. This to become operative only where overtime shifts equal at least 66 2/3 per cent of the shift.

4. When work cannot be done during the day, such work may be done as a night shift of not more than eight hours, at straight time.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 69 5. No employee will be permitted to work on more than one shift in 24 hours, unless overtime rates are paid.

1903 2003 6. Employees who may be required for emergencies on Saturdays, shall be per- YEARS of Electrifying Progress mitted to work, being paid straight time for the morning and double time for Saturday afternoon and evening.

7. All work done on Sundays, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Dominion Day, Civic Holiday, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day shall be paid at the rate of double time.

8. Overtime rate exclusive of all the above shall be paid at the rate of double time.

9. Apprentices shall be governed by the Ontario Apprenticeship Act.

10. One apprentice shall be permitted to every three journeymen in a shop.

11. All work contracted for and accepted prior to June 24, 1935, of which due notice has been given to the board on or before July 25, 1935, may be com- pleted at a rate to be approved by the board.

12. The above schedule shall apply to all electricians engaged in the trade but shall not include those working on the assembling, testing, inspecting, rebuilding and repairing of any electrical motors or household appliances when done in licenced electrical repair shops.

The legislation had an immediate hour, with nothing extra for overtime, impact on the industry. Everyone got the and they were seeking ways to avoid the benefit of the union negotiations because new rate. all electricians received the wage increase. Fair contractors were getting some of the Of equal concern to the union smaller contracts and they were also get- were the trust companies, large depart- ting a reasonable amount of the industrial ment stores and public institutions whose work at $1 per hour, whereas only 40 managers were very unhappy with the cents per hour was paid prior to the change and were not silent in their dis- agreement. Smaller non-union firms pleasure. Anticipating a well-organized became more acquainted with Local 353 opposition to the new law the union con- and found that qualified men supplied by tinuously reminded its membership that the local were considerably superior in whenever labour made gains, there were their skill level than those they had select- ed randomly on the open market. always corporate lawyers who would organize a major opposition in defence of Despite these early successes the their vested interests. union remained vigilant. Many contrac- tors who specialized in industrial work True to the union’s expectations were used to paying 50 to 60 cents per there was strong opposition from a number

Page 70 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE of the contractors when the agreement 1936 and employed a larger number of came up for renewal the following year. Local 353 members than any job for Local 353 was prepared to take strike some length of time. These men would

action to defend its position – the first for now be without work. 1903 2003 the union in 10 years. YEARS The new schedule was negotiated of Electrifying Progress There were some flaws in the in 1936 and the word “journeyman” was Industrial Standards Act and the union changed to “any person not a recognized sought amendments to strengthen it, par- apprentice.” This change came about ticularly related to enforcement of the Act. because of a case brought before the courts where the matter in dispute was The union advised its journeymen the status of an employee. to request the services of another journey- man on any job where assistance was George Campbell Jr., an IBEW needed. Even if it was for one or two retiree and a 57-year member of Local days that small amount of work would 353, recalls that his father – also an ease the plight of the unemployed mem- IBEW member who was 65 years in the ber. The Continental Can job in New Local – only worked for two weeks in the Toronto was near completion in mid- summers of both 1935 and 1936.

Continental CAN Crew – 1936 Top row: Eugene Curtiss, Jack Genise, P. Elsworth, Sam Genise, Sid Osborne, Red Sanders; Second row: Gordon Webb, Grant Sinclair, Lew Moon, Jack Duncan, Ron McLeod, Bob Robertson; Third row: George Murray, Charlie Taylor, Robert Law, Ed Forsey, Bill Jennion, Jack Lichlighter

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 71 He worked two weeks when the Craft unions extended their mem- Canadian National Exhibition was on bership beyond the strictly skilled worker and two weeks in the winter when the to the semi-skilled and unskilled worker.

1903 2003 Royal Winter Fair was held at Exhibition The manner in which these workers were grounds. George Campbell Jr.’s son, to be accommodated in the craft unions YEARS of Electrifying Progress Peter, is also an IBEW Local 353 member became a contentious issue in the AFL. with over 26 years’ service – three genera- After a series of disputes the Committee tions of one family with a total of 148 of Industrial Organizations was formed years of membership in the local. within the AFL.

During the mid-30’s, there was an The Committee of Industrial increase in trade union membership in Organizations organized workers in the Ontario. In spite of perilous times, the mass-production industries including the increase in membership was a reflection six leading industrial unions in the AFL. of the broadening basis for union mem- In addition to Auto and Steel they were bership. Not only did the traditional the United Mine Workers of America, the craft unions accept a greater variety of International Ladies Garment Workers, workers in the craft it represented, but a the Oil Field Gas Well and Refinery new group of industrial workers, who Workers and the United Textile Workers. were previously largely unorganized, began to join unions for the first time. Officers of the United Hatters and Notable among these were men and Millinery Workers and the International women employed in the auto, steel and Typographical Union were also active on textile industries. Workers in the railway the committee but did not join. shop trades and some of the machine Just one year after the committee trades began to represent a major portion was formed, divisions between the two of the Trades and Labour Congress in groups were so great that all six unions Canada and the AFL in the United States. were expelled from the AFL for fostering Prior to 1935 there was only one dual unionism. A new organization was type of IBEW member, later known as formed by these six unions called the “A” members. In 1935 a “B” member- Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). ship was introduced by a referendum of In Canada, the Trades and Labour the members. This permitted unorgan- Congress attempted to avoid a division ized workers in utilities and manufactur- within its ranks. It was successful in doing ing plants to join the IBEW. Dues for an so until 1938 when it felt it could no “A” member were $2 per month. Dues longer ignore the dual character of union- were 50 cents per month, and a lower ini- ism fostered by these organizations and tiation fee of $1.50 and a lower per capi- such unions were expelled. This resulted ta of 50 cents per member was charged in a loss of over 20,000 affiliated mem- for “B” members. “B” members weren’t bers. The total paid-up membership in the eligible to participate in the death and TLC in Canada in 1936 was 112,972. pension benefits’ program and they did not have voting rights equal to those of Throughout 1936 and 1937 Local other members at conventions or in 353 members were employed in many referendums. Ontario cities. Press Secretary Peter Elsworth was working in Windsor on the

Page 72 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Ford job. The Globe and Mail building In early 1938 progress on a new was reported to be the one large job in agreement was slow. Many conferences Toronto. Shortly after Christmas 1937 were held under the Industrial Standards

12 Local 353 men were sent to Red Rock Act the previous year and the local was 1903 2003 in Northern Ontario to a job that was becoming disenchanted with the lack of YEARS expected to last six months. progress and threatened to return to their of Electrifying Progress Unfortunately the Red Rock firm went former negotiating method. into receivership and the Local 353 men returned home with no work. In February 1938 a conference of the electrical repair and construction The Globe and Mail project was industry was held in Toronto. nearing completion. Bill Jennion super- Representatives from the Manufacturers vised the electrical work on the presses Association, the Toronto Board of the and George Gyatt supervised the remain- Electrical Contractors Association, and der of electrical work on the job. The closed shop contractors attended. union reported that during part of the summer of 1937 all Local 353 members A government representative were employed. The union hoped that chaired the proceedings with an assistant the same would be true for 1938. present and the Manufacturers Association presented a five-page brief requesting that

1 2 4 7 5 6 9 3 8 11 10 12 13

14

15 16 19 18 20 17 21 22 23

Local 353 Members at the Chrysler Plant in Windsor – 1937 (1) Harry Wilson, (3) Jack Patterson, (6) Bill Aldersley, (8) Herb Ransome, (12) George Duff, (15) Mart Taylor, (16) Slim Gullins, (18) Jack (Joe) Ross, (21) Syd Archbold, (22) Eddie Barnes, (23) Roy McLeod

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 73 their employees who performed electrical trade – including the manufacturers – work be excluded from the code. Many of would continue to be covered by the the manufacturers represented by this Industrial Standards Act. This meant

1903 2003 organization were inspected the previous that along with everyone else they had to year and found to be in violation of the pay $1.00 per hour to electricians. YEARS of Electrifying Progress code. Subsequently, many of these jobs were turned over to contractors. The following morning, however, an announcement was made that there The Manufacturers Association would be special consideration given to demanded to know who had requested the manufacturers. This was not a part the conference only to be informed that it of the original agreement. The committee was the IBEW. The employers were refused to discuss the matter further and asked if any of them wished to consum- the conference was adjourned to the fol- mate an agreement with the IBEW. A lowing month where again little progress number of representatives said they was made. wished to have an agreement – including Ed Longfellow who represented a group Ed Longfellow of General Electric, of closed shop contractors. Mac Greenland of Ontario Electric, Mr. Rathgeb of Canadian Comstock and Cecil A committee was struck, with rep- Shaw of Local 353 set up a committee to resentatives for employees and employers, try and hammer out an agreement. to discuss several matters including a wage increase from $1.00 to $1.18 per It was expected that 1938 would hour. An agreement was reached and be as good for Local 353 members as the although there was no wage increase, all summer of 1937. This was not to be. unions and companies in the electrical Employment was reported to be close to an all-time low.

CNE Grandstand Crew – 1938 left to right, standing: Business Manager C. M. Shaw; foreman, J. Wiggins; A. Laird; J. C. Patterson seated: President Jack Nutland ; A. McCreight and Jack Ross

Page 74 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The April 1938 Journal reported bers joined all areas of the armed forces the construction of an airplane factory at and with the exception of Harry Hardy Malton Airport. Local 353 executive all returned home. Several of those who

board ruled that members who worked enlisted received commendations for their 1903 2003 on this job would have their transporta- efforts. YEARS tion paid for by the contractor from the of Electrifying Progress city limits to the site. The first Local 353 member to enlist was Charley Porter, who also served The August 1939 Journal said that in the First World War at age 16. An arti- AleX Hay – the longest card-carrying cle in the October 1940 IBEW Journal said member of Local 353 (initiated in 1900 in that Porter was somewhere in England, Local 114) – was working in Rochester, and described him as a “hustler on the New York. Other Local 353 members job, digging in for all he was worth, tear- were scattered throughout Ontario in St. ing around like nobody’s business.” Thomas, Ottawa, Oshawa, Raglan, South Porcupine, Perth, Whitby, Peterborough, Frank Johnson was another member Kirkland Lake and Kincardine. who enlisted and the Journal reported that it appeared the government was going to It was to the credit of Local 353 take advantage of his training by appoint- officers that wages were maintained at ing him as an instructor for the Militia that $1.00 per hour throughout the was in the process of recruitment. Depression. This had not been easy. At the beginning of World War II, IBEW John Delvin was a Naval Reserve Local 353 members were the highest paid Officer in the Canadian Navy and left construction workers in the city. immediately after war was declared on September 10, 1939.

Sid Archbold was the first Local 353 member to be accepted for service in ANOTHER WAR FOR the Canadian Air Force. The September 1942 Journal WORKERS TO FIGHT reported that Local 353 had 60 members serving with the armed forces, many of whom dropped into Local 353 offices when home on leave.

On September 3, 1939 England “Men with the proper degree of declared war on Germany. Although skill were disappearing --- and no new Canada was loyal to England it also want- blood was being infused into industry. ed to exercise its independence and, partly Technical schools employed instructors for that reason, Canada did not enter the with no practical experience,” Ernest war until September 10. By the end of Ingles reflected later. “The trade unions, that year the cost of living was soaring. the only bastion of skill in the industrial society at the time, rose to the challenge. Local 353 members served their Unions --- scurried around and looked up country both in the theatre of action and their old members, who had been at home. One hundred and four mem- dropped on the industry’s scrap heap.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 75 Only with organized labor’s participation Ken McKye, an electrical artificer was Canada able to meet its wartime pro- in the RCNVR and a member of Local duction demands and to build training 353 since 1941, was awarded the British schools, military camps and all types of Empire Medal for saving lives at sea. He 1903 2003 factories in record time.” joined the Local at age 23 and served as YEARS of Electrifying Progress an apprentice with Standard Electric and During the war, many issues of the Roxborough Electric. He joined the navy Journal (though Local Lines) reported on in May 1943 having served for a short its members who were serving. The May period as a journeyman. 1944 Journal reported on “Harry Hardy, Flight Sergeant in the R.C.A.F., and a The wording in his citation read good member…who joined the Local on as follows: April 25, 1929 at the age of 16 years.” “This rating displayed untiring Hardy was reported to have joined efforts and prompt action in risking the Air Force on March 9, 1942, and had his own life in effecting the rescue gone overseas in May 1943. He was of survivors of H.M.C.S. killed when his Halifax bomber crashed in Clayoquot. His personal disregard Wales after a bombing raid over Germany of his own life in going over the on February 29, 1944. His brother Bill side to assist survivors on board Hardy was also a long-time member and was undoubtedly instrumental in Business Manager of Local 353 and he saving the lives of men immersed in also served in the RCAF. very cold water.”

“Congratulations Ken! We’re proud of you and may our organization, to which you belong, always remain wor- thy of your confidence and support and the confidence and support of all our service members,” wrote Press Secretary Jack Nutland.

Another Local 353 member deco- rated for gallantry was Squadron Leader Tommy Campbell. Tommy was a naviga- 1 tor in the RCAF for 3 /2 years and made 51 flights over Germany. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross. On being asked for details on the award by Press Secretary Jack Nutland, Campbell clammed up and said he didn’t know, “…unless it was for always navigating his crate and squadron back to the same country he started out from.”

IBEW Local 353 members serving in World War II

Page 76 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Jimmy Shaw, son of Business ing represents the entire list of World War Manager Cecil Shaw, was also reticent II veterans who enlisted while they were about his wartime experiences. Local 353 members. At the end of the

war this welcome home was in the 1903 2003 There are numerous others who September 1945 Journal. “To our Local YEARS served overseas but would become Local 353 members discharged from the armed of Electrifying Progress Union 353 members only when the hos- forces and back in the Trade, I would say tilities ended. Their contributions are welcome. You’ve fought for democracy equally significant, however, the follow- over there, now help us out here.” I.B.E.W. LOCAL 353 WORLD WAR II - HONOUR ROLL Ainsworth, C.J. Cramp, A.J. Honey, D.J. Matthews, A.G. Rock, S. Ainsworth, J. Crich, C.F. Hoyle, E. Matson, R.W. Ross, J.H. Ainsworth, K.D. Cross, S.H. Hurst, J. McAllister, N. Russell, H. Alderdice, H. Cunningham, J.E. Hutchings, G. McCausland, T.E. Sanders, F. Aldersley, W. Curtis, E. Imray, A. Michie, G. Scudamore, A.G. Alexander, C. Darke, R. Jamieson, G. McGraw, V.J. Shaw, J.A.R. Allen, C. Delvin, J. Johnson, F. McKye, K. Smith, R. Archbold, S. Doyle, P. Jones, E.W. Miller, W.B. Spafford, H.V. Bedford, H.G. Duncan, G. Jones, S.D. Nixon, R. Sparks, A.W. Blundell, J. Duncan, J.W. Jordan, G.E. Noble, W.G. Spraggs, E.J. Brown, D.M. Fenske, G. Kee, D. Park, W.J. Swallow, H. Brown, R.H. Findlay, W. Knapton, L.G. Paterson, M. Taylor, L. Browning, A. Gallagher, R. Knight, F.J. Phillips, F. Webber, W.S. Bullock, W.R. Gazley, R. Kostynyk, M. Philp, R.T.L. Weslak, S. Bunton, E. Hamilton, R. LaHay, F.J. Porter, C.S. Wildbur, J.T. Burns, W. Hardy, H. Lennox, H.V. Putnam, H. Williams, E. Campbell, T. Hardy, W.G. LePaule, J. Putsey, A.E., Jr. Wilson, F. Carson, D.J. Harrop, P.E. Lumb, K. Quan, C. Woodall, D.W. Clark, G. Harvey, C.I. Lummiss, F. Reeves, W. Woolford, E. Comer, M. Hill, A.E. MacDonald, R.M. Reynolds, J.A. Znidarec, S. Craik, D.R. Holloway, F. Marcus, I. Riggs, W.G.

All Local members were back at In 1940 a 10-cent per hour work and many electricians who had not increase was negotiated, the first increase worked for years and had drifted away since the early years of the Depression. from the local were called into service. In the meantime, many contractors had Men, good electricians all of them, were come to realize how valuable the union suddenly regarded as not too old to work was to them and they finally understood after all. If they couldn’t work at the that Local 353 had men specially trained trade they were pressed into service as for their work. Local 353 was adminis- instructors for a new generation of elec- tered by an extremely competent execu- trical workers. tive and an efficient Business Manager –

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 77 Cecil Shaw – who maintained strict disci- would not be universally popular among pline in office ready to serve the trade at the membership. However, for the good all hours of the day. of the Commonwealth and with the expectation that time would prove them 1903 2003 Local 353 fully supported the war right, the executive announced its co- YEARS of Electrifying Progress effort and recognized that a disciplined operation in the war effort. Minister of and organized work force could do much Munitions and Supply C. D. Howe sent to support the war effort. the union a letter asking for their co- operation in the war effort and they had With every member employed and agreed it was necessary to do so. Local more still needed, the local leadership 353 sent the following letter, reproduced announced a decision that they knew here in its entirety, to the contractors:

Dear Sirs:

On receipt of a letter from Honourable C. D. Howe, minister of munitions and supply, stating it would be most desirable if electricians would voluntarily work a 48-hour week on a straight time basis, the membership of this local union decided to comply with this request and to temporarily suspend the provisions of our now existing agreement which limits the hours of work, and will work eight hours per day, six days per week at straight time, when necessary, during the pres- ent crisis; these to be between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (holidays not included). It being dis- tinctly understood our agreement, as at present constituted, shall remain unchanged and the suspended provisions shall immediately, at the end of this cri- sis, automatically become effective.

This is an emergency measure and we trust we may have your continued co-operation in maintaining the 40-hour week, wherever possible.

With best wishes, I am Yours very truly, Business Manager

And so the 48-hour week was the presence of both flags being prominent introduced during war times. on the IBEW button he wore.

Jack Nutland, Cecil Shaw and Joe At the time of this convention Dent attended the 50th anniversary con- Canada had been at war for two years. vention in St. Louis, Missouri in 1941. The United States was not yet involved Nutland was bothered that only the and didn’t join until December 1941. In American flag was flown and they felt like Nutland’s January 1942 contribution to outsiders within their own organization. Local Lines, he took the Canadian media While admitting that he was, perhaps, a to task for treating the adult population bit fussy, he expressed pride for the inter- like little children by keeping them in the national affiliation and called attention to dark about setbacks suffered by the

Page 78 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Allies. At the same time he chided them “Maybe the reason for all this for taking the advantage of freedom of sugar-coated tripe is that we, who are the press. Nutland felt that the Canadian asked to supply the men, fight the battles,

press had done more to upset the morale and pay the bills, are not capable of tak- 1903 2003 of their readers than any other agency. ing bad news with the good,” said YEARS Nutland. “I am inclined to think, howev- of Electrifying Progress

Hydro Power Addition Crew – 1940 Top row: George Jordan, Bill Gallup, Bob Robertson, Harrold McKee, George Gyatt, Second row: Bill Cabe, Steve Cross, Red Swales, Bill Knight, Al Gullins, Ernie Woolford.

Anaconda Brass Foundry Crew – 1941 Standing from left to right: Don Findlay, Bus (Frank) Wilson, Steve Weslak; Seated from left to right: Tommy McDonough, Bill Hamilton and Harold Smith

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 79 er, that the official news as issued by our all like to think we are fighting for War Departments, is not colorful enough democracy and free speech but free to build up larger circulations and divi- speech is not the right to shout fire in a dends.” crowded theatre” 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress “The let down that usually fol- Nutland’s comments in the lows these artificial build-ups will some- February 1942 edition of the Journal day react unfavorably towards these gen- leaves no doubt that he spoke to the over- tlemen of the press,” he continued. “We whelming majority of Local 353 members.

L.U. NO. 353, TORONTO, ONT. Editor:

Never before in history has the working man had a better opportunity, than now offers itself, to present his logic and ideals to the free and civilized world. The utmost effort must be put into our plans and actions to defeat the forces of oppression and regimentation that seek to destroy what has been gained by us in the way of social legislation in the past few years.

Yes, this is labor’s war in more ways than one. When the high pressure brokers, the dollar-a-year pip-squeaks and flag-waving profiteers have failed, and they have, miserably, those in authority turn to labor for support. Let us give it to them, wholeheartedly and loyally so that when the victory is won we can say that was our war, this is our peace, these are the things we want.

Canadian Arsenals Crew – 1941 Standing: George Gyatt, Steve Cross, George Milne, Unknown, Dalton Kee, Unknown, Tom McDonough Seated: Unknown, Frank Guttridge, Unknown, Jim McGee, Fred Davis, Jimmy Shaw, Bill Findlay, Steve Weslak

Page 80 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Local 353 had no time for the Like many other members, Mike armchair critics who criticized the early Mungy felt the brunt of the war effort setbacks suffered during the war. The first hand. Still in the contracting busi-

local felt they owed it to the public to ness he was unable to purchase the mate- 1903 2003 fully support the war effort in order to rials he needed to work. He met his old YEARS end the war in the shortest possible time. employer, Harry Chapman, on the street of Electrifying Progress While recognizing that there were some and asked if he had any jobs open. abuses to our democratic form of govern- Chapman said he had and Mungy ment, it was necessary first “to save the returned to work and gave the material chassis. We can put on the trimmings he had on hand to another contractor. later, if we can stay on the job.”

As the war progressed, and in the interests of utilizing human resources to their maximum, the federal government enacted a new piece of legislation. With a few special exceptions the 1942 legisla- tion prevented anyone from accepting a job anywhere without the approval of the Selective Service. The purpose was to place people in jobs that were helpful to the war effort. The local was still critical of the government at the time; however, it supported these measures as necessary.

Nutland was critical of govern- ment bureaucracy and aimed his fire at the Apprenticeship Board for the Province of Ontario headquartered at Queens Park. “If one is lucky enough to have a plan of the hallways,” Nutland wrote, “plus a lot of time and influence he can reach the chairman of this energetic board by passing through only four outer offices. Once there he will be informed that the board indentured one apprentice last month to his father, who does odd jobs of electrical work at night.”

“If the government is serious in its efforts to crush our enemies,” Nutland continued, “a gold mine of manpower was concealed in the various committees, commissions, boards, offices and civil service of all governments. Enough men to equip all our factories on a three-shift basis.”

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 81 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

Hall by a torch lit carriage. Macdonald knew of workers discon- LABOUR DAY tent with the laws declaring unions illegal, and he promised to remove such “barbarous laws” from the statute books and did so in an act of parliament in 1872. In an article in Canadian Labour in September 1961, Clifford The tradition of the parade Scotton wrote, “The Canadian established by the Toronto Trades Labour Movement can justly claim Assembly continued through the the title of Originator of Labour Day. 1870’s and 1880’s, but it was not Peter J. McGuire, one of the founders until 1882 that the Toronto Trades of the American Federation of Labor, and Labour Council decided to has traditionally been known as the organize an annual demonstration ‘Father of Labour Day.’ Historical and picnic. The Council sent an invi- evidence indicates, however, that tation to Peter J. McGuire from New McGuire obtained his idea…from York, the Founder and General Canadian trade unionists.” Secretary of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. The Toronto Trades Assembly organized the first North At a meeting of the New American workingman’s demonstra- York Central Labor Union in the tion of any significance on April 15, same year, McGuire proposed that a 1872. Close to 10,000 Torontonians day be set aside for an annual turned out to see the parade and lis- demonstration and September 1882 ten to speakers calling for the aboli- marked the first Labor Day in New tion of a law that defined trade York City. It is apparent that the unionists as “criminal conspiracies in custom was developed in Canada restraint of trade.” and was the inspiration for McGuire’s suggestion. The purpose of the parade was to demand the release of 24 Pressure mounted for a imprisoned leaders of the national holiday in Canada to com- Typographical Union. The members memorate labour. Over the objec- were on strike against the Globe in tions of many in his own party, the support of the nine-hour day. Even government of Sir John Thomson though the law of criminal conspira- enacted the legislation in 1884. cy in restraint of trade had been “The strong bond of frater- repealed by Parliament in the United nity existing among trades unionists Kingdom in 1871, it was still a crime was shown by the magnitude of the to be a member of a union in Labour Day demonstration in Canada. Toronto…This national holiday…is Another parade was also now firmly established and is grow- held in Ottawa in September 1872 ing in popularity,” said an article in where members of seven different the September 8, 1903 edition of the unions marched to the home of Globe. “… The setting apart of a Prime Minister Sir John A. public holiday … helped many class- Macdonald and brought him to City es of workers to feel and manifest a

Page 82 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

pride in their work, and in that there promised to pay admission fees to is a saving grace that may lead to the C.N.E. and “a good dinner” for true nobility and dignity.” those members who were unem- Over 2,000 participated in ployed. The local also arranged to the 1903 Labour Day parade and have a booth in the electrical build- thousands of supporters lined the ing for the entire duration of the Fair. streets. The floats symbolised many “To some of our lads a of the various trades including the three-mile walk is tough enough electrical workers’ float that carried a under any conditions, but figure such couple of small telephone poles with a walk in shoes that have been worn wires connecting, and a telephone on to tissue paper thickness in an end- each pole. less plodding search for work and By 1927 Local 353’s float you have a pretty fair idea of the was equipped with electrical devices handicap under which some of the and a radio with a working loud- boys strutted their stuff,” Selke speaker system that won first prize. recalled from the 1933 parade. The float entered in the 1928 parade For several reasons, no had fifty-six ten-watt, thirty-volt doubt partly because of the lamps that “illuminated the IBEW Depression and World War II, the sign, with power generated by a 750- Local did not participate in the watt Delco light gasoline engine set.” Labour Day parade from 1938 until Local 353 had 150 participants in 1970 when they took first prize for the 1928 Parade the best uniforms. Labour Day attendance at At the 1972 parade, 235 the 1930 Canadian National members marched, and won the top Exhibition was described as “---the three prizes – Best Overall, Best in greatest annual event in the world.” Class (construction trades), and Best Over 500,000 lined the route and “-- Vehicle. In 1973, the 200 partici- -we know of no better way to pants from the local won second emphasize the power of labour than prize for Best Marching Group. this.” Local 353’s entry had 350 in Local 353 parade numbers uniform dress but the Brewery work- tapered off in the later 1970’s, when ers beat IBEW for the best-dressed only 100 marched in 1976 but by award. 1989, the local was up to 300 By the 1933 Labour Day marchers – including retirees, mem- parade, the local was suffering the bers and guests – and they won the effects of the depression and many of award for best uniform. its members were out of work. More recently, there has been “After all, it’s a cinch to wave the renewed interest by Local members banner high when the dough is in the Labour Day parade. Retirees rolling in – it takes real courage and and active members continued the unionism to do so after three years of tradition set by Local 353 members what most of our boys have gone so many years ago and there were through,” said Frank Selke in urging 750 participants at the 2003 Labour Local 353 members to make a good Day parade. showing at the parade. The local

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 PagePage 83 CHAPTER 6

1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress 1943 – 1952 WINNING THE WAR AND THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA

At the end of the war 711,000 the leadership of Mitch Hepburn – a workers belonged to unions in Canada major thorn in the side of labour. and by 1951 this number increased to 1,092,000. On the national stage the labour movement expressed dissatisfaction with In many manufacturing plants in the federal Liberals who praised labours Ontario there was a maintenance classifi- war effort but completely ignored labour cation – a concession granted in earlier when appointing committees and boards. negotiations to permit the use of skilled mechanics to ensure electrical equipment Press Secretary Jack Nutland was maintained in top running order. stressed that labour should turn its atten- These mechanics earned a lower rate of tion to scrutinising the suggestions made pay than electricians did. They gradually by the Manufacturers Association. He moved from simply maintaining equip- pointed to a piece of legislation – Order- ment to installing it, which diminished in-Council P.C. No. 9384 – that he the chances for contractors to secure that viewed as a grave threat to labour. Under type of work. Local 353 felt the solution its terms, “you can’t strike, you can’t get to the problem was to abolish the mainte- a raise, you can’t change your working nance classification completely and grad- conditions unless you appeal to a ually increase the wage to eliminate the National Board you can’t get representa- difference between the two rates. tion on,” said Nutland. He felt this legis- lation foretold difficulties labour would In 1943 the Ontario Liberals were face in its efforts to maintain hard-won voted out of office and the Conservatives gains when the war ended. won the election with 38 seats. The Co- operative Commonwealth Federation The contractors informed the local (CCF) formed the opposition with 34 “they would have to pull up their socks,” seats – 10 of those were occupied by and they believed that because of the trade unionists. The CCF’s success was a shortage of labour “the boys were resting considerable upset and represented a clear on their oars.” This was a position that rejection of the former government under Nutland did not entirely disagree with.

Page 84 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE He did, however, put it in context argu- Government-appointed boards ing that there was no comparison and commissions continued to receive between the efficiency of the worker now criticism from Local 353. While recog-

with the worker from 1930 to 1939. Just nizing the necessity to ration people and 1903 2003 to keep his job during the 1930’s employ- material for the war effort, the local YEARS ees were expected to “travel like greased thought many of the restrictions were of Electrifying Progress lightening during working hours, try and passed simply to justify the board’s exis- chisel a few extras on his noon hour, and tence with no thought given to their need. lay out, and order the material at night.” There was no consistency in the regula- Nutland saw nothing wrong with a man tions. Local officials wondered how it wanting to “pause and take five.” was “that, in one month you could not Having experienced a couple of years of get pants with cuffs, the next month you full employment the bloom had returned could purchase a coat which dropped to to the worker’s cheeks, he had lost that the ankles, and in the following month hungry, haggard look and his chest had you could buy no pants at all!” In once again started to fill out. Quebec one could drown his sorrows with 80 ounces of liquor a month but in Nutland thought that many con- Ontario one had to be satisfied with 13 tractors resented the improved physical ounces with which to “cure a toothache!” appearance and financial improvement of their former “speed balls.” He felt the The Ontario government intro- contractors were working on how to get duced legislation titled the Limitation of back to the position where they forced Hours and Holidays-with-Pay. The federal their employees to do double the work government stepped in to request that cer- their competitors were capable of. tain industries crucial to the war effort be exempted. A board of the Builders’ Nutland advised these contractors Exchange advised its membership to ignore to cheer up, that everyone was in the the legislation because they were going to same boat and suggested that they trim contest it, but the legislation stood. their own sails. With the good times, the contractors social standing had expanded The press also came under fire along with their girth, but had also dulled from Local 353 for attempting to divide their brains. Nutland advised them not the men serving overseas. They exagger- to depend on speed alone to compete ated the number of strikes and the pay with the non-union rival, but to use their raises workers were receiving at home. heads too. The Local urged its members with rela- tives serving overseas to send them a copy The local had another reason to of the Journal that contained “truthful criticize the Manufacturers Association. evidence, not vicious propaganda, of our At its 1944 convention in Toronto, the desire to maintain or improve our condi- association passed a resolution calling on tions and his at home. Help him to be the government to reduce or repeal the prepared so when the yellow section of excess profits tax and the corporation the press screech and squeal to him of tax. These were actions that Local 353 how the men on the homefront are letting noted were taken in a flag-draped hall to him down and taking advantage of the boisterous cheers of “God Save the soldiers’ absence from the labour market King.” to hi-jack the poor manufacturer into

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 85 abnormal wages and ridiculous condi- financially independent from manage- tions, he will recognize it for the slimy ment,“though they had been freely elect- trick it is. ed by their fellow workers, all the costs

1903 2003 of their relationship with management “You members overseas, by virtue were paid by the commission. This was YEARS of Electrifying Progress of your past experience in union organi- not a union, and everybody knew it, zations, know of the fight you used to especially the IBEW, which stepped up its have to keep public opinion on your side organizing efforts among Hydro work- during negotiations for better wages for ers.” the job you too seldom got. The bogey- man of communism was used then. The Because the basic features of a veneer of patriotism is used now. union structure were already in place at Hydro the employee representatives felt “You will be told of a shipyard they could easily solve this dependency strike in Canada; you will not be told problem and gain status under the new that the operators of the yard refused to law. They needed only to divorce them- obey the National War Labor (sic) Board selves from the commission, draw up a ruling. You will be told of coal miners constitution and get the employees to striking for better conditions under- vote for it. Hopefully – for the last time ground; you will not be told of over 50 – it would put an end to IBEW raiding. men trapped in a burning mine because The general committee of employees of violations of these conditions.” quickly crafted a constitution and submit- ted it to a vote. In 1944 some relief came in the form of an Order-in-Council (PC 1003) The employees voted 1,783 to 542 that gave unions status in law. The feder- in favour of forming the Employees’ al government used its wartime powers to Association of the Hydro-Electric Power decree that employees would have the Commission of Ontario. On June 10, right to choose a union and to authorize it 1944 in Toronto, the Employees’ to speak on their behalf. Employers were Association (EA) was officially launched required to bargain in good faith and the at a meeting of the representatives. provinces were mandated to enact their However, legal recognition as a union own legislation. Ontario did so in the eluded them for nearly two more years. form of the Labour Relations Board Act. In November 1944 the IBEW The Ontario legislation required asked the Labour Relations Board for that the union had to be financially inde- certification as the legitimate representa- pendent from management. Several com- tive of Hydro workers. The Hydro pany unions – including those at Bell Employees’ Association legal counsel in Canada and Ontario Hydro, parts of this “do or die” case was Fred Gardiner. which had developed from the breakaway Gardiner was a prominent labour lawyer by workers from Local 353 in 1920 – and later went on to become the first were not recognized as unions under the chairman of metropolitan Toronto. new legislation. IBEW’s organizing efforts failed to In its 50th anniversary history, the get certification this time and several Powerworkers Union that represented other occasions in the ensuing years. Ontario Hydro admitted they weren’t

Page 86 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE In its own history book, the pow- price of supporting a company union – erworkers stressed that “the best evidence one which opposed the right of the IBEW that the EA was genuinely representative to obtain the certification necessary to

of Hydro Electric workers came in 1945, represent the poorly paid Hydro workers. 1903 2003 when the association submitted 1,500 YEARS employee-signed cards to management In the May 1945 Journal, Jack of Electrifying Progress authorizing the Commission to deduct the Nutland commented, “the Local had its EA’s dues from their pay cheques: 25 hands full battling this public body, cents a month for those earning less than which is paid by the public, operated for $120 a month, and 50 cents a month for the public, but, in my opinion, governed those earning more.” by anything but public men.”

This is hardly illustrative of sup- The issue of provincial licences port because management then – and arose at IBEW Ontario provincial council since – often support an in-house compa- meetings. The council sought information ny union over a more militant, progres- from each local on how many men were sive union. The progressive union – like affected by the licensing issue, if their local- the IBEW – is generally more widely ity had a local licence law, the fees paid accepted within the industry it represents. and the enforcement of the law, if any.

The Labour Relations Board rejected both the IBEW and the Employees’ Association because of what the Employees’ Association termed a WAR ENDS technical legal issue. Both sides requested the right to appeal to the National War Labour Board and the IBEW won its right to appeal, but withdrew its appeal leaving the Employees’ Association as the When the war in Europe was won legally-recognized bargaining agent. The and the war against Japan was winding Employees’ Association was subsequently down, Local 353 began to focus its atten- legally certified in February 1946. tion on peacetime. It was concerned that during the war maintenance costs for Similar to feelings today, most citi- many manufacturers had been borne by zens favoured public ownership of public the government as part of the war effort. utilities. However, some – including Large additions to plants were scheduled Local 353 members – thought that those as soon as the availability of labour and placed in charge of running the utilities materials permitted and the local wanted appeared to be working from the inside to ensure that these manufacturers did to place them in disfavour and limit not return to their pre-war practice of future holdings by the tax-paying public. having alterations completed by mainte- nance staffs at pay rates 50 per cent Local 353 was particularly critical lower than construction rates. of the government-appointed Ontario Hydro-Electric Power Commission. The IBEW’s goal for the post-war era commission administered Ontario’s power was to organize all electrical workers. Its position was that maintenance men could needs at cost. It was disheartening to do no more than maintain electrical sys- learn that included in the “cost” was the

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 87 tems and equipment and the installation International Representatives and of equipment be completed by construc- Organizers who were suddenly dis- tion electricians. missed in late August 1946, and any who resigned in protest over such 1903 2003 By 1946 Local 353 had approxi- dismissals be restored to their posi- YEARS of Electrifying Progress mately 700 members. The Local was tions immediately without loss of concerned about the qualifications of pay or rights and that they be many of the men who were attracted to retained in their positions until the the trade during the war years believing incoming International President many of these men were not as highly assumes office, unless good cause is qualified as they had been in the past. shown otherwise. If this is not done, then the incoming International The union held the employer President is hereby requested, upon accountable. During the war years the assuming office, to proceed to carry employers sent many men to join the out this desire of the Convention union – men who everyone knew would and to see that these men are paid not be able to hold up their end in nor- retroactively for all pay lost.” mal circumstances.

The order of the day during the At the 1946 convention D. W. Depression was “quality over quantity,” Tracy, who had served as International but during the war years it was “quantity President from 1933 to 1940 when he over quality.” The employer was able to resigned of his own accord, once again tolerate this lack of skill because of gov- sought the presidency. He defeated ernment subsidies to industry during those incumbent Edward J. Brown by a narrow years. The contractor was able to make a margin. Many in the union were dissatis- 10 or 20 per cent profit on the efforts of fied with Brown’s leadership. the poorest tradesman. Sloppiness was the result of a desire to get the man on the A Canadian member complained job – any man – to win the war. At war’s that in 1942, “Trade school graduates end the employer was again demanding were flooding the market for electricians excellence, and the local pressed for a set yet the ‘old timers’ still refused to organ- of regulations to govern the qualifications ize them. “If we have any faith left in the of those entering the trade. IBEW as being an organization that is of any use for much else than making some Because of travel restrictions paid jobs for our officers,” he continued, imposed during of the war the “let these new men be contacted and International’s 1946 convention was the brought in — as soon as possible.” first to be held since 1941. Once again dissension threatened to create major A number of International Vice divisions within the union. In August Presidents had grown weary of Brown 1946, IBEW President Edward J. Brown and considered Tracy the ideal candidate discharged 24 international representa- to replace him. Tracy had the experience tives and organizers for political activity. of serving as President during one of the Dismayed by the dismissals, the delegates most difficult times for the union. passed the following resolution: Tracy was not without his own “That it is the wish and request detractors, the most notable of whom of this Convention that all the was Harry Van Arsdale, President of New

Page 88 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE York City’s Local 3 – the largest IBEW Interestingly, the 1946 convention local of the day. In all, 1,800 delegates proceedings did not record the roll call attended the 1946 convention, and when vote results. These results, normally the votes were in, Tracy won a roll-call recorded in the Journal of Electrical 1903 2003 vote 80,928 to 77,428. Once elected, Workers and Operators, would have YEARS Tracy surrounded himself with Vice identified the support for each presiden- of Electrifying Progress Presidents he regarded as loyal to him. tial candidate for all to see.

One victim of the Vice Presidential Tracy acted quickly to heal the elections was International Vice President wounds caused by the election. He called Ernest Ingles. Ingles was Vice President a meeting of the International Vice for Canada for over 30 years and was the Presidents and International Executive Canadian delegates choice. Local 353 Council members to discuss restructuring Business Manager Cecil Shaw seconded the Brotherhood. Tracy submitted a plan his nomination but Tracy supporters to create 12 vice presidential districts – sponsored a different candidate – John two more than already existed. Canada Raymond from Windsor – and Raymond formed one complete district. The new defeated Ingles. A Tracy supporter won arrangement also allowed for eight execu- every contested election –including the tive council districts but retained the Ingles-Raymond election. same number of representatives.

IBEW logo on office window at Maple Leaf Gardens – 1946

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 89 They took immediate steps to price charged by the contractors for the modernize the business systems within the electrical installation was from $70 to union emphasizing improved communica- $170 for each home. The other trades tions between local, regional and interna- experienced similar base costs, with the 1903 2003 tional offices. same contractor mark-up added on top. YEARS of Electrifying Progress Regular regional progress meet- Electricians received a 10-cent per ings were instituted for all vice presiden- hour increase in June 1947 with an addi- tial districts. A new public relations tional two per cent for holiday pay – department was established and research equivalent to a two-week paid vacation. facilities were improved – actions consid- The union also negotiated a clause pro- ered essential to counter anti-union criti- viding for one apprentice for every three cism. Tracy also investigated the firings journeymen to fully comply with the of the international representatives and Apprenticeship Act. organizers and found them to be not only loyal to the IBEW, but many also contin- The paid vacation was a source of ued to co-operate with the officers and tremendous pride to Press Secretary Bill vice presidents as if they were still on the Farquhar and the local. It was a new payroll. Tracy subsequently rehired the benefit within the electrical industry. It representatives and organizers. was actually discussed at the 1946 con- vention and while there was an apprecia- These changes were largely tion of the proposed paid vacation con- responsible for a 30 per cent increase in cept, the executive committee had some membership from 1946 to 1949. difficulty grasping how it would operate Canada’s membership in 1947 was 8,157 within the construction trades. The irreg- in 79 locals. ularity and non-continuous nature of the work made the vacation-with-pay idea As the nation distanced itself from difficult for some to understand. the war and construction materials became available, housing prices soared There were concerns that it would over pre-war levels. Thousands in receive heavy opposition from the con- Toronto wanted to purchase a new home tractors. Local 353 delegate Cecil Shaw and homes were priced between $10,000 proudly informed the delegates of the and $14,000 - $4,000 to $5,000 more provisions that the IBEW had negotiated than the same house cost prior to the in Canada – particularly by Local 353 in war. The contractors were blamed for Toronto. Once again, Local 353 and much of the increased cost. Many con- other Canadian locals were leading the tractors who used to be satisfied with way in benefits and social legislation for $300 profit per house were now unhappy the entire union. with an estimated $3,000 profit. As the 1940’s were coming to a Increased building costs were also close, the building boom continued. blamed on labour. On examination, how- There were enough building materials to ever, it seems that wages for an electrician keep everyone employed, however, the had increased only 50 cents per hour local worried when Ontario Premier while the time it took to wire a home George Drew went to England to entice remained the same as before the war, 7,000 immigrants to Ontario. It seemed approximately 16 hours, the equivalent of to Local 353 that most of them were elec- $8.00 per week. On the other hand, the tricians. Many of the new arrivals found

Page 90 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE work with contractors under Local 353’s who immigrated from the United jurisdiction. To its credit, the local accept- Kingdom. He had an Electrical Trade ed them willingly and felt that most did a Union card when he arrived here. He good job and held their own. It appeared was sent to Local 353 and was given a 1903 2003 that many of these workers had received temporary card by Cecil Shaw and was YEARS excellent training and just required a little sent to City Hall to get his licence. Once of Electrifying Progress time to become accustomed to Canadian he received it he was permitted to join the terminology and Canadian working style. union. He was given a Green Card mem- Nevertheless, there was the rare individ- bership that meant he received the same ual who resisted unionization. wages, but would be first to be laid off.

Newspaper reports quoted one The level of training people young individual boasting that he was received in Canada impressed Herb not going to pay any initiation fee to any Worthington – also from the United union to go to work. The local took Kingdom. Worthington had a family such problems in stride and commented emergency that required him to return that “---he must have thought that he was home to the UK for a year and was a blue blood and had privileges not struck by how little had changed there accorded to the natives and other inferior since he had left. In his view, the trade forms of life!” had not advanced at all.

Retiree Bob Barker had joined Steve Weslak also remembers those Local 353 in 1945 and served both as a early days. He explained that there were steward and foreman during his career. not many contractors in the city doing big He recalls in his day little attention was jobs, so if you were blacklisted nobody paid to safety. Compared with today’s would have anything to do with you. In conditions, you wore whatever shoes you 1947 he got in wrong with his boss Eddie wanted, and the washroom was any cor- Longfellow when he quit Canada Electric. ner you could find. If all you had were Longfellow announced to anyone who slippers…that’s what you wore to work! would listen that “that Polish bastard will never work for us again!” His first rate was $1.25 an hour and he recalls there was always someone In 1948 there were rumours that waiting for your job. He remembers the $7 million Bank of Nova Scotia dragging live wires across metal lath and building would be delayed, and even climbing ladders to drill with a star drill more disheartening was that the construc- to put in tampin to hold the fixtures. He tion of the Yonge Street subway – a TTC had to solder and dope wires himself. project estimated to cost $53 million and “They were across-the-board men who scheduled to start in 1948 – would also did everything, including pulling cables,” be delayed. Barker said of the electricians in his day. The Ontario Hydro Frequency Retiree Bill Smith joined the Local Conversion project to change from the in 1949 and his first job was at Victory 25-cycle system to 60 cycles and estimat- Mills and from there he went to Ontario ed at $191 million was in the works. It Electric. As a journeyman he started at was awarded to Canadian Comstock $1.45 an hour. He remembers the 1951 Company, an IBEW Local 353 contractor, strike and his rate increasing to $2.15 an and guaranteed electricians work for an hour. Smith was one of those electricians

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 91 estimated 10 years. The work involved Steve Weslak was also involved in both residential and industrial enterprise. a supervisory capacity. He had to take The changes were to be made at no cost inventory of all the equipment to be to domestic consumers – meaning refrig- changed, including clocks, record players 1903 2003 erator motors, starter motors and oil and anything that had a motor. Weslak YEARS of Electrifying Progress burners, would all be re-wired free of had a six-man crew that did residential charge. The industrial work was com- services from Toronto to Sutton and from pleted at only a fraction of the cost of Toronto to Pickering. Every house had to installation or changeover. be surveyed. It was a big job. The crew worked out of field trailers and it was In 1949 Local 353 Business done in sections – so many streets sur- Manager Cecil Shaw was asked by the veyed each day. The biggest problem international to head up the Frequency they faced “was the guy who had a shop Conversion Project and was granted a in his basement, and converted it him- leave of absence by the local to perform self,” said Weslak. the task. Bill Farquhar was Acting Business Manager in his absence. During the late 1940’s the union was concerned with members who broke Bill Smith also participated in the the rules and worked extra hours at night Frequency Conversion Project as team and on weekends. Assessments were leader. Smith recalls that it was a huge levied against such members. There was project to organize that generated a lot of no objection from the local for the indi- work for a number of years. All ballasts viduals who wanted to go into business and fluorescent fixtures had to be for themselves as long as they declared changed. At the same time Local 353 their intention to do so. Local officers members constructed the steam plant at were left to wonder, however, how mem- Ashbridges Bay.

Farquhar served on numerous com- mittees and councils. He served as Bill Farquhar Secretary of the Toronto Building Trades Business Manager September 1949 – June 1969 Council, and spent 12 years on the Provincial Advisory Committee for the elec- trical trade. He was also the labour repre- Bill Farquhar joined Local 353 as sentative on the Board of Governors at an apprentice in 1927. He was elected Humber College for nine years. President of the local in 1944 and was Bill Hardy listed Farquhar’s qualifi- appointed to the position of Assistant to cations as, “ideal. He was a man of Financial Secretary / Business Manager integrity, compassion and had a great sense BILL FARQUHAR Cecil Shaw in 1945. 1949 – 1969 of humour. He took a keen analytical In 1949 he became Acting approach to resolving problems and could Financial Secretary / Business Manager clearly debate or explain an issue.” until he was elected Financial Secretary / He was also a delegate to the Business Manager in 1950. He held both Toronto and District Trades and Labour offices until they were split in 1969. Council for many years.

Page 92 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE bers expected the local to do business There was some co-operation with contractors, convincing them to sign among the trades in that all refused to collective agreements and agreeing to pay work on any project where non-union

top dollar for Local 353 members, only to tradesmen were asked to work in place of 1903 2003 have these same members actively compet- striking or locked out unionized workers. YEARS ing against them – often for less money. of Electrifying Progress There was a lull in the job market In 1948, the Builders’ Exchange for electricians during the summer of (representing contractors) hired a 1948. It was attributed to the large University of Toronto economist. On his influx of electricians who had immigrated advice the employers offered electricians to Toronto. An addition of 200 to 300 the equivalent of 50 per cent more than tradesmen to any locality was bound to 1939 wages plus 15 per cent compensa- increase the numbers of unemployed tion for any cost-of-living increase over tradesmen in any community, at least for the next 12 months. In the local’s view, the short term. this was keeping living standards at the 1939 level. The local felt it was not a The new Unemployment Insurance good starting point for comparison fund relieved some of the pressure. At the because it was a Depression year. time there was a $400 million surplus in the fund. A person had to be unemployed Other building trades were in a for a minimum of nine days and con- situation far worse than Local 353’s. tributed to the fund for 180 days in order Bricklayers were offered an increase of to be eligible to collect. The benefits for only five cents per hour. Plasterers were those paying top premiums were $12.24 offered nothing and subsequently went per week for a single person and $14.40 on strike on April 1, 1948. The lathers per week for someone with one or more were not offered anything either and they dependants. It was considered far superi- too went on strike on April 21. or to the relief system that was in place throughout the Depression. Payments Many within the building trades were made in cash instead of coupons and called for a general strike, but that did this was considered less demeaning. not happen. A number of the trades did not display sufficient interest in attending Those who are now retired can a special meeting called to discuss the vividly recall having to join long lines to strike issue and they preferred to go it collect the “pogey.” It could still be a alone rather than join in any co-operative somewhat demoralizing experience – action. especially when one had to endure a stuffed-shirted bureaucrat’s superior gaze In the final analysis, the situation when he handed you your money, never was reversed. The trades that initially stopping to think that if it were not for were willing to co-operate reached satis- the unemployment insurance he, too, factory settlements with the contractors. might be unemployed. Those who went on their own didn’t reach an agreement and were now asking In 1948 in downtown Toronto, a for support from the rest of the building major slum clearance project in “Regent trades. Needless to say the request was Park” was initiated. The objective was to considered unreasonable. provide low-rent accommodation for 1,000 families and rental payments were

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 93 based on the tenant’s ability to pay. The Jack Woolsey, President of the Building housing it replaced was dilapidated and and Construction Trades Council. The an eyesore. As units were completed contract was completely union.

1903 2003 families would be transferred from their residences. In turn their old homes were This was not the only project YEARS of Electrifying Progress torn down to make room for even more underway. Others included the $8 mil- new units. The project covered 42 acres lion Lever Brothers project, Sunnyside and consisted of 32 acres of buildings Hospital worth $12 million, and $4 mil- and 10 acres of parkland. The bulk of lion for the new Bank of Montreal build- the cost was borne by the city and half ing. The Yonge Street subway still had the cost of purchasing and clearing the not started nor had a $7 million Civic land was borne by the federal govern- Centre that was delayed until building ment. The provincial povernment agreed materials were more plentiful. to contribute $1,000 per unit to a maxi- Even with all this work in progress mum of 56 units. or due to start, there was still an unem- The project was developed by the ployment list as a result of the large influx Toronto Housing Authority (THA) – a of immigrants. There were also 200 committee appointed by city council. apprentices who had recently completed Representing labour on the THA was their training and were now journeymen electricians. Newcomers were asked to

Bank of Montreal Crew - 1948 From left to right: Bob Sproule, (hidden behind) Unknown, Lorne Short, Steve Weslak, Frank Taylor, Joe Hellas

Page 94 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE stay away because electricians were arriv- Farquhar stressed that his com- ing on the scene faster than they could be ments were simply designed to call atten- absorbed into the work force. tion to the “thoughtless manner in which

the country’s immigration policy was 1903 2003 Bill Farquhar used the term immi- enforced.” An over-abundance of immi- YEARS grants often in his submissions to Local grants arriving in Toronto, for whom there of Electrifying Progress Lines and received some criticism for it was no work, made jobs scarcer for all. because people thought it was a disparag- Many had already returned home – disillu- ing remark. In January 1949 he defended sioned, broke and unhappy and carrying his use of the word saying there was no with them a poor opinion of Canada. intention on his part to make immigrants feel resentful, “especially since my own In the March 1949 Journal 65 parents had immigrated to Canada 40 men were reported to be on the out-of- years previously.” The majority of people work list. Local 353 believed the solu- who had taught him the finer aspects of the tion to the problem was the shorter electrician’s trade were also immigrants. workweek. The local was dismayed that at its recent convention the Canadian Construction Association (CCO) contin-

Canada Wire Crew – 1952 Left to right: Local 353 - Bill Ruddell, Larry Chalmers, Roger Gibily, Bob Jewett; Local 213 - Ray D’Maisonneuve; Local 586 - Heinz Janssen, Jack Knox, Maurice Pulsford, Martin Semple, Adolph Winsel, Emil Borghy, George Murray; Local 120 - Chris. Tristam, Jack Pritchard, Marcel Marcoux; Local 586 - Bill Nesbitt, Bob McCoy, Bernard Branchaud; Local 568 - Jack McLaughlin, Frank Sanders, Josef Nawrot, S. Fitzsimmons

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 95 ued to articulate the need for more skilled Ontario. The employers retaliated by tradesmen to immigrate and guaranteed hiring a lawyer who advised them not to them at least 18 months’ work. To Local recognize the union or, for that matter,

1903 2003 353 this was regarded as another tactic to the Building Trades Council. The swamp the trades and create a cheap Minister of Labour became directly YEARS of Electrifying Progress labour market. involved, resulting in a joint application for certification. This ended a month- In 1949 the Electrical Contractors long strike that had tied up the entire Association of Ontario (ECAO) was construction industry. being organized and it replaced the Ontario Electrical Contractors For Local 353, the strike con- Association, which had been inactive for firmed what it already knew – the a number of years. Building Trades Council, a union of unions operating in solidarity, could One of the ECAO’s goals was to achieve considerable gains to the benefit seek the introduction of legislation to create of all affiliated members. a provincial licence for each of the trades – a move that was long overdue in Local 353’s Following six months of negotia- opinion. If passed the law would repeal the tions in 1951 Local 353 took strike existing legislation that gave municipalities action. The strike lasted for five weeks authority to licence electricians. Electrical and was the first since the two-day work contractors paid as much as $200 and stoppage in 1926. The agreement award- journeymen wiremen paid $1.00 plus a ed a 30-cent per hour increase and tied $4.00 examination fee. Each municipali- future increases to the cost of living – ty had its own rules and regulations and which added an additional five cents per it was a nuisance to the journeymen as a hour to the hourly rate. By mid-1952, licence and examination were required in Local 353 members enjoyed a 15-cent per each community. Many electricians had hour advantage over most of the trades in two, three and even more licences. Toronto. By the end of this agreement wages were at $2.15 per hour. By mid-1949, construction in Toronto came to a standstill because the Toronto Builders’ Exchange refused to recognize or negotiate with Local 506 of the Hod Carriers. The Hod Carriers claimed to represent the labourers employed by the Exchange. The local’s charter dated back over 60 years, and at one time as many as 5,000 members were represented. The local initiated a rebuild- ing campaign, succeeding in convincing new members to join the union.

The employers refused to negoti- ate and demanded proof that the union had a majority of the employees. Instead, the union sought certification under the Labour Relations Act of

Page 96 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE CHAPTER 7

1903 2003

YEARS 1953 – 1962 of Electrifying Progress PROSPERITY AND UNITY

By 1953 there were 1,352,000 CCL in Canada. These agreements ended union members in Canada and by 1960 it almost 20 years of constant feuding and increased to 1,459,000. The IBEW contributed significantly to union growth ranked seventh in Canadian membership in both countries. in 1956 and enjoyed considerable local autonomy compared with other interna- The pacts were possible in part tional unions in the construction trades. Canada’s IBEW membership was 27,500 in December 1956, an increase of 3,000 over the previous year.

Local 353 also saw substantial growth in membership. Convention pro- ceedings show that the membership (upon which delegate representation is based) was 692 in 1946, 964 in 1948, 1,003 in 1950 (the first time the local passed the 1,000 plateau since the split in 1920,) 1,348 in 1954, 1,584 in 1958 and 1,858 in 1962.

This extraordinary growth result- ed from a number of factors, not the least of which was a commitment by the International to place more organizers in the field. By 1954 there were 18 organ- izers employed in the First District. Although important, organizing was not the sole contributing factor to member- ship growth.

In addition there was the ongoing commitment to education and training and the signing of non-raiding pacts with- in the AFL and the CIO in the United States, and between the TLC and the New cable installed – 1952

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 97 because both the President of the AFL – long overdue and will be approved William Green – and the President of the by the ranks of organized labor in CIO – Philip Murray – had died within a general. To most of us, it has never

1903 2003 few months of one another. Unlike their been clear just why there have been predecessors their replacements, the AFL’s two organizations, and actually, YEARS of Electrifying Progress George Meany and the CIO’s Walter there cannot be a very good reason Reuther, believed it was vital to put an to justify a situation where two end to the animosities between the two organisations of working men have groups and focus instead on using their been spending time, money and resources to combat corporate power. energy in fighting and arguing with each other when this effort could be The two men set themselves to this put to much better used in the age- task and in 1954 agreed to the No-Raiding long battle to improve the worker’s Pact. The pact had to be approved by the standard of living. membership. In 1955 the two organisa- tions merged to form the AFL-CIO. This merger of the two groups has also influenced the leaders of The merger was hailed as, “the two Canadian Labor organizations greatest piece of news that could be to take steps to merge for the com- brought to our people...The merger ended mon good. These are the Trades the civil war in the ‘House of Labour.’” and Labour Congress and the The IBEW took some credit for this his- Canadian Congress of Labour. The toric achievement because International former is composed of labor organi- President Dan Tracy served on the com- sations affiliated with the A.F. of L. mittee that investigated the feasibility of and the latter is made up of labor merging. In its report, the committee unions affiliated with the CIO. unanimously recommended unity between Both have been duplicating each the two groups. others’ work for the past 25 years or so since a group of members Shortly after the AFL-CIO pact broke away from the TLC and set had been reached, International President up the dual organization of the Tracy resigned and was replaced by CCL. It is expected that both Canadian-born J. Scott Milne. Milne groups will have approved the merg- would drop in at Local Union 353 meet- er at their respective conventions ings and was very popular with the this year so that the new organiza- Canadian membership. He was commit- tion will convene early in 1956. ted to the Canadian locals.

In the October 1955 Electrical Indeed, a similar agreement was Workers Journal Bill Farquhar wrote: close to completion when Farquhar penned those comments. In late 1953, Approves Merger of Labor both the Trades and Labour Congress Organisations (TLC) and the Canadian Congress of Labour (CCL) formed committees to L. U. 353, TORONTO, ONT. – investigate the possibilities for closer rela- The action taken by the leaders of tions and possible merger. The TLC com- the A.F. of L. and the CIO the past mittee comprised President Percy year to unite as one organization is Bengough – Ontario, Vice President

Page 98 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE William Genoves – Quebec, Vice The Non-Raiding Agreement was President Claude Jodoin and General approved by the respective conventions in Secretary Treasurer Gordon Cushing. 1954. By 1955, a draft agreement outlin-

ing the general principles that a merger of 1903 2003 Their appointment was the follow the two organisations might be based on YEARS up to a resolution passed at the TLC was introduced at the TLC’s May con- of Electrifying Progress August convention to “work for closer vention. In October the draft agreement relations and eventual organic unity with went before the CCL’s delegates at their the National Central bodies of organized convention. The agreement received the labour in Canada.” approval of both conventions.

In December 1953, the TLC The Non-Raiding Pact initially Committee wrote to the CCL’s Secretary- applied only to the directly chartered Treasurer, Donald MacDonald, express- locals – 372 in the TLC and approxi- ing a willingness to discuss the possibility mately 200 in the CCL. Endorsement by of merger. Upon receipt of the letter, the each international affiliate of both organi- CCL appointed its own Committee con- zations was required before the agree- sisting of A.R. Mosher (CBRE) – ment applied to it. President, Donald MacDonald – Secretary-Treasurer, George Burt – Vice The International Brotherhood of President (Auto) and C. H. Millard – Vice Carpenters and Joiners and the President (Steel). International Conference of Teamsters did not sign the agreement. The Carpenters The TLC’s mandate was to first needed approval from their interna- “explore the further steps that should be tional office, and the Teamsters did not taken to bring about closer relations sign because “their Constitution required between the National Central bodies of them to organize within their jurisdiction, organized labour in Canada,” while the and they intended to do just that.” CCL mandate was to explore the possi- bilities of labour unity. In addition to that, the International Association of Machinists The two committees met almost and the United Auto Workers had already immediately convening a meeting in signed a pact in which they mutually January 1954 and an additional two agreed not to raid one another’s member- meetings the following month. ship.

The joint committees agreed to a The IBEW International Vice three-stage programme: Presidents met in February 1955. They discussed their organizing efforts, which (1) Joint action on matters where it determined “must be done as economi- both Congresses had similar policies, i.e. unemployment; cally as possible, with due consideration housing; national health; and for the Non-Raiding Agreement of which unemployment insurance. we are a part.” (2) To consider a non-raiding pact. In 1955 over 700 delegates attend- (3) Long-range objective to organic ing the 70th annual TLC convention in unity. Windsor, Ontario and voted unanimously to merge with the CLC. CCL President

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 99 Aaron Mosher addressed the convention for the majority of employes (sic) the following day. The CCL endorsed a still unorganized.” similar resolution at its convention held “This is indeed commendable in Montreal in September. 1903 2003 reporting of truth. We hope in the

YEARS days and months ahead, under a of Electrifying Progress The combined membership of the two groups was over one million and the still stronger labor movement, that IBEW Journal editorial in May 1956 wel- many more gains will be chalked up comed the merger: to Canadian progress and reported by the Toronto Star.” Canadian Merger The CLC set a precedent for It was a source of pleasure and labour in North America by electing pride to American unionists to Huguette Plamondon of Montreal as Vice mark the merger of the counterparts President. Plamondon was a member of of the AFL and CIO in Canada last the Canadian Food and Allied Workers. month. In one of Canada’s largest She was the first woman to be elected to conventions, 1600 delegates voted such a high trade-union office in Canada. to combine forces of the Trades and Labour Congress of Canada and In March 1957 the Ontario the Canadian Congress of Labour Provincial Federation of Labour, TLC, into a new body - the Canadian the Ontario Federation of Labour and the Labour Congress. CCL held their merger convention and elected Cleve Kidd – former Secretary- “We are proud to salute our Treasurer of the CCL – as its President. friends across the border on this Over 700 delegates attended the conven- decisive step. We are pleased at the tion and 432 of them were from former part played by our own Canadian CCL locals, and 287 from former TLC members of the IBEW in the action. locals. The new organization represented On the day of the merger, The approximately 500,000 union members. Toronto Daily Star, one of Canada’s For the most part, the merger of largest newspapers, lauded the union the TLC and CCL into the CLC ended and stated editorially that, “This raiding between the two groups. nation owes a great deal of its pres- However, all would not be smooth sail- ent material well-being to its strong ing. Flare-ups of dissent and discontent and vigorous labor movement.” would occur from time to time. The editorial went on to specify that unions deserve the credit for While it was an important mile- the fact that an hour’s Canadian stone for labour in Canada, the merger labour today earns nearly two-and- was not the only thing going on in the one-half times as much goods as an labour movement. The day-to-day activi- hour of labour did in 1913. The ties for each union continued. editorial continued: “Organized Former IBEW Local 353 Business labor can also take credit for the Manager Cecil Shaw died in February fact that the 40-hour week and 1953. His death marked the end of an annual paid vacations are the rule, era. He was a leader of immense promi- not only for union members, but

Page 100 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE nence in the labour movement and few, if vated the entire situation by creating an any, had as great an impact on the local as entirely new municipality adding to the he did. Even today many speak glowingly original 13. All of this led Farquhar to of his contributions to the local and to the observe “the reasoning of the political mind 1903 2003 advancement of labour in this country. is sometimes a marvel to contemplate.” YEARS of Electrifying Progress During the 1950’s Toronto’s grow- It was expected there would not ing pains remained unrelieved. There were be enough jobs for everyone. Some of 13 municipalities within the Toronto area the jobs that were in progress during the that Local 353 represented and Bill 1950 to 1953 period were beginning to Farquhar thought they should be amalga- taper off like the Richard L.Hearn Steam mated into one government body. A Plant, A. V. Roe in Malton, Lucas Rotex provincial government-appointed board in Scarborough and the RCA installation was charged with the responsibility of in Downsview. The Ford plant in studying that very possibility. It not only Oakville still employed approximately failed to reach a consensus but also aggra- 400 IBEW Local 353 members.

1 2

6 9 8 10 4 7 5 12 3 11

13 14

Signal gang at Davisville Subway Station – 1953 1. Unknown; 2. Ken Tomlinson; 3. Bill Barber; 4. Jim Leebody; 5. John Simpson; 6. Bill Pihel; 7. George Dunbar; 8. Unknown; 9. George Corlett; 10. Connie Robins; 11. Herb Price; 12. Art Eardley; 13. Roy McCreight; 14. Harold Morris

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 101 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

Hearn Generating Station

Page 102 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

Keith Cockburn, International Executive Council Member

A view of part of the head table showing the 50th Anniversary sign. Head table guests shown in this Bill Farquhar, photograph are—from left to right: Controller Ford Brand; Mrs. Cockburn; I.E.C. Member Keith Cockburn; Business Manager, Local 353 President Jack Price; Local 353 Business Manager Bill Farquhar; Mrs. Farquhar. Financial Secretary

In 1953 Local 353 celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a large dinner- dance. Over 2,000 people attended in the Automotive Building at the CNE grounds. In addition to the members and Harry Weale, Standard Electric their guests, officers of IBEW locals from all over Canada, officers of the other building trades unions in the district, elec- trical contractors, and city and provincial government representatives attended.

Among the 25 head-table guests Ford Brand, City of were two charter members of Local 114 – Toronto Council Member the first IBEW local in Toronto. They were Fred Marson, who resigned from the local early in the century to establish a partnership and form the electrical con- tracting business of Harris and Marson, and Bill Davis, who was retired and Brothers McWilliams and McCarrol, of L. U. 353, enjoying his IBEW pension. Jack Price, piping in the head table guests at the Local’s 50th Local Union 353 Anniversary Banquet. President

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 103 Local 353’s Bill Farquhar reported event. Our role in the Brotherhood the establishment of a new foreman’s rate was in the nature of country and plans for a new agreement. The cousins, and, in fact, the relation-

1903 2003 local sought a 17 cent per hour increase ship was even more distant, as we with all statutory holidays paid and a never really had the feeling that we YEARS of Electrifying Progress comprehensive health plan. were part of the I.B.E.W. family.

At the time there were over “Scott Milne changed all that 24,000 Canadian members – an increase as far as Canada was concerned from 8,147 members in 1947. The man- and we feel that our standing is ufacturing sector and the radio and televi- now recognized more as a District sion industries were seen as potential of the Brotherhood, and not so areas for membership growth. much as a foreign country... “He was a remarkable man Canada was in the midst of an and, if his influence was felt as industrial boom in mid-1954 with the much in the other districts of the construction of a $500 million aluminum Brotherhood as it was felt in plant in British Columbia, oil well devel- District One, he will long be opment in the prairies and the iron mines remembered and spoken of as one in Labrador. The St. Lawrence Seaway of our greatest I.B.E.W Presidents.” was in the planning stages and was expected to bring even greater industrial expansion to Canada. The 1954 IBEW convention in Chicago was not only the largest IBEW At the international level, convention in its history, but it was the President D. W. Tracy resigned in 1954 largest labour convention ever held any- and was replaced by Canadian-born J. where. There were 3,130 registered dele- Scott Milne. Milne served for approxi- gates representing 1,675 locals and mately one year and passed away sudden- 625,000 members – an increase from the ly on July 20, 1955. Gordon Freeman total membership of 450,000 in 1950 . filled the vacancy created by Milne’s sud- den death. By referendum vote in the preced- ing four years the members had approved Local 353 Business Manager a $1.00 assessment be sent to the pension Bill Farquhar wrote of Milne: fund. The “B” type membership category was also eliminated by referendum vote. “In Canada, to most of us, Bill Farquhar served on the grievance and Scott Milne was the I.B.E.W. Prior appeals committee at the convention. to his becoming International The size of the 1954 convention Secretary, contact between meant that the union had to find a way Canadian local union officers and to make its conventions smaller simply International officers was rather because few cities in the United States or remote, and outside of an occasion- Canada could accommodate an event of al visit by the International Vice that size. Hosting a convention every President, attendance at a local two years was far too expensive for the union meeting by one of the top- international and local unions alike. ranking officers was an unheard of After considerable debate it was decided

Page 104 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE by convention delegates that conventions ing paid vacations, sick leave and addi- would be held every four years instead. tional holidays. These benefits were starting to become the rule rather than It was at the 1954 convention that the exception. 1903 2003 Local 105 from Hamilton introduced a

YEARS resolution that would be re-introduced If Canadian IBEW locals were of Electrifying Progress repeatedly over the ensuing years by frustrated by the lack of autonomy, they many Canadian locals, including IBEW were equally frustrated by their role with- Local 353. It called upon the in the recently formed Canadian Labour International to insert a provision in the Congress (CLC). constitution and by-laws for a Canadian district convention. The proposal sug- In April 1956, all the Canadian gested that the Canadian convention IBEW locals held a progress meeting. Of would have the authority to rule on mat- concern to the delegates was the ters pertaining to its district, with the encroachment of industrial unions into exception of pensions and death benefits. the IBEW’s jurisdiction.

The committee recommended non- concurrence stating emphatically that, “the Brotherhood was an International Union with one authority.” To move for- wards the committee stated that the union could not have “competing district committees or organizations within any district.” The same issue would be raised at the 1958 and 1962 conventions and met with the same result.

The 1958 convention also raised the question of an additional Vice President for Canada. The International Executive Council explained that the number of members in each district determined the justification for an addi- tional Vice President. Since the number of members in western Canada com- pared with those in eastern Canada was the same in 1954 as it was in 1947 and 1952, there was no justification for another Vice President. The request might be considered in future if there was a significant increase in the membership.

Between 1954 and 1958 electri- cians in North America experienced a 20 per cent wage increase and received Change of address to Church Street notice – 1956 improvements in many benefits includ-

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 105 Much of the discussion at the sion that Local 353 disagreed with. The progress meeting was centred on the executive council concurred with IBEW’s affiliation with the CLC. Several Freeman and Raymond’s decision charac-

1903 2003 delegates expressed concern with the terizing Local 353’s position unrealistic actions of some CLC affiliates and they and unreasonable. YEARS of Electrifying Progress had, in fact, started to wonder if affiliation with the CLC was an asset or a liability. An increase of 22 cents per hour was negotiated starting May 1, 1960. Any This issue would re-surface often part of the increase could be paid into a at progress meetings through the years. health and welfare and pension plan of the At the 1959 meeting a lengthy discussion local’s choosing. A questionnaire was sent took place over the wisdom of remaining to the local membership to find out what part of the CLC. The general consensus plan they would prefer and on January 30, was that the IBEW was not receiving 1961 approximately 900 members attend- either the CLC’s co-operation or the serv- ed a meeting and discussed the proposal. ice that it had anticipated when the CCL- For 12 cents per hour, a plan was submit- TLC merger was achieved. ted and it provided:

Local 353’s Bill Farquhar thought $1,000 life insurance that IBEW could fight the problem better $1,000 accidental death or from within the CLC than it could from dismemberment the outside and he believed the solution was for the IBEW local to take a more 1st day accident active role in the CLC, the federations 8th day of sickness and the labour councils. 13 weeks sick pay at $50 per week In 1959 Local 353 appealed to the executive council to define the jurisdic- Surgical coverage to $350 tion of Local 1788. The council re- Anaesthetic coverage to $40 affirmed that the International President approved Local 1788’s by-laws on July Medical coverage for: 30, 1953 and the local’s jurisdiction was 1st day of accident already defined within the by-laws: 2nd call sickness $5.00 home “Local 1788 shall have jurisdiction $4.00 office over all outside and inside electrical $3.00 hospital work as defined in Article XXVIII, Secs. 4 and 5 of the Constitution The plan also covered 10 calls to a when performed by the employees chiropractor, one specialist call for illness, of the Hydro Electric Power $25 per year x-ray and laboratory Commission of Ontario – Article 1, charges, ambulance service and $30 per Sec. 1.” disability. With the exception of the $50 per week sick pay, the plan also covered dependants. Both President Freeman and International Vice President Raymond, Perhaps recognizing the dissatis- representing District One, Canada, stated faction of the IBEW and other construc- that no change should be made – a deci- tion trades unions, the CLC devoted its

Page 106 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE entire June 1960 issue of Canadian tributed to a substantial reduction in win- Labour to the construction trades. One ter unemployment in the trade. article pointed out that 600,000 The approach to construction was Canadians were employed in the industry 1903 2003 with even more employed in the manufac- undergoing remarkable changes with the YEARS turing, transportation and merchandising increased use of steel, concrete and syn- of Electrifying Progress of construction materials and equipment. thetic materials. Greater comfort and convenience were also possible for the While construction programmes consumer with the increase in the number varied from year to year, on average 30 of elevator installations, escalators, heat- per cent was residential and 30 per cent ing and air-conditioning systems and bet- was building construction – i.e. schools, ter sanitation. warehouses, hospitals, churches and fac- tories. The remaining 40 per cent of con- As the 1950’s wound to a close struction was devoted to dams, roads, and the dawn of the ‘60s was on the power development, refineries, wharves, horizon, the IBEW continued to look for waterworks and other engineering proj- new sources of membership. At a district ects. Roughly 75 per cent of the total progress meeting held in April 1960 in value of construction was done by con- Montreal, President Freeman addressed tractors or builders. the organizing issue. He pointed to the non-union workforce engaged in residen- Winter construction was a new tial construction – particularly house practice at the time and was regarded as wiring. The accumulation of these small- an important development within the er projects could ensure electrical workers industry. Winter construction con- year-round employment and in his view

Toronto Board of Education motor shop – circa-60’s Percy Harop, Fred Lawrence, Percy Hallet

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 107 failure to organize residential workers At the 1962 convention a number could prove harmful to the membership. of Canadian locals – Local 353 included – called for change in the procedures to In the same year, 20 building 1903 2003 elect the International Vice Presidents and trades unions – including the IBEW – International Executive Council members. YEARS of Electrifying Progress launched a campaign to organize 20,000 The resolution proposed that each district Toronto building trades workers name its choice and that one ballot be employed in housing and apartment used to verify the district’s choice. The building projects. Many unions estab- district choice for both positions would lished special locals and reduced initia- be decided solely by a majority of those tion fees to encourage workers to join. convention delegates who were represent- The Toronto and District Labour Council ing the locals within the district. If a and the Ontario Federation of Labour choice could not be made then the con- endorsed the campaign that involved lit- vention would decide by a roll call per erature distribution, visiting job site vis- capita vote. its, house-to-house canvassing and mass meetings. In recommending non-concurrence for the proposal, the committee said it In 1961, 20 per cent of Local 353 was neither fairer nor more reasonable members were unemployed for several than the procedure already in place. The months with only a short period of full delegates accepted the committee’s recom- employment during the summer. The mendation of non-concurrence. lack of work resulted from the sheetmetal workers’ strike, which slowed all construction.

Union Reps. among first to receive certificates of qualification D. C. McNeill, Deputy Dir., Industrial Training Branch, Ont. Depart. of Labour; W. Farquhar, Bus. Manager and W. G. Hardy, Assistant Bus. Manager, Inernational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 353 receiving their Certificates of Qualification in the recently certified Electrical Trade from Ontario’s Minister of Labour, H. L. Rowntree, Q.C.

Page 108 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

President Gordon Freeman, Local 353 President Jack Price and Secretary Joseph Keenan at Local 353 Get Together – 1962

FOUNDING OF NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY

On the political front plenty was happening. Not only would these events have an impact on labour but the labour movement was directly involved.

The 1958 federal election saw the labour-friendly Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) reduced from 25 to eight seats in the House of Commons in the John Diefenbaker-led Progressive Conservative landslide victory at the polls.

Many within the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) believed that leftist politics within the country were in danger of dying unless they stepped in to assist. Following the 1958 election representatives of both the CCF and the CLC began to work towards the creation of a new party.

The IBEW took a neutral stand on the formation of the new party and actually walked out of the CLC convention when the resolution was discussed. The IBEW also didn’t take part in any of the many meetings, conferences, semi- nars or rallies that led to the organizational foundation for the formation of the new party.

The founding convention of the New Party was held from July 31 to August 4, 1961. The CCF sent 700 delegates, 613 attended from labour unions (mostly industrial CIO unions) and an additional 318 from “New Party Clubs,” which had been organized to attract new liberally minded people to the party. The convention changed the name from “The New Party” to the “New Democratic Party.” The constitution of the party provided for affiliated union membership and unions representing 200,000 members did just that by paying five cents per member per month to the party coffers.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 109 The building trades, including the IBEW, chose not to affiliate with the party but remained with the CLC. The building trades were following in the

1903 2003 Samuel Gompers tradition of “Reward your Friends, Punish your Enemies” phi- losophy of political action where the CIO unions followed the Eugene V. Debs YEARS of Electrifying Progress approach and advocated that labour should have its own political party to advance its interests, similar to the Labour Party in England.

As discussions on the formation of the New Party were taking place the IBEW clarified its political action policy by passing a constitutional amendment permitting the organization of political activity within every local. George Home, CLC Political Education Director, wrote, “The IBEW’s President Freeman has rebuked the Canadian leadership for its negative attitude towards the New Party.” Nevertheless International Vice President for Canada, John Raymond, called a meeting of the IBEW delegates attending the CLC convention to discuss the resolution. The IBEW delegates voted overwhelmingly to go on record as being opposed to sending any portion of IBEW per capita to the CLC for use in support of any political party and that the union should adopt a posi- tion of political neutrality. For its part, Local 353’s Bill Farquhar saw political action by labour as a contentious issue as far back as 1955 during the TLC-CCL merger discussions when he wrote in the Journal:

“The most contentious point that will be discussed by the delegates to this new organization will be the attitude that will be adopted towards political process. The TLC has held to the policy of defeating our enemies and rewarding our friends, whereas the CCL has adopted the Socialist CCF as their political arm.

“Of the two policies the former holds the most promise, as following this line of thought, if working people were fully informed and given guidance, they could elect the party that would give the worker the most consideration. Going on record as embracing any one political party tends to make bad friends with other parties. It would seem therefore that what we need, before declaring our- selves on one side or the other, is an educational program to teach workmen the power of their vote, and also how to distinguish between friend and foe in the political arena.”

Certainly in the intervening years between writing the above and the 1960 CLC convention nothing changed from the local’s perspective. On one occasion, the local went so far as to disaffiliate from the Ontario Federation of Labour because of its policy on political action. This issue would frustrate trade union- ists from many unions for many years.

Page 110 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE CHAPTER 8

1903 2003

YEARS A PERIOD OF GROWTH AND of Electrifying Progress CHANGE - 1963 – 1972

This period was one in which in 1964 was 40,000, and the CLC had a Local 353 experienced tremendous membership of 1,588,000 and 1,107,000 growth. It was also a time of great of those belonged to international unions. change for the country. For the first time, IBEW’s Canadian membership had Canadians would have a publicly funded reached 56,026 by 1972. National Medicare Programme, a Canada Pension Plan and the nation would also At the same time as the IBEW cel- celebrate a new flag and its Centennial ebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 1966, the anniversary. CLC celebrated its tenth anniversary with a membership of 1,254,000. These mem- On the down side the Prices and bers were in 93 international unions. Income Commission would be established, The CLC also had 166 directly chartered the War Measures Act would be imposed locals, 10 provincial federations of labour and the issue of Canadian autonomy and 114 labour councils. By 1970 total within international unions would be the IBEW membership had reached 950,000, focus of considerable debate. a 100,000-member increase over 1966.

In 1964 IBEW International Vice President William (Bill) Ladyman was appointed and subsequently elected as a AUTONOMY FOR Vice President of the CLC. His appoint- ment was not only a reflection of the high regard he was held in Canadian labour CANADIANS WITHIN circles, but was also representative of the increased influence the IBEW enjoyed on INTERNATIONAL UNIONS the national labour scene.

Preceding Ladyman’s appointment to the CLC, the AFL-CIO held its con- vention in November 1963 and approved At its 1966 convention IBEW recommendations to empower the CLC Local 353 delegates represented 2,860 to resolve internal disputes between members up from 1,858 in 1962 and in international unions affiliated with both 1970 this had increased to 3,601 mem- the CLC and the AFL-CIO. This was bers. IBEW’s total Canadian membership conditional on the CLC’s adoption of a

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 111 dispute-solving mechanism similar to that “We have taken the position of of the AFL-CIO. The CLC had long defending and promoting interna- sought autonomy in this area and viewed tional unionism because we believe the AFL-CIO’s previous reluctance to rec- it is a correct position in a conti- 1903 2003 ognize the CLC as the final arbiter in dis- nent with the complementary YEARS of Electrifying Progress pute resolution as an affront to its juris- economies and institutions found in dictional power. North America. We have, too, within the Canadian Labour Certainly the AFL-CIO’s failure to Congress, as you have also within recognize CLC’s autonomy up to this the AFL-CIO, purely national point was the major focus for criticism unions where that type of organiza- from those fighting for Canadian-con- tion is felt to be appropriate. trolled unions. “…You should be aware that The expulsion of the Seafarers’ during the last few years there has International Union (SIU) and other mar- been the understandable develop- itime unions by the CLC was of major ment of national feeling in Canada concern to AFL-CIO President George and a growing desire for greater Meany. He did not directly address the national self-determination within issue of government interference in union the family of free nations. The dis- business at the AFL-CIO convention, but pute relating to the maritime union he did at the Maritime Trades situation has focussed (sic) sharp Department convention. Meany said he attention on these sentiments of was “…opposed to Government-con- nationalism and self-determination. trolled trade unions here in the United The position taken by the Canadian States, in Africa, in Germany under labour movement in this matter has Hitler, in Russia under Stalin and in the received almost unanimous editorial Dominion of Canada.” and public support.

CLC Executive Vice President Joe “…In each of our nations, from Morris attended the AFL-CIO convention time to time, legislation is enacted as a fraternal delegate and defended the which has some bearing on the insti- expulsion: tutions of the other…When such matters are before our legislative “…the leadership the Canadian bodies, we make representations to labour movement has given in this the authorities involved… Our rep- matter has been based firmly upon resentations are based on the wishes our intention of preserving the right and best interests of our members. to determine our own affairs. “The Canadian labour move- ment reserves the right to determine “Canadian trade unionists have democratically what those wishes never been isolationists --- More are and where the best interests of than 70 per cent of the membership its members lie. We are happy to of the Canadian Labour Congress is seek advice and counsel of fraternal made up of members of internation- organisations, but whatever deci- al trade unions. . . . sion is finally taken, that decision must be ours.

Page 112 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE “…Above all, we believe that we Following a convention directive must retain our right to make deci- in 1966, the CLC established a sions concerning our own national Commission on Constitution and

affairs. To do less would be to sur- Structure to conduct an extensive study 1903 2003 render our sovereignty. We must of the Canadian labour movement. YEARS retain the power to make decisions IBEW’s International Vice President Bill of Electrifying Progress – right or wrong – which affect us Ladyman was appointed to serve on the and the welfare and progress of commission to look at questions of struc- those whom we represent.” ture, mergers between unions, affiliation and unity. The IBEW defended the CLC’s For First District (Canada) the reluctant support for the government- question of having only one representa- imposed trusteeship on the maritime tive on the executive board was raised unions in the February 1964 Canadian through a resolution submitted by Local Labour Notes. The IBEW believed that 894 in Oshawa, Ontario and endorsed by the CLC’s role in the Great Lakes Affair 12 other locals in Nova Scotia, New was misunderstood and maligned by Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and parts of the United States trade union Alberta. movement and threatened a serious strain on the traditional bonds linking Like similar resolutions in the Canadian and U.S. labour. past, a recommendation of non-concur- rence was made from the Law

Ira Hertfelder - receiving his 50-yr membership honorarium – 1967 Left to right: Norm McAllister, Don Putsey, Frank Bentley, Ira Hertfelder, Al Wollenhaupt, Jack Pritchard (President), Sam Genise, Bev Taylor

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 113 Committee. It failed to see how the United States and any constitutional Brotherhood would benefit from an change establishing separate functions enlarged council and it also felt that a based on geographical location was dual- convincing argument had not been pre- ism. They believed this would result in 1903 2003 sented to support the change. the weakening of the union’s unity and YEARS of Electrifying Progress strength. The recommendation of non- The seriousness of the proposal concurrence was accepted. and its level of support at that time must be questioned because only one delegate “I am a Canadian. All my union spoke against the non-concurrence rec- members are Canadians. We are very, ommendation. The controversy sur- very proud of the fact that we are. But, rounding this question was well reported because we are Canadians, we do not in the press and union publications. expect, nor desire to have special privi- leges,” said Toronto Local 1590 delegate At the December 1967 AFL-CIO Fisher. convention Bill Ladyman talked about international unions in Canada. He “It is true that, at the Canadian stressed that while 70 per cent of Labour Congress there were minimum Canadian trade unions belonged to inter- requirements set up for the Canadian seg- national unions, they were under attack ments of international unions. I suggest from what he termed “subversive left- to this group here today that we have wing elements” representing foreign pow- surpassed those minimum requirements.” ers from purely nationalistic groups and from national and multi-national industry. In defence of the resolution, a British Columbia Local 213 delegate said, A resolution was passed at the “the issues being raised here by Local 1970 CLC convention in Edmonton that 213 are not false issues. The question, promoted greater autonomy for Canadian once again of Canadian sovereignty is members belonging to international being raised all across Canada --- I would unions. Again, it was the subject of reso- like to see this IBEW show the lead and lutions submitted by Canadian locals at be ahead of the developments and not be the 1970 IBEW convention. A resolution pushed.” was submitted by Local 213 in Vancouver and Local 568 in Montreal and endorsed CLC Vice President Joseph Morris by Local 894 in Oshawa. The resolution spoke as a fraternal delegate. He spoke called for the election of Canadian offi- of the unique institution of international cers by Canadians only. Those officers unions but said he was not surprised by were to include a Canadian President, the wave of Canadian nationalism and its Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and accompanying attack on international five executive council members who unions. “Management and their friends would enjoy all the powers international would naturally like to see the union officers enjoyed throughout the movement in Canada sectionalized and Brotherhood. broken down into the smallest possible units,” said Morris. “Our trade union The Law Committee recommend- movement belongs to its members and ed non-concurrence once again. It said they – and they alone – have the right to that the IBEW was a single organization decide what type of organization they with jurisdiction in Canada and the want. Any interference with that right is

Page 114 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE an interference with the freedom of asso- tee was made up of International ciation which is fundamental to democra- Executive Committee Member James cy itself.” Mulloney – Second District, Harry Bexley

– Fourth District and George Patterson – 1903 2003 Eighth District (the Canadian representa- There were other resolutions sub- YEARS tive). The committee travelled through- of Electrifying Progress mitted at the 1970 convention on the out Canada in an effort to assess how the question of Canadian autonomy. The Canadian membership wanted the prob- election of Canadian officers, the lem handled. Few locals sent members to appointment of business managers by the meet with the committee and only a few local executive and the involvement of submitted written submissions either local officers before the International Vice expressing complaints or satisfaction. President or the International officers ren- dering any decision in a member’s trial The committee took the lack of were all put forward. All of the propos- response to mean that the majority of als received non-concurrence recommen- Canadian locals endorsed IBEW prac- dations that were upheld by the conven- tices. This led the committee to recom- tion delegates. mend updating constitutional language to clarify that the IBEW had already granted Acting on a convention mandate, Canadians the right to elect their own a committee was appointed to address the officers, respected the membership’s Canadian sovereignty issue. The commit-

Convention Delegates – 1970 Left to right, back row: Tom Hart, Ken Rose, Morley Hughes, Gord McKay, Dennis Youngberg. Front row: Joe Fashion, Don Cordery, Bill Johnson, Steve Weslak, Willi Jackes.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 115 national identity and recognized that unions, or some combination thereof Canada and the United States were sepa- had sole authority to negotiate agree- rate nations operating under different ments; political structures. For many, these cos- 1903 2003 metic changes weren’t enough and the • In 33 unions the local or the Canadian YEARS of Electrifying Progress issue would resurface. region covered the cost of negotiating agreements and for most others the The reasons for the Canadian costs were shared between the locals IBEW memberships non-involvement in and the International; the process varied. Some believed they were dealing with a stacked deck, others • For the majority, a strike vote was a were quite satisfied with the status quo, purely Canadian decision conducted by while still others felt that no matter what secret ballot of the members at a local the committee recommended action meeting, or by referendum. In 27 inter- would not be taken. national unions, approval to take strike action was required from the At its 1972 convention the CLC International; released the results of a survey it conduct- ed on international unions. The study’s • Thirty-six unions consulted members conclusions were most interesting. through annual Canadian conferences Reported in the June 1972 edition of and an additional 21 had biennial con- Canadian Labour, the CLC’s publication, ferences; in an article titled Autonomy of • In 36 unions, officers were elected sole- International Unions: ly by Canadian members; in others, • The vast majority of international Canadians were elected at large at unions affiliated with the CLC were Convention or by referendum; independent of their parent bodies in • Fifty-nine unions replied that Canadian the United States in determining policies officers had the authority to speak for affecting the Canadian membership; the International in Canada. One • A total of 66 of the 88 international union gave a qualified positive unions affiliated with the Congress par- response, while three unions responded ticipated in the survey and the total negatively and three declined to membership of those unions was answer; 1,000,900; • The majority of international unions • The 22 unions that did not participate provided technical services for their represented 108,000 members; Canadian membership in the form of research (46), legal (43), welfare (31), • Fifty-six of the 66 unions stated that and public relations (33), while 50 policies concerning Canadian matters unions provided space in their interna- were determined by Canadian officers tional publication for Canadian news; and/or members; • Forty-one unions sponsored education • For 63 unions – Canadian officers, the courses either on their own or in co- Canadian executive committee, the operation with the CLC; and, Canadian regional director, local

Page 116 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE • Thirty-eight international unions pro- to provide for Canadian policy confer- vided service in a second language ences, and to authorize Canadian officials including French (most prominent), to speak for the union in Canada.”

Italian, Greek, Portuguese, Yiddish and 1903 2003 Spanish. Following a full discussion at a YEARS progress meeting on Canadian affairs of Electrifying Progress The report concluded by stating between Canadian members and mem- that, “…there is a close co-relation bers of the IBEW international executive between the size of membership and the committee, the Canadian IBEW members degree of self-government. International said that, “Autonomy from the brothers unions which have a large membership in in the United States was the farthest thing Canada were more likely to provide, by from the minds of Canadians or First constitution or by practice, for the elec- District members.” tion of Canadian officers by Canadians,

or delayed seeking it. In pressing for MEDICARE BECOMES A extended health care benefits and including these benefits in collective REALITY IN CANADA agreements, unions were instrumental in gaining acceptance for these pro- grams. Unions pushed for publicly If Canadians were to be asked funded programs and they helped to what defines them as a nation distinct extend these benefits that they enjoyed from the United States, Medicare is to the general populace. invariably near the top of the list. Before 1962 the Saskatchewan One might ask what the intro- Co-operative Commonwealth duction of Medicare has to do with the Federation government, under T.C. labour movement or, for that matter, Douglas, implemented a public health the IBEW. The answer is plenty. insurance plan for hospitals. Also under his leadership, the first publicly funded From the earliest beginnings of Medicare plan in North America was most unions, the IBEW included, trade enacted but had yet to become law. unionists thought beyond the immedi- That eventually happened on July 1, ate advantages of increased wages and 1962 under Premier M. J. Coldwell – better working conditions. Being part after Tommy Douglas moved to the of the labour movement includes pro- national stage to become the first leader tecting not only the member, but also of the New Democratic Party. the member’s family. Increased wages were not very beneficial if a worker Over 90 per cent of the was injured or ill and could not work. province’s doctors went on a three- week strike after the introduction of The inability to pay a medical bill gen- Medicare in Saskatchewan. In fact erally meant that many workers either many actually left the province. The did not receive any medical attention medical establishment’s scare tactics were effective enough to defeat the

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 117 government in the election following between the labour movement and gov- Medicare’s implementation. Private ernments in Canada. The labour

1903 2003 insurance companies and doctors movement has not only been protective waged a vicious smear campaign. of the legislation in place, but has YEARS of Electrifying Progress always sought to improve it. As early as 1964, a commission led by Emmett Hall recommended a In an effort to enhance the cur- national publicly funded medicare plan. rent plan, the Ontario Federation of The commission stated that, “As a Labour formulated and endorsed a nation, we must now take the neces- comprehensive policy on healthcare at sary legislative, organizational and its 1971 convention. Local 353 dele- financial decisions to make all the gate Wally Majesky, in speaking to the fruits of the health sciences available to policy statement, criticized the Ontario all our residents without hindrance of Medical Association for allowing only any kind.” The labour movement fully 260 to 280 to enter the medical profes- supported the Hall Commission’s rec- sion annually. He argued that despite ommendations. having built a $40 million complex, the purported purpose of which was to The CLC urged the government train more doctors, the profession had to ensure that full health services be not trained a single additional doctor introduced by July 1, 1967 – appropri- beyond its former limitations. Majesky ately on the 100th anniversary of was especially critical that medical spe- Canada’s nationhood. cialists, earning from $150,000 to $175,000 a year, could not train more Medicare was not fully imple- doctors. mented nationally until 1971 and in early 1969 the electrical workers The Liberal minority govern- Journal predicted that Canadians ment, led by Lester B. Pearson and “…might get universal Medicare by under a great deal of pressure from the April.” Donald MacDonald, CLC T. C. Douglas-led NDP, passed the President, was warning the federal gov- National Medical Insurance Act ernment against delaying Medicare’s (Medicare) in 1966. The legislation implementation, and stressed that fur- went into effect in 1968. By 1971 all ther delay “would be one of the great- Canadian provinces were full partici- est sell-outs…ever imposed on the pants in the Medicare plan. The pro- Canadian people.” gram provides all Canadians, regardless of circumstance, with basic hospital Adequate health care has been and medical care. the subject of often-heated debate

Page 118 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE By 1967 the new flag had gained wide acceptance and was a source of 1967 – CANADA’S pride. There was not a single Canadian

village, town or city which escaped the 1903 2003 CENTENNIAL YEAR opportunity to celebrate in 1967 – each YEARS with a special program or project to com- of Electrifying Progress memorate the occasion.

A Confederation Train with 15 Gearing up for the centennial year specially built cars depicting Canada’s and for centennial year itself, there were development from the earliest inhabitants numerous activities celebrating the 100th to the present day, criss-crossed the anniversary of the nation’s birth. Never nation and visited 63 Canadian centres. before or since has the nation celebrated In addition to the train, a caravan with its nationalism so enthusiastically. 76-foot trailers also carrying Canada’s story stopped in more than 700 commu- A couple of years before the nities. This was how Canada’s story was nation-wide celebration Canada had told to its 20 million citizens – three mil- experienced a flutter of Canadian pride lion of whom had been born in other when its new flag was unveiled in countries. February 1965. The red maple leaf on a white background, flanked on the far The IBEW was very much a part of right and left by a red border, replaced these celebrations. More and more articles the old Red Ensign. on Canada appeared in the Journal includ- ing the April 1968 article highlighting the The adoption of the new flag sym- city of Toronto and its importance to the bolizing the country’s nationhood was province and the country. “There is,” the not without animosity. John Diefenbaker, article noted, “no equivalent concentration former Prime Minister and leader of the of economic strength and markets in rela- Progressive Conservatives, raged against tion to a whole nation anywhere else in the new flag in the House of Commons North America.” for more than 10 months. The tirade became known simply as the “flag The article revealed many interest- debate.” A vociferous defender of the ing facts, including the fact that 40 cents British Empire, Diefenbaker campaigned of every dollar in Canada was spent in vigorously to keep the Red Ensign and the general Toronto area; 30 per cent of said that the nation would never stand to Canada’s retail market was within a 100- have it replaced. Diefenbaker was a pop- mile radius of Toronto city hall; and, a ulist, but he seemed out of touch with the full 35 per cent of the nation’s income realities of the day. taxes were paid by citizens living within the Toronto area. Following the Second World War, millions of people entered Canada from There were eight IBEW locals in other parts of the world and began to Toronto and the International’s Canadian change the country’s very character. headquarters was located in Toronto. Canada was changing. It was no longer a IBEW membership in the city was 6,000, country of just English, Scottish and Irish. the largest number of whom were in Local 353 under Buisness Manager Bill

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 119 Farquhar. “Wherever you look in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in North Toronto, you see the work of members of America – a fact that is still true today. L.U. 353,” continued the article. The Centennial was a tremendous 1903 2003 The article also brought to light source of pride to the country. In a

YEARS of Electrifying Progress the diversity of the First District. The speech to the December 1967 AFL-CIO working language was primarily English, Convention, International Vice President but publications were printed in 29 dif- William Ladyman captured for his audi- ferent languages, and 17 full-time repre- ence what Centennial Year meant to the sentatives were needed to service the country. Canadian membership. “This year – 1967 – we have “You can eat your way around the been celebrating our hundredth world in the city’s restaurants from anniversary of Canadian Hungarian goulash to Italian pizza to Confederation, and we have wel- Chinese chicken chow mein.” The article comed the opportunity of playing also highlighted what it termed Toronto’s host to so many visitors from the rest “after dark life,” described as sophisticated of the world. I was not surprised to with superb cuisine, bright lights and the hear recently that of all visitors from hottest jazz this side of New Orleans. “For other countries the greatest number a city once so stodgy that its residents came from the United States. turned to Buffalo, New York (100 miles distant) for their weekend fun, the metrop- “Our Centennial year 1967, olis is now considered a swinging place automatically triggered a great deal complete with coffee house Bohemianism of soul-searching among Canadians in a ‘village’ known as Yorkville.” about our past, our present, and our future. Our new flag has been The article credited the influx of proudly waving all over the world, Europeans after World War II for trans- and many otherwise rational, sober forming the city. Among the new arrivals people have suddenly discovered, were 250,000 Italians, 100,000 Germans, with much excitement, that they are 50,000 French-speaking Canadians, and Canadians, and that there is some- tens of thousands of eastern and northern thing called ‘The Canadian Fact.’” Europeans. Together they made Toronto

On that day, Prime Minister WAR MEASURES ACT Pierre Elliott Trudeau spoke on nation- wide television to inform Canadians IMPOSED that he had imposed the War Measures Act. The government could take away whatever they wanted. Civil liberty The imposition of the War was at risk. Measures Act on October 14, 1970 Beginning in the early 1960s, was, in retrospect, one of the darkest there had been a number of terrorist days in Canadian history. activities within the province of Québec

Page 120 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE that involved planting bombs in a num- with labour throughout the country. ber of government buildings and mail- All but four of the 19 NDP members

boxes. These acts resulted in several voted against its imposition. With the 1903 2003

deaths, but in October 1970 they had exception of the labour movement and YEARS of Electrifying Progress reached a new level when the Front de the NDP, most were in favour of Libération du Québec (FLQ) kid- Trudeau’s action. To his credit, the napped British Trade Commissioner leader of the Progressive Conservative James Cross. The kidnapping of party, Robert Stanfield, had initially Québec Labour Minister, Pierre Laporte supported the imposition of the War followed and he was murdered the day Measures’ Act. He later recanted and after the War Measures’ Act was said that he regretted having done so. imposed while he attempted to escape. He expressed his admiration for Tommy Douglas and the other mem- Over 5,000 people were arrest- bers of the NDP for the position they ed but few were convicted. The took and as time passed, others recog- Ontario Federation of Labour con- nized the integrity of the position of demned the government’s action along labour and the NDP.

There were three separate bargain- ing units at Bell. The technicians unit RUNNING THE LOCAL and the clerical unit were both represent- ed by the Canadian Telephone Employees’ Association (CTEA) or, as it was dubbed, the ‘Can’t-Tell-Employees- Many events shaped the nation Anything Union.’ The third unit – the during this period in one way or another, Operators and Dining Services – was rep- and they not only impacted the general resented by the Telephone Employees’ population, but also on the IBEW – Association (TEA) later renamed the including Local 353. Communications Union of Canada. Both the CTEA and the TEA were in-house In the midst of all of these events unions with no membership outside Bell. there were still members needing work, contracts requiring negotiation, and the IBEW failed to organize the tech- day-to-day administration of the local nicians unit. Several factors were that required the attention of the officers involved – not the least of which was the and staff. IBEW was an international union and the IBEW organizers came on like “gang- Organizing remained high on the busters.” Both the Technicians or Craft union’s agenda and it initiated a major and Services Unit and the Operators Unit campaign for the employees of Bell would eventually join the Canada. IBEW placed 10 organizers on Communications Workers of Canada. the project but the campaign fell short of The clerical unit remains with the CTEA the 45 per cent sign-up requirement nec- to this day. essary for a vote.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 121 By 1964 the journeyman’s rate in workers Journal reported in July 1964 Toronto was $3.64 an hour. A good fac- that, “Two years ago it took 15 men nine tory job by comparison earned $1.68 per weeks to build a house; it now takes only

1903 2003 hour. By 1966 the membership was five men. It used to cost $5,000 to put approximately 3,000, working for over one man to work. Today it costs YEARS of Electrifying Progress 200 contractors. Wages increased to $250,000. The picture becomes fantastic $4.25 an hour in 1966 with an additional as technology advances and we find one four per cent for vacation and holiday machine costing $1 million to be operat- pay. The local also negotiated a medical ed by one man.” plan adding considerable value to the total compensation package. Safety remained an issue. In 1964 there were 1,280 industrial fatalities in The concept of multi-employer Canada. Of those, 410 were in Ontario bargaining was a topic of general conver- and 66 were in construction. sation in the construction trade. In 1964 International Vice President Bill Ladyman The Canadian Contractors addressed the annual meeting of the Association (CCA) was predicting wide- Canadian Construction Association and spread shortages of skilled trades in expressed qualified support for the notion. Canada. By 1965 the value of construc- tion projects was expected to exceed $9 In doing so, however, he saw little billion for the first time and represented a advantage in multi-union bargaining – 12 per cent gain over 1964. especially in the skilled trades. Ladyman felt that wage differentials between the By mid-1965, the ministry of trades would be reduced for the benefit of immigration announced a recruitment the less highly paid craftsman. “The drive in Europe for 150,000 skilled work- I.B.E.W. already had agreements with a ers. CLC President Claude Jodoin criti- number of employers represented by cized this project and pointed to the Employer Associations and more than 265,000 unemployed Canadians and the one union,” noted Ladyman, “but the many young people that were about to contractors were specific electrical con- enter the workforce for the first time. He tractors and the Union also represented argued that they should be given the only one craft.” opportunity and this could only be accomplished through adequate training Ladyman acknowledged that craft programmes. unions in Canada were favourably inclined to agree with the multiple employer bar- The wonders of electric heating for gaining concept. “I have no doubt that in homes were extensively promoted. The the years to come, some workable arrange- electrical trades’ publication Electrical ment will be devised”, said Ladyman. “If Business boasted in 1965 that the province it is good for the industry it will be done, of Ontario had accomplished in five years but it is not going to be accomplished what it took the United States 15 years to overnight, and it must be done on the accomplish. By 1965, electrical heating basis of Canadian conditions.” was installed in 21 per cent of all new resi- dential construction. Efficiencies within the construc- tion industry were having a profound In Toronto, the Alexandria Park effect on employment. The electrical Development in the Dundas and Spadina

Page 122 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE district paid below fair wage scale. The tional one per cent vacation pay, and five development was a project of the Ontario cents an hour for welfare benefits. The Housing Corporation. By January 1965 agreement provided for a further increase

the Ontario government passed an order- of 80 cents per hour on May 1, 1970 for 1903 2003 in-council that directed all government an hourly rate of $6.40. The total vaca- YEARS contracts to adhere to “the rate of wages tion and holiday package amounted to of Electrifying Progress generally accepted as correct for the vari- eight per cent of wages, 15 cents of that ous classes of competent workmen.” was placed in the welfare plan. The fore- man’s rate was 10 per cent higher than It was also in 1965 that the IBEW the journeyman’s rate and all overtime and the Electrical Contractors was paid at double time. Association of Ontario (ECAO) strove towards the standardization of its collec- As reported in the Electrical tive agreement language as the desirable Workers Journal in August 1969, the prelude to province-wide bargaining. Financial Times – that was not regarded as pro-labour – condemned the increases. In September 1968, Ivan C. Rand In a period of voluntary wage and price (who in 1945, as part of the settlement of controls they described the settlement as, the Ford Motor Company strike, pro- “an awful example of union greed; they posed what later became known as the represent a triumph of greed in its most Rand Formula) released his report on stark and piratical form, greed fostered industrial disputes. This report, along by jealousy and rivalry between union with a number of others throughout the leaders trying to outdo each other. This country, raised concern in the trade is a deplorable settlement. Its ramifica- unions. The report led to Labour Act tions are incalculable and all bad.” amendments in Ontario.

It was apparent that the trade union movement was being attacked from several quarters, an attack which became very evident when the construction unions reached settlements in 1969. The government was trying to implement new laws and the contractors were pressuring the trades.

Local 353 rejected an Electrical Contractors’ Association of Toronto (ECAT) proposal on April 30 and ceased work the following day in the first strike by the local since 1951. All trades were either on strike or locked out by May 2. The ECAT stressed that the lockout would continue until all trades settled.

The strike/lockout ended on June Change of Officers for Local 353 - 1969 9, 1969 with the offer of a 70 cent per Bill Hardy, newly-appointed Business Manager, on the left, shakes hands with hour increase effective that day, an addi- Financial Secretary Bill Farquhar, who used to hold down both offices and Vice President Bill Ladyman, center.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 123 The September-October 1970 In 1969 Bill Hardy replaced Bill issue of Labour Review, the OFL’s official Farquhar as Business Manager but publication, placed the construction Farquhar continued as Financial Secretary

1903 2003 trades’ increases in perspective. in Local 353. In his capacity as Press Secretary, Farquhar wrote that electri- YEARS of Electrifying Progress “Even with impressive gains of the cians and sheet metal workers were the past — the average wage in the two most organized locals in the residen- ‘Building’ trades was still only $160 tial field. He emphasized that both a week, or $8,500 a year. This unions had to do what they could to meant that the average construction bring the other trades to the same level of workers could still not qualify for unionism. He noted that sometimes this an NHA (National Housing support “might take the form of stopping Authority) Mortgage.” work on a building to convince the builder (that) he would only get his proj- The article addressed several facts ect completed if union labour performed – including a 6.5 per cent jobless rate, all the work.” compared with 21.9 per cent in the con- struction trades (national figures from the Dominion Bureau of Statistics.)

including the abolition of multiple licences in Metro Toronto. He was instrumental in negoti- Bill Hardy ating trust funds for vacation pay and estab- lished a schedule for electricians under the Business Manager Industrial Standards Act. He successfully nego- tiated many improvements for Local 353 electri- June 1969 – June 1975 & July 1977 – November 1983 cians since 1950, when the hourly rate was $1.85 an hour with four per cent vacation pay. Bill Hardy joined the union in 1937. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a He served as the Secretary-Treasurer of wireless air gunner in Europe during the Second the Toronto Building Trades Council for many years and was influential in changing the by- BILL HARDY World War. Hardy worked in the trade when he returned from overseas before accepting the laws to permit the election of a full-time Assistant Business Manager position. He served Business Manager. as Assistant Business Manager of Local 353 for He was a charter member of the 20 years and then for 12 years as Business Provincial Building Trades Council of Ontario, Manager. When he retired in 1983 he was a and served as Secretary Treasurer of the IBEW 46-year member and at the 100th anniversary Ontario Provincial Council. of the union was a continuous member for 66 He also served as a member of the years. Local and Provincial Advisory Board to the “A better choice for Business Manager Director of Apprenticeship at various points could not have been made,” said Bill Farquhar throughout his career. He helped establish on Hardy’s appointment to Business Manager. Local 353’s Joint Apprenticeship Council and “He has brains, guts, experience, dedication to took a leading role in organizing the apartment the welfare of our members and the respect and house and residential sector of the industry. He support of all the members.” was also a member of the Advisory Committee An avid sportsman, he participated in appointed by the Minister of Labour to admin- football, baseball, hockey, canoeing, weight lift- ister the schedule that sets minimum wages and ing, skating and golfing. governs the hours of work. When Hardy announced his retirement He served as a Trustee for the welfare in October 1983 he was credited with influenc- plan, the Joint Apprenticeship Council, and the ing many changes in provincial legislation Cecil M. Shaw Building.

Page 124 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE During this period Toronto was The amendments to the Ontario experiencing tremendous growth with Labour Relations Act in 1970 were the 55,000 newcomers arriving in the city result of the Rand proposals and, while a

annually. The influx increased the need cause for some concern, were not nearly 1903 2003 for residential housing and commercial as severe as had been anticipated. YEARS and corporate construction was also of Electrifying Progress expanding. The amended legislation permitted:

The banking industry was expand- • employers in the construction trades to ing in the downtown core. Toronto unite for collective bargaining purposes; Dominion Bank completed a 46 and 54- • a ten-fold increase in fines - $1,000 for storey complex. The Canadian Imperial individuals and $10,000 for unions and Bank of Commerce also had a new 54- employers for any violations; storey complex under construction. Other projects included freeway construc- • the setting up of a commission to inves- 1 tion and a 4 /2-mile subway extension. tigate industrial disputes with a particu- lar emphasis on those involving the All of this activity resulted in an public interest; increase in membership and placed a strain on the Local 353 facilities. Local • recourse to action for damages to the 353 employed six full-time officers and injured party in a strike or lockout; an equivalent number of clerical staff and it was in need of a new home.

The Industrial Standards Act of Ontario allowed an industry like the elec- trical industry to apply for a schedule to establish minimum hourly rates and maximum hours of work in a given area. The Toronto zone covered an area within a 20-mile radius of Toronto city hall and was handled by a board consisting of labour and management representatives. IBEW Local 353 nominated Labour’s par- ticipants while the Electrical Contractors’ Association nominated their representa- tives. Each would be appointed by the department of labour.

While there was a decrease in con- struction during the early months of 1970, mostly because of severe weather conditions, there was a great deal of work in the planning stages. It was reported that the membership had dou- bled in the previous five years. Life Saving Award – 1969 President Jack Pritchard, right, presents an IBEW Life-Saving Award to Brother Ted McBride, who saved a man from drowning when the victim’s car broke through the ice on the Credit River.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 125 • each party to give notice of a wish to subsequently they applied for concilia- bargain three months before an agree- tion. The negotiating committee of Bill ment’s expiration date; and, Hardy (assisted by Bill Jackes), President

1903 2003 Tom Hart, executive board member Gord • reduction of the requirement for a certi- MacKay, and Brothers Mike Mungy and YEARS of Electrifying Progress fication vote from 45 to 35 per cent of Norm McAllister did eventually negotiate the membership. an agreement.

Nevertheless, there were protests The agreement increased wages 80 by labour. In October 1970 15,000 con- cents per hour effective May 1, 1971; 80 struction workers demonstrated at the cents per hour May 1, 1972, and 27 cents Ontario Legislature. effective November 1, 1972. By the end of the contract term the journeyman At its September 1970 general wage was $8.07 and vacation pay was meeting, Local 353 voted unanimously to nine per cent of weekly pay. On the affiliate with the OFL and sent nine dele- downside, ten tools were dropped from gates to the OFL convention held that the tool list. November. The settlement was narrowly rati- In June 1971 Local 353 Press fied 1,184 to 1,125 – a result attributed Secretary Bob Grant reported that Local to inadequate eating facilities, inadequate 353’s negotiating committee had met with toilet facilities on job sites and no reduc- the construction trades council on three tion in the 371/ -hour workweek. occasions. Little progress was made and 2

Terminal Two Crew – 1972 Members of Local 353, Toronto, Ont., are seen at Terminal II, Toronto International Airport.

Page 126 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE An OFL report released in April The election results indicated that 1972 showed that 20 per cent of a storm was brewing and for whatever Toronto’s construction forces were unem- reason there was dissatisfaction in the

ployed. The Beckett Report on Metro ranks. We shall see that the times would 1903 2003 Toronto construction trades showed total indeed be stormy. YEARS building permits placed by housing and of Electrifying Progress commercial developments rose 21 per cent in 1971 to $1.1 billion and it was expected that growth would continue at 10 per cent annually to $1.6 billion.

By 1972, construction had indeed slowed. Only four major projects were underway – the Commerce Court, the Four Seasons Hotel, the Airport Terminal Building and the Holiday Inn. A 10- week strike among the rodmen aggravat- ed the problem for Local 353.

In the 1972 Local 353 elections President Tom Hart managed to keep the presidency by only one vote. He defeated Donald J. Cordery and Robert G. Jamieson. The actual totals were Hart – 604 votes, Cordery – 284 votes, and Jamieson – 319 votes. Combined totals for Cordery and Jamieson totalled 603 meaning that Hart avoided a run-off vote by one vote! There was a run-off for the Vice Presidency between John White and Ron Carroll, with Carroll emerging as the eventual winner.

Bill Hardy and Bill Farquhar won the Business Manager and Financial Secretary positions respectively by sub- stantial margins. Secretary Walter Wray Senior and Treasurer Herb Ransome both won by acclamation. There were also two newcomers on the executive board. Members Steve Knott and Joe Fashion won office for the first time. Norm McAllister, Dennis Youngberg and Bill Johnson retained their seats on the execu- tive board.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 127 CHAPTER 9

1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress 1973 – 1982 CLC – BUILDING TRADES SPLIT and LOCAL 353 TRUSTEESHIP

The period covered in this chapter where the democratic wishes of the mem- was one of the most turbulent in the bership were ignored. Local’s history. The events include, but are not limited to, the CLC-Building These events and others are in Trades split, the removal of of Local 353 some respects separate events but in oth- Executive Members from office – includ- ers are interwined. A central figure in ing a business manager, and a strike most, if not all of them was Ken Rose – the International Vice President.

William Ladyman. He was subsequently KEN ROSE elected as International Vice President in 1974, 1978, 1982 and 1986. He retired International Vice President 1973 – 1987 in 1987. He served on numerous commit- Ken Rose joined the tees and commissions, both union and International Brotherhood of Electrical government appointed dealing with the Workers on June 11, 1946 as a member electrical and construction industry. He of Local 1095. Rose was appointed as was a Vice President of the Canadian an International Representative in 1955 Labour Congress. He led the IBEW and he became Assistant to the and most of the construction trades out KEN ROSE International Vice President in the First of the Canadian Labour Congress and District office in 1957 – a position he he was instrumental in the formation of held until 1973. the Canadian Federation of Labour (which held its founding convention in Rose transferred his membership March 1982). He served as an IBEW to Local 353 in 1970 and was appointed representative on the Executive Council International Vice President in of the CFL. November 1973 on the retirement of

Page 128 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE B. Whether or not full compliance could be achieved within a reasonable time CLC BUILDING TRADES or whether it would be done in stages over an agreed period. DISPUTE 1903 2003 YEARS C. If, after full discussion between the of Electrifying Progress Congress and the affiliate concerned, no effective steps are taken to comply with the request of the Congress to At the CLC’s 1974 convention, the institute the standards as adopted by CLC’s chairman of the Commission on the Convention, the Executive Council Constitution and Structure outlined the by a two-thirds decision may authorize contents of a resolution passed by the the President to suspend the certificate 1970 convention. The resolution called of affiliation to the Congress. This for minimum standards of self-govern- action would be subject to the regular ment including: appeal procedure in the Constitution.

1. Election of Canadian officers by D. If acting under “C” above, the Canadians; Congress Executive Council suspends an affiliate and that suspension is 2. Policies to deal with national affairs to upheld by the following Convention, be determined by the elected Canadian the Congress should take whatever officers and/or members; and steps are necessary to maintain the 3. Canadian elected representatives to membership of the suspended affiliate have authority to speak for the union in good standing with the Congress. in Canada. The commission recommended a The lengthy report outlined the code of union citizenship be implemented actions taken by the CLC to enforce the that would be equally applicable to all resolution. This included circulating a congress affiliates regardless of whether questionnaire requesting all international they were regional, national or interna- unions to respond. A follow-up letter tional. was directed to those unions that didn’t IBEW International Vice President comply with the first request. For those Ken Rose spoke on the CLC motion. To unions that did not comply with either ensure that there is no misinterpretation request, a procedure was recommended of his remarks, they are reproduced in including: their entirety from the CLC proceedings: A. A letter should be sent to a non-com- “One of those vice-presidents plying affiliate setting out the policy who is proud to say that he has to and list of standards asking them if go back to his Canadian member- they are willing to comply, and if so, ship for re-election. I am concerned, what length of time is needed, because because our organization has been of constitutional and other require- one that has helped to build this ments, for the union to submit such Canadian Labour Congress. We amendments to a Convention. have consistently supported the poli- cies of this organization.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 129 “When the standards were the International Brotherhood of passed, we were happy to say that Electrical Workers in Kansas City. the majority of those standards “Fifty delegates from local were already part of the IBEW 1903 2003 unions from across this country Constitution. Because we do not YEARS represent the International of Electrifying Progress believe in dictation from the top; Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. we believe it must come from the Those are the people I’m going to membership up. But I’m wondering take direction from; those are the what direction this Canadian people I‘m going to listen to. Labour Congress is going. “I just wonder what direction “In 1970 we were told that if we’re taking. If this is the first step we passed the proposition of the towards compulsion, then all of you Canadian standards that that that are here in the reform groups should be the end of the problem – are those that say we must do go back and talk to your interna- something about international tionals, talk to your memberships, unions; please take a look in your and establish those standards in own back yards. If this is the first your organization. step, if you say that organizations “We did that. We raised no should be controlled by the execu- question on the floor of the 1970 tive, my friends you may find out Convention, even though there was one day that the rights that you the threat of the interference with cherish so gladly today and cherish the constitutional authority of our so strongly today may be eroded membership to do the things that away from you too.” they wanted to, which may be in contravention to the CLC. We These remarks proved to be the went along with the 1970 provi- opening round in a dispute that would sion. I can live with what you put divide the Canadian labour movement for in that document, but I cannot live almost 25 years. with compulsion. I say that you are hypocritical, if you come here and With Rose against the new rules say: “The Executive Council has the the IBEW now had the distinction of hav- right, if you don’t do what we tell ing one of its Vice Presidents, Bill you, to compel you to get out of Ladyman, serve on the committee that this Congress.” formulated the report, and his replace- ment, Ken Rose, who led the charge “We listened to our Canadian against it. Local 353 delegates Ray membership, Mr. Chairman. We Tyrrell and Don Francis were among the have just finished a thirty-page 2,491 delegates who overwhelmingly report on the relationship of the endorsed the report. IBEW in regard to the American and the Canadian section. That Local 353 Press Secretary Steve report is being sent to our local Knott estimated that when he referenced unions. It will be discussed and, I the Canadian identity issue at the 1974 suggest very sincerely, it will be CLC convention, there were approxi- passed at the 1974 Convention of mately 140 Canadian IBEW locals.

Page 130 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE He urged IBEW Canadian locals to make at the AFL-CIO headquarters in more frequent submissions to Local Washington, and the AFL-CIO executive Lines so that both Canadian and council passed the following resolution:

American members would be more 1903 2003 informed about what was happening in “Congress should deny the granting YEARS Canada. of preferential entry (duty free or of Electrifying Progress special tariff status) either partially The June 1974 Local 353 newslet- or wholly from any country that ter reported on a recent Central Progress subsidizes exports, grants tax subsi- Meeting where International Vice dies to foreign investors, or requires President Rose delivered a strong warning production or investment within its to those “fractionalists” active on the country.” Canadian labour scene. He said that the IBEW will “not sit idle while some large national unions and other malcontents Canada was guilty on all counts – work at dividing the Canadian labour with tax breaks to the auto industry, fish movement.” Rose argued that the IBEW processing and numerous other industries. derived few benefits from the CLC and only IBEW members would decide if their The report on Canadian autono- constitution would stand or be altered. my issues, sanctioned by the IBEW’s con- vention in 1970 was presented to the Bogdan Kipling, Washington 30th convention held in 1974. It recom- Bureau Chief for the Financial Times of mended: Canada News Service, was one of many in the media that had interest in the dis- • Under the heading of Vice Presidents – pute. Like many others, Kipling believed changing First District to First District that solidarity between trade unionists in Canada; Canada and the United States, if it ever • Under the heading of International existed at all, was wearing awfully thin. Executive Council – changing Eighth Kipling believed Canadian unions District to Eighth District Canada; should start operating on their own. • Under the heading objects – change to While Canadian members of international organize all workers in the electrical unions probably received more in finan- industry in the United States and cial terms than they paid in dues, they Canada; were strong enough to ensure their own financial foundation. His main argument • Under Article 1, Section 2– change the for separation was that the economic section to read IBEW, with jurisdiction interests of both countries were diverging. for all electrical workers in the United States and Canada; An issue that created problems for Canadian unionists was the Burke-Hartke • Under Article 1, Section 2, this organi- Bill in the United States. If it passed it zation, in the merging together of all would impose permanent import quotas electrical workers in the United States on goods from Canada. The legislation and Canada recognize the sovereignty would cost the Canadian economy bil- of each of our great nations and the lions of dollars and thousands of lost advancement of industry compatible jobs. The Burke-Hartke Bill was drafted

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 131 with the laws of each country and the tives all that they should know. Tyrrell objects of this constitution; and, noted that, “we have to have a Canadian convention like this so we can talk rank • Permitting the election of two delegates 1903 2003 and file and can tell our representatives from the convention to the CLC what we think.” YEARS of Electrifying Progress instead of one. International President Pillard The Law Committee recommend- responded to Tyrrell saying that anything ed concurrence and it was accepted, but presented in the Journal about Canada not before several delegates including came from Canada through the office of Local 353’s Wally Majesky spoke out the International Vice President. against it. Majesky led the debate and expressed disappointment that the reports He continued at some length: “…I recommendations did not reflect what want to assure you that the complete Canadians expected. Majesky believed operation in Canada, or Canadian affairs, that, “A real in-depth study of the whole is handled through the office of the Vice question of Canadian autonomy,” was Presidents in the IEC, and only Canadian needed. Instead they received, nothing delegates elect Canadian officers, and more than “cosmetic changes and some only Canadian brothers or sisters are areas of semantics.” Majesky said that selected to be international representa- the report didn’t come close to dealing tives. with the question of Canadian autonomy. “It is very true that, in some cases Ken Rose, International Vice for final permission, the Vice President of President First District, spoke against Canada has to come through my office, Majesky and favoured the committee’s just exactly like every other Vice recommendation. Terming the 30-page President of all the other districts…” report as complete and exhaustive he expressed pride in being Canadian. “The IBEW member Bryce MacKasey, a Canadian Labour Congress and its dele- former federal labour minister who was gates decided ---they should have the Post Master General of Canada, spoke to power to tell the members of the convention delegates. MacKasey spoke International Brotherhood of Electrical about the Canadian autonomy issue and Workers in Canada how their argued that Canada’s pro-Canadian atti- Constitution is going to read,” said Rose. tude should not be interpreted as anti- “And – pardon me Mr. Chairman – they American. Nor should they (IBEW) back can go to hell.” legislation that takes jobs away from Canada and returns them to the United Local 353 delegate Ray Tyrrell States. criticized Rose for saying that the CLC could go to hell. He was equally critical He cited the IBEW as one of the of the IBEW Journal and the few more progressive unions. “You let the Canadian articles that appeared in it as International Vice President of Canada be “not true Canadian content.” elected by Canadians,” said MacKasey. “You grant your members as much Only a few of the Canadian elite autonomy as humanly possible; you do went to progress meetings, and they not interfere with the operations of the failed to tell the international representa- IBEW in Canada.”

Page 132 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE He reminded the delegates that Yet another Local 105 resolution, Canadians were their best friend and the endorsed by Local 213, wanted the two economies were so intertwined, Canadian section of the union be granted

“that we share your depressions, your the right of self-government within the 1903 2003 recessions, your prosperity. In many IBEW, and the first convention of the YEARS cases there are ex-Canadians in the hall. Canadian section be arranged and held in of Electrifying Progress In other cases, there are ex-Americans in 1976 for the purpose of adopting an all- the balcony. And that’s the way it should Canadian Constitution, the election of be,” continued MacKasey. “There’s Canadian officers and the power to deal enough hatred and strife in the world to with all business which came before the keep mankind busy for 50 years. As long convention. as I have any influence in the Canadian Government, the Government will never Another was submitted by interfere with the internal operations of Sudbury Local 1687 resolving to divide an international union in trying its best to Canada into two districts – one east and make certain that the Canadians get the one west of the Ontario-Manitoba border. degree of autonomy they are entitled to These two resolutions were com- as Canadians.” bined and the Law Committee referred to For Canadians the report was not a resolution passed at the 1970 conven- the only contentious issue before the con- tion providing for the establishment of a vention as a number of Canadian locals special study committee on Canadian submitted several resolutions. One reso- affairs, and recommended non-concur- lution from Sudbury Local 1687 and rence. They argued many of the desires of endorsed by Vancouver Local 213 noted the Canadian brothers would be realized. that the International President had the Ken Rose said he attempted to power to determine policies. The resolu- establish an All Canada Progress Meeting tion did not question his right to do so where he intended to discuss all the issues but requested that these “policies” be brought up at the convention like unem- spelled out in the constitution. The Law ployment insurance and labour laws and Committee recommended non-concur- he distanced himself from any desire to rence because, “…The International establish a separate organization. President needed to retain the present lat- Certainly those pushing for further itude because of changing conditions and Canadian autonomy wanted considerably laws affecting the industry.” The com- more than the discussion Rose was mittee’s recommendation was upheld. promoting. Another resolution submitted by Another resolution was introduced Hamilton Local 105 requested that the by Sudbury Local 1687 and endorsed by International President’s “policies” be Vancouver Local 213. It wanted to subject to appeal. This, too, received a endorse strike action through secret ballot recommendation of non-concurrence in compliance with federal, provincial because the committee felt the and state law, but without the president’s International President needed the power permission. This resolution also received to discharge his duties effectively. a non-concurrence recommendation. The committee believed that the president

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 133 must have the power to protect the union seemed like a hostile action by the CLC. against hasty, ill-advised, illegal strikes. Rose explained his position at the meet- ing and those who attended moved a A resolution from Local 105 on motion of confidence in Rose that was 1903 2003 the Burke-Hartke Bill centred on the carried almost unanimously. YEARS of Electrifying Progress AFL-CIO’s support for the Bill, and asked IBEW to oppose it. Even though the Bill At the first All Canada Progress died at the committee stage before the Meeting held June 11 – 13, 1975, over 70 convention it received a recommendation per cent of Canadian IBEW locals were of non-concurrence. This proved to be represented. Rose announced that the controversial. IBEW was once again paying its full per capita to the CLC even though the prob- Some delegates were opposed to lems were not resolved and he insisted his Canadians asking for the Bill’s defeat. actions were not the result “of any pres- One delegate described James Burke, co- sure he received from IBEW locals in author of the Bill, as having a 100 per Canada.” He said that the unions posi- cent pro-labour record in his 26 years as tion would be re-evaluated after the 1976 a legislator for the state of Massachusetts. CLC convention. Another described both Burke and Hartke as two of the greatest senators the At the CLC convention in Quebec United States ever had. City, Rose was a member of the Commission on Constitution and By the fall of 1974 all but three Structure. An interim report was prepared building trades’ unions were withholding and submitted to the executive council per capita from the CLC and paid only a that proposed the commission be author- token portion to protest the enforcement ized to proceed with the detailed drafting of the CLC’s autonomy rules. CLC of amendments to the constitution to be President Joe Morris and several CLC presented to the 1976 convention on the officers even arranged to go to basis of the following principles: Washington to meet with AFL-CIO offi- cers in an effort to resolve the matter. Clarify the Constitutional language to reflect that the Congress is an The IBEW had 56,000 Canadian organization of affiliated unions members and normally paid CLC per and not of their locals; capita for 40,000, but now restricted its per capita payment to 8,300 members. That the Constitution language be The Sheet Metal Workers’ Toronto clarified to give full expression to Business Agent, Jack Donnelly, opposed the autonomy of the affiliates of the such action. “There are lots of things Congress; wrong with the CLC,” said Donnelly, Establish a new formula for con- “but I dispute the right of people in a for- vention representation on the basis eign country to tell me what organization of one delegate for each 1,000 to belong to.” members of an affiliate or major portion thereof; Press Secretary Bill Farquhar reported that Ken Rose addressed a Local That each affiliate be entitled to 353 meeting of 1,200 members where he three delegates for the first 10,000 was criticized by a small group for what members or major portion thereof;

Page 134 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE That official representation from it clear the IBEW’s position on staying in federations, labour councils, and the CLC was to try again to introduce a officers of the Congress remain more acceptable voting procedure.

unchanged; 1903 2003 The CLC voting procedure, which That the directly chartered locals of YEARS had not changed from its inaugural con- of Electrifying Progress the Congress be treated collectively vention, was one delegate one vote. as a single affiliate for the purposes Delegates were elected to attend by their of representation at Convention; locals. Every local was entitled to a dele- That affiliates be responsible for the gate and, depending on the size of the selection of delegates and the sub- membership in each local, additional del- mission of resolutions; and, egates were allowed. What changed was the increased presence of public sector That the amendments oblige the unions like the Public Service Alliance of affiliates to select the delegates in a Canada (PSAC), the Canadian Union of fair and democratic manner while Public Employees (CUPE) and the respecting their autonomy. Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). They created a shift in the bal- Ken Rose was elected Vice ance of power and the shift impacted President at the 1976 CLC convention. industrial-based unions that represented W. J. Jackes, W. Johnson and Wally the Auto, Steel, and Textile workers and Majesky were Local 353 delegates. the building trades’ unions.

The Canadian autonomy issue was While the public sector workers raised at the second IBEW All Canada received the brunt of the criticism, the Progress Meeting held in Halifax, Nova criticism was unfounded. IBEW and Scotia in May 1977. “Let me assure you, other construction trades agreed to the your International is prepared to assist delegate representation when both the you in that endeavour within the confines CCL and the TLC signed the merger of our IBEW Constitution. However, let agreement in the mid 1950s, and it me also add, your International will not became the basis for the CLC. defend any proposition, which will only serve to divide our membership in IBEW locals sent a total of 80 del- Canada from our membership in the egates to the 1978 CLC convention. United States,” International President They held a caucus on the Sunday after- Pillard commented on the IBEW’s future noon before the convention’s official in Canada. “Remember, we are one opening on Monday morning and the Brotherhood; it has been our strength in issue of delegate representation was the past and it will remain so in the raised. One of the goals was to revamp future.” the voting procedure.

International Vice President Rose At the convention itself, a modi- stated that he had been elected as a Vice fied voting scheme was placed before the President of the CLC at the 1976 CLC delegates. Because constitutional amend- convention, and had attended all execu- ments require a two-thirds majority for a tive meetings since then with the excep- vote to succeed, this vote lost 1,399 to tion of one. He emphasized that he made 723 – 15 short of the requirement.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 135 Dennis McDermott, former United a corporation: whatever policies are Auto Workers’ Canadian Director, was established by the international union the convention’s unanimous choice to must be implemented across the country; replace Joe Morris as CLC President. (and) if Provincial locals don’t like it, 1903 2003 they can get the hell out (over the past YEARS of Electrifying Progress At the 1978 IBEW International decade two have, then later returned to convention, Canadian autonomy issues the fold. The Quebec group, of course, is cropped up again. The result was the still out.)” same, yet Canadian demands were esca- lating. Hamilton Local 105 submitted a In the same article Bagnall wrote, resolution to amend the constitution to “McDermott is Rose stood on his head. provide All Canada Progress Meetings He is a social democrat, a hot-tempered with the authority to deal with resolu- civil rights activist, and an opponent of tions that were strictly Canadian in their straight business unionism, preferring to content. It also called to create a delegate see unions act as a social movement for structure similar or identical to the struc- the underprivileged as well as for their ture for IBEW conventions. Yet again the own members.” recommendation was for non-concur- rence. Because the 12,000 IBEW mem- bers in Quebec had become one of the Two weeks prior to the 1980 CLC central issues in the dispute, a few words convention in Winnipeg, Ken Rose on Quebec are appropriate. The CLC’s resigned as CLC Vice President. In the failure to act against the Quebec IBEW September 1980 Journal Ken Rose Federation of Labour (QFL) even though explained he resigned “because of recent the constitution was violated had more to decisions and/or indecision on matters do with the political situation of the day pertinent to the well-being and advance- than any anti-building trades’ movement. ment of the trade union movement in Canada by the CLC, he could not in With Rene Levesque as its leader good conscience, continue to support that the Parti Quebecois (PQ) was elected in central labour body.” Many wondered 1976 to govern Quebec. The PQ advo- why Rose did not finish his term and just cated Quebec separation from Canada not run again. and a referendum on separation tran- spired in 1980. A full 60 per cent of the In response to Rose’s resignation, electorate voted to remain within CLC President Dennis McDermott Canada, but 40 per cent opted to leave. charged that Rose resigned because of the The level of support for separation CLC’s inaction when electrical workers shocked many English-speaking left the international union in Quebec 10 Canadians and any idea that Canada years earlier. could break apart as a nation was diffi- cult to accept. Following Rose’s resignation, the building trades once again threatened to Before, during and after the refer- leave the CLC. In a July 12, 1980 endum many accommodations were made Financial Post article, author James to appease Quebec. For the Canadian Bagnall described Rose as, “a business trade union movement to be viewed as unionist par excellence. He runs his opposing the wishes of the Quebec mem- union with an iron hand and runs it like bership of all unions was unacceptable.

Page 136 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Accommodation has always been attended the December 1980 meeting and part of the Canadian way; we feel it’s bet- talked about the CLC building trades’ ter than civil war. It is no accident that dispute:

we have the Canada Pension Plan, and a 1903 2003 separately-funded Quebec Pension Plan. Brother Rose pointed out that YEARS Rose, for all his pronouncements about the problems were serious matters of Electrifying Progress his “Canadianism,” should have recog- that building trades unions within nized that. Indeed, he probably did, but the C.L.C. had lived with for a ignored it preferring instead to impress number of years now, hoping and his American colleagues with his loyalty working toward some form of to the IBEW to the detriment of his accommodation that would permit Canadian membership. us to stay in the C.L.C. with the assurance that our work jurisdic- As the CLC building trades’ split tions would be recognized and pro- loomed Wally Majesky, who was the tected; that the voting structure at President of the Toronto Labour Council Conventions would be amended to at the time said, “The row between the reflect fair representation for all; CLC and the leaders of international and that the C.L.C. would insist building trades unions could cause a lot that federations and councils that of problems and possibly weaken bar- were affiliated to the Congress gaining if not resolved.” abide by the Constitution of the Congress. This would mean that Along with Dave Johnson, the Quebec Federation of Labour Business Manager of the 50,000-member would have to cease harbouring, Metro Toronto Central Ontario Building and therefore divest itself of rump and Construction Trades Council, organisations such as the Majesky distributed a joint statement International Provincial accusing the officers of international Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, unions of denying members their rights. a breakaway group from the The statement claimed that the decision I.B.E.W. in Quebec. to withhold dues was made by the busi- ness agents and officers. In a March 11, 1981 letter to the In an attempt to resolve the dis- Toronto Star, Wally Majesky wrote: pute, and believing that the Canadian “The withdrawal of the build- officers of international unions were not ing-trades-unions from the CLC, being honest with their American coun- will only mean that the Canadian terparts, McDermott arranged a meeting members of these unions will have with AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland no voice in the legitimate Canadian and the presidents of building trades trade union movement. They will unions, the IBEW included. McDermott be disenfranchised and will not emphasized that his meetings in the U.S. have the right to elect delegates to did not mean he was “going cap in hand the CLC, provincial federations of to Washington to be subjected to system- labor nor to local labor councils. atic blackmail.” “We can expect to see a lengthy As reported in the January 20, period of labor turmoil, such as 1981 Local 353 Newsletter Ken Rose

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 137 raiding --- a further disintegration “It has become increasingly clear of labor strength and an ultimate that the goal of the leadership of the weakening of our overall strength.” international building trades unions is not

1903 2003 (Majesky would be proved correct consultation and compromise within the on all counts.) House of Labour, but rather ultimatums YEARS of Electrifying Progress and confrontation to force their members “---I would strongly suggest out of their legitimate place in the CLC,” that, if the building trades really said the CLC in a summary of the issues want to be part of the Canadian leading to the suspension. mosaic, they stop this fraternal bickering and immediately The summary further cited the announce their intention to stay 1980 CLC convention where the amend- with the Congress, pay back the ed formula would have been approved dues that are owing and start work- had the building trades not instructed ing toward a goal of abiding by the their members to boycott the convention. CLC’s Constitutional standards of self-government and towards The summary also addressed a strengthening the Canadian trade position paper presented to the CLC in union movement.” November 1980 by Ken Rose on behalf of the building trades Canadian execu- In a press release dated March 11, tive. He complained that “this is not a 1981, the CLC announced that it was the Congress of affiliates, it is a Congress of unanimous decision of the 32 trade union local unions, Congress conventions do leaders that effective April 30 they would not reflect the views of the affiliates but suspend 12 international building trades rather the views of individual members of unions from both the CLC and its federa- those bodies ---. We want a strong tions for non-payment of per capita fees. Congress, we want a strong and represen- tative Executive Council and one which is responsive to the affiliates as a whole, rather than the present arrangements, which only…responds to the wishes of the special interest groups.”

The CLC claimed that the position paper presented by Ken Rose on January 16, 1981 was “the only written document on the Constitution received from the leader of the international building trades unions. For them to now suggest this is not their position on the Constitution is, to say the least, most peculiar!” The CLC summary addressed what it per- ceived as major contradictions in the building trades position over the many months of the debate.

Wally Majesky - Local 353 Member and Metro Toronto Labour Council President

Page 138 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE In essence it accused the building “Although International Vice trades of wanting a top-down-adminis- President Rose received the full sup- tered congress rather than what already port, for his position on this matter,

existed, a congress in which the rank and from the I.B.E.W. local unions 1903 2003 file member had a greater say. across the country at Progress meet- YEARS ings last year, it is his intention to of Electrifying Progress Business Manager Bill Hardy hold a one day meeting on April 8, wrote in the March 27, 1981 Local 353 1981 of representatives from all Newsletter: IBEW local unions in Canada to review and discuss the situation in “C.L.C. – BUILDING TRADES its entirety ---.” DISPUTE

“The marriage that took place On April 30, 1981, Ken Rose in Toronto at a convention in April, attended a Local 105 meeting in 1956, joining the Canadian Hamilton with a reported 150 members Congress of Labour and the Trades in attendance. The May 1 Globe and and Labour Congress of Canada, Mail report of the meeting revealed a was a good bet to end up in divorce majority of those present opposed Rose’s from the start, the wonder is that it decision to leave the CLC. One member didn’t come apart before now. It was quoted as having told Rose, “this was an effort by the two organiza- union is my union, not Washington’s. It tions to meld into one big happy belongs to us. You people don’t under- family of labour through the stand that.” C.L.C., but it only managed to become big and unhappy. The dif- The motion calling upon the ferences that originally existed International to pay the per capita owing remained and even expanded as the and to select a sub-committee empowered Congress became more and more to resolve the differences was successful dominated by the public service with 84 in favour and 12 against. Rose unions. rejected the sentiments embodied in the motion saying that the Hamilton vote did “The one big complaint that not reflect the wishes of 70,000 IBEW hits us closest to home is the con- Canadian members. Perhaps not, but tinuing move by the industrial members who attended the Local 105 unions to insist on doing new con- meeting represented the only local that struction work, expansion and ren- had the opportunity to vote. One mem- ovation and maintenance in plants ber likened Rose’s actions to “…fighting where the said industrial unions a fire with a can of gasoline.” represent the work force. This rep- resents millions and millions of dol- Rose warned that any IBEW local lars worth of work that the building that affiliated with the CLC would be trades unions claim as their histori- placed in trusteeship…so much for the cal right but that is being taken will of the IBEW Canadian membership. away from them, apparently with the blessing of the C.L.C.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 139 The September 1981 Local 353 newsletter reprinted a letter from ROSE LEADS IBEW AND International Vice President Ken Rose

1903 2003 announcing, “… the recent attempts that BUILDING TRADES INTO have been made by the Canadian YEARS of Electrifying Progress Executive Board for the Building Trades THE CFL Unions and the Canadian Labour Congress to settle their dispute have resulted in failure and the necessity to create another national house of labour, as an umbrella for the building trades On May 1, 1981 Rose announced unions and other unions that might be that the 12 suspended unions would form interested, is now upon us.” a new organization called the Canadian Federation of Labour (CFL). The CFL Canadian trade unionists belong- would represent the building trades and ing to international unions recognize the any other unions that wanted to join. CLC as their national central labour The 27,000-member Ontario District body. Ken Rose had no problem choos- Council of the Labourers’ Union ing between his union and his country; he announced it would remain with the chose his union. CLC. Canadian trade unionists don’t On June 1, 1981, Local 353 want to choose between the two, nor reproduced a statement by James A. should they be required to. IBEW was McCambly, Executive Secretary for the entitled to 80 delegates and 78 attended building trades unions. It read in part: the founding convention of the CFL on March 31, 1982. Local 353 President “…The Canadian Executive Bill Baird represented the local and Ken Board for the Building Trades Rose served as convention chair and in Unions today announced the cre- his opening remarks said: ation of a new central labour body in Canada. “This meeting is an historic occasion for the trade union move- “…The Canadian Federation of ment in Canada. Our decisions can Labour plans to hold a founding forge a new role for Canadian Convention in October 1981. workers and their unions in resolv- Representatives of unions from all ing the economic and social prob- across Canada wishing to be affili- lems our great nation faces. And ated to the CFL will attend this we are ready to begin that task. convention. “We are sincere when we say to “…The effort of the Canadian our Brothers and Sisters in the CLC Federation of Labour will be direct- that we believe our paths will both ed towards unity within the labour reach the same goal: the goal of a movement and will endeavour to better life for workers. We just want co-operate with all other labour to reach that goal more quickly. organizations for the common good.”

Page 140 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE “Our decision today to form the workers it represents --- inde- the Canadian Federation of Labour pendent, progressive and free. We does not mean that those who were bind ourselves to no party, to no

instrumental in the merger of the ‘ism, to no ideology.” 1903 2003 Trades and Labour Congress and YEARS of Electrifying Progress the Canadian Congress of Labour Barry Fraser, a delegate represent- failed. Their goals of 1955 were ing Hamilton Local 105, saw most of his simply expressed: First, amalgama- local’s resolutions removed from the con- tion; second, understanding; and vention book after they were defeated in third, consolidation and growth. an Electrical Workers Caucus. The “The success achieved on the Labourers, Ironworkers and the first and third goals – amalgama- Carpenters unions never became part of tion, and consolidation and growth the CFL membership. – created a movement with the potential of fulfilling its commit- ment to the workers of Canada. “The mistake that was made, BILL HARDY DEFEATED however, was in not making the sec- ond goal – understanding – the first goal. We were together, but we were not. The 1975 elections for Local 353 “What was to have been a were a stunning upset. Only 499 of vehicle of co-operation and under- approximately 4,200 members bothered standing, what was to have been a to vote and Bill Johnson defeated Tom mighty force to express and Hart, who had served two terms as expound upon the needs and aspi- President. The real shock was Bill rations of organized labour has Hardy’s defeat as Business Manager. now become a conglomerate jungle Hardy had been Assistant Business of independent unions, of associa- Manager for 20 years and Business tions, and an alarming array of Manager for six. Warren Chapman – a directly chartered groups. newcomer with virtually no experience – “I cannot stress too strongly, it defeated him. was not a challenge we sought! Hardy’s defeat shocked everyone – The challenge would not have even those who opposed him. Since 1930 occurred if the CLC had carried out when Business Manager W.H. Brown its responsibility to protect the resigned, the Business Manager’s position integrity and the autonomy of its passed smoothly from one to another – affiliated unions. If the rights of first from Brown to Frank Selke, from our unions and the rights of our Selke to Cecil Shaw, from Shaw to Bill collective membership in the Farquhar and from Farquhar to Bill Province of Quebec had been pro- Hardy. That is not to say that these men tected, we would not be here today. did not receive electoral opposition. The Canadian Federation we They did, but none were ever seriously establish will be the mirror image of challenged before Hardy’s defeat.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 141 Warren Chapman was charged with the same year, Bill Hardy was appointed not conducting the affairs of the local in a to replace him – again by Rose. proper manner. Bill Baird, former Local This action did not sit well with 1903 2003 353 President, said Chapman had his own way of doing things. Both Chapman and the Local 353 membership. Their dis- YEARS of Electrifying Progress Johnson were part of the same cell and it pleasure was not against Bill Hardy per apparently had the support of the small se, because no one questioned his leader- group within the Local. To Baird, Johnson ship abilities nor his dedication to the was a good guy who got caught up in the membership. politics once he got into power, but was Their displeasure stemmed prima- not a dishonest person. rily from Rose’s interference with the In the spring of 1977 Chapman democratic process. There were no was removed from office by International improprieties in the election and so far as Vice President Ken Rose and on July 1 of they were concerned, the election results should stand.

He revised the out-of-work list proce- dure, which he saw as discriminatory against Warren Chapman Local members working out of town. Introduced under his guidance, the new proce- Business Manager 1975 – 1977 dure placed the newly unemployed member at the bottom of the list. The member would Warren Chapman was elected Business move up the list in proper order until his name Manager of Local 353 in June 1975 in a stun- reached the top and members working out of ning upset - by a margin of 273 to 218 – over town remained on the out-of-work list. Bill Hardy. Prior to winning the election When a member reached the top of the Chapman had not held an executive position list he was given the option to take available within the Local, having run unsuccessfully for work in town and had three days to make a the Executive Board in 1972. decision. Refusing the available work would Upon assuming office Chapman move him to the bottom of the list and the acknowledged Hardy’s outstanding contribution process was repeated. to the Local and described Hardy as having Chapman, and recently elected Business served the membership faithfully and as having Manager Barry Fraser in Local 105, Hamilton, always done what he regarded as best for the worked towards a new accord, creating a co- Local. He attributed his own victory to chang- operative alliance between the two locals. ing times and the membership’s wish for a new Chapman was removed from office in order, as well as membership dissatisfaction 1977 at the request of International Vice with the Local’s officers. President Ken Rose.

Page 142 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE tion campaign Trudeau criticized Conservative leader Robert Stanfield for ANTI INFLATION BOARD campaigning in favour of wage controls, and here in 1975 Trudeau himself was 1903 2003 – Wage and Price putting a similar wage and price control YEARS program into effect. of Electrifying Progress

Controls Become Law Wage and price controls were widely condemned by the CLC for their unequal treatment of major components of the economy. Wages were being strict- While Canada would not experi- ly watched and held to prescribed guide- ence compulsory wage and price controls lines, yet controls on food and energy until 1975, the prelude to these controls were indefinite. The CLC assessed 25 came through the formation of the Prices cents per member to create a $500,000 and Incomes Commission under John fund to fight the controls. Young. As an alternative to the controls The commission’s mandate was to the CLC offered a 10-point program to disclose the facts around wage and price fight inflation. The program included: increases. It analysed the causes of these 1. A major program of subsidized low- increases and informed both the govern- rental housing for low-income families. ment and the public how price stability could best be achieved. A government 2. Effective rent controls covering not white paper – Policies for Price Stability – only existing house structures but also emphasized that collective bargaining new rental accommodations to curb would remain free. gouging of tenants.

Regardless of the stated reason for 3. An active program to curb land specu- its formation, the labour movement felt it lation and to establish land banks. was just another attack on the trade union movement. This was just another 4. Subsidized mortgage rates for lower government attempt to stifle wage income families to enable them to pur- increases. chase homes.

“No-one has yet established that 5. Regulation of oil and gas prices, which wage increases are inflationary in an have seriously fuelled inflation. independent way,” said CLC President 6. A negative income tax, or some form Donald MacDonald. “Wages are only of tax credits, to protect those who one form of income that influences infla- have little or no bargaining power and tion; others, of course, are executive who fall into lower income brackets. salaries, professional fees, dividends, interest and rents.” 7. An increase in old age pensions.

On Thanksgiving Day October 14, 8. A definite guarantee that any tax con- 1975, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott cessions made to corporations will be Trudeau announced the introduction of used for investment purposes to create wage and price controls. In the 1974 elec-

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 143 jobs and not end up in higher pay- In an article in Local 353’s ments of dividends. newsletter, The Spectrum, Ray Tyrrell defended the local’s support of the 9. Full employment policies to abolish the protest. “Brothers, it’s about inequities, 1903 2003 high rate of joblessness in this country. unjust burdens, hypocrisy and down-right YEARS of Electrifying Progress dishonesty by the government of this 10. A stable monetary policy in line with country,” said Tyrrell in response to potential economic growth and the members questions about the purpose of total eradication of wasteful govern- the protest. ment expenditures which benefit only a privileged group at the expense of The article said the AIB put specif- the ordinary taxpayers. ic controls in place, setting limits on wage and salary increases, but there was no In labours opinion the imposition absolute control on prices or profits. To of Wage and Price Controls was the eco- hammer home his point Tyrrell cited Bell nomic equivalent of the War Measures Telephone’s rate increases in the previous Act. seven years. Bells 1975 profits were 18.9 At a western regional meeting Ken per cent higher than in 1974, and 30 per Rose dismissed the Anti-Inflation Board cent higher up to that point in 1976. All (AIB) as ill conceived, both in its of this was government-approved. approach and application. Real estate profits were up 42 per The July 1976 Journal published cent for the period August 1975 to the results of a Canadian Broadcasting August 1976, and Trans Canada Pipe Corporation (CBC) news poll that showed Lines profits were 45.4 per cent higher in support for the anti-inflation program was 1975 than in 1974, with another 33 per constantly declining. Sixty-five per cent of cent increase for the first months in 1976. those surveyed believed it to be unfair. At its September 9, 1976 meeting, However, in a 7 to 2 ruling the Supreme under the leadership of Bill Johnson the Court of Canada (with Justices Jean Beetz local gave its overwhelming support to and Louis Phillipe de Grandpré dissenting) the upcoming National Day of Protest on ruled the AIB as necessary and decided it October 14, 1976. The entire Local 353 was constitutional. full-time staff donated a full day’s pay to A Gallup poll revealed that 85 per the Toronto Building Trades Council to cent of those surveyed believed prices help offset the cost of the protest. would increase more quickly than family There was a downside to all of income. this and again, Ken Rose was at the cen- On October 14, 1976, the tre of the controversy. At the 1978 IBEW anniversary date of the imposition of the convention, two years after the protest, controls, one million Canadian workers Terry Fraser from Hamilton Local 105 from more than 100 communities across revealed that Ken Rose had sent letters to Canada – including over half the CLC local unions recommending that they not affiliates – took part in a National Day of participate in the Day of Protest. Rose Protest and walked off the job. denied the charges. “I said they should make their decision based upon their cir- cumstances,” said Rose. “And I want

Page 144 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE that delegate to know that thousands and thousands of IBEW members and IBEW local unions participated in the day of IBEW LOCAL 353 protest.” GOES ON STRIKE 1903 2003 YEARS That is perhaps so, but given of Electrifying Progress Fraser’s revelations IBEW’s participation level didn’t appear to have much to do with Rose’s leadership on the issue. In 1977 the economy was in a Be that as it may, IBEW locals did slump. While actual construction expen- participate. Dian Cohen, a Montreal ditures were higher than the previous economist had this to say about the year, it was estimated that it had more to protest’s impact: “A million Canadian do with inflation than actual starts. workers gave up at least $40 million in wages … to protest the federal govern- Nevertheless, Local 353 went on ment’s wage and price control pro- strike June 27, 1977. The main issue was gramme …This is the first time any a demand for a four-day 30-hour week labour organization in North America with a corresponding decrease in pay. rallied its members in a cost-to-coast The rationale for the shorter workweek political demonstration against a govern- was to create more work for those who ment’s political decision.” were unemployed – sharing the work. One would have assumed that the In retaliation against the protesters demand for the 30-hour week would some employees were dismissed for tak- have been embraced, but that was not the ing part. Most, if not all of these dis- case. missals were overturned through the grievance and arbitration process. In a Toronto Star article by Rosemary Spears – “Electricians Try to In a statement to industry and Rescue Jobs, but Others Lose” – Karl labour leaders on July 29, 1977, the gov- Mallette, Director of the Metro Toronto ernment announced it believed the best Apartment Builders Association asked, method for de-control would be to “How can we allow one union to wreak release firms from control as they came to this much economic havoc?” Hardy felt the end of the fiscal year that the pro- that if Mallette was one of the approxi- gram started. The dates suggested for de- mately 600 electricians on the unions’ control were October 14, 1977, January out-of-work list, he might have felt the 2, 1978 and October 14, 1978. The CLC strike was well worth the cost. dismissed the government’s conditions and stressed they must be lifted immedi- The union’s proposal was that ately and unconditionally. members work a four-day week on a rotating basis until the economy showed significant signs of improvement at which time they would return to the 37.5-hour workweek.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 145 John Stefanini of Labourers Union the International office – specifically Ken Local 183 termed the strike a tragedy, Rose. and while he appreciated the intent of International Vice President Ken 1903 2003 Local 353 he felt the best way to tackle high unemployment was through the pro- Rose insisted that work would resume on YEARS of Electrifying Progress motion of more building projects in the the Spadina subway the following area. Local 353 also came under criti- Tuesday – which just happened to be the cism from the Toronto Transit day after Labour Day. Rose claimed that Commission for holding up the installa- it was only after an “agonizing appraisal tion of signals. Clive Ballentine, Business that he ordered the members back to Manager of the Building Trades Council, work.” Rose termed the strike unjusti- termed the strike “a legal strike for a just fied and said that it created an “unwar- cause.” He stressed that it could not be ranted hardship” and that he did what he regarded as selfishness when 2,500 men thought was best for the membership. “are willing to take home less pay to help Ontario Labour Minister Bette 600 get jobs.” Stephenson, who normally criticized labour bosses for their abuse of power, After six weeks on strike the local expressed her delight for the union deci- voted on a “final offer” in August 1977. sion and was present at Rose’s press con- The negotiating committee urged its ference. members to reject the offer – mainly because the 30-hour proposal was not Many Local 353 members stated part of the new package. The contractors publicly that they would refuse to follow did agree to a reduction to a 36-hour Rose’s directive and vowed to hold meet- workweek, but this was not considered ings over the weekend. Local 353 mem- sufficient to solve the unemployment ber Ray MacKissick deemed the directive problem within the local. It is important – the second occasion within a year – as to note that the first vote authorizing one where the democratic wishes of the strike action passed by a 70-vote margin. local had been taken away by the The second vote held six and a half International. “The first was when the weeks into the strike rejected the latest international stepped in to appoint Hardy employer offer by 1120 to 809. as Business Manager when the Local had previously voted him out of office,” said Local 353’s Bill Johnson said, MacKissick. “Local 353 members are skilled workmen who wanted to work,” and did not want Dissident Local 353 members charity or unemployment insurance. placed an ad in the September 15, 1977 Despite the solidarity of Local 353 mem- edition of the Toronto Star that criticized bers, they were ordered back to work by the International office.

Page 146 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE ELECTRICIANS!

The International has flatly refused to allow the membership of Local 1903 2003 353 a democratic ratification meeting with free discussion and a secret ballot. YEARS of Electrifying Progress The membership was forced back to work while on a legal strike, which we believe may be contrary to the Ontario Labour Relations Act.

The Executive Board of the Local demanded the right to hold a sched- uled meeting on September 11th, but the International decided to delay the issue by having a mail-in ballot on September 30th. We all know what can happen with mailed ballots.

The membership have been told to ratify a fuzzy incomplete agreement. The Percentages in the so called work sharing program will be sent to Arbitration. A procedure which will take months to settle.

So, a totally selfless strike which was conducted by the membership in a democratic manner with unprecedented union solidarity has gone down the drain. You voted against a similar work-sharing program before. There are still too many loopholes.

WHY SHOULD THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE DICATATE TO LOCAL MEMBERS?

VOTE NO AGAIN

Local 353 members did in fact – the International Brotherhood of return to work on September 6, 1977 Electrical Workers, Local 353 – deserves without a vote. Those opposed to Rose’s the 1977 unselfish award.” directive hired a lawyer to represent them. When the vote was finally held in early “Will the electricians example be fol- October 1977 the contract was accepted lowed? Work sharing could put Canada’s by a narrow 13-vote margin. The agree- unemployed people back to work,” contin- ment provided for a reduction in the hours ued Nielsen. “A half-day – 10 per cent of from 675 to 550 in any 18-week period. the workweek – should be enough to take care of 8 per cent unemployment. Toronto Star staff writer Robert Nielsen applauded Local 353 members “What it would demand of us, in and believed “their cause received too lit- short, is about half as much generosity tle credit. They made a self-sacrificing – toward the unemployed as the Toronto and in the end – partly successful attempt electricians have shown.” to combat unemployment in their trade,” Ed Nott, reflecting on the strike said Nielsen. “It’s so rare when any 25 years later, believes that a great oppor- group proposes to solve an economic tunity was missed. He recalls that he, problem at their own expense, instead of who at the time was not in a position other peoples, that the electricians union

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 147 that was considered a high-union level position, received numerous calls from politicians, contractors and business peo- JOE FASHION SUSPENDED

1903 2003 ple all exerting pressure to cease pushing for a reduced workweek. FROM OFFICE YEARS of Electrifying Progress This strike is a perfect example of both the best and the worst of trade unionism. We see the unselfish effort of the membership to seek a solution to a Wage and price controls, inter- problem impacting 600 of their brothers. union disruption, trusteeship – Local 353 At the same time, we see the heavy-hand- members must have wondered if they edness of a union leader who would lived under a huge black cloud. The sus- rather bow down to the wishes of the pension of Joe Fashion from his position self-serving politician and contractor to of Chairman of the Executive Board curry favour. certainly didn’t help alleviate this perception. It was – at one and the same time – one of the local’s finest hours and its darkest day.

(that was going non-union) through an inten- sive Stabilization and Market Recovery Joe Fashion Program and an on-going organizing program. These efforts have resulted in a Local with a Business Manager 1987 – Present membership of more than 7,000. The investment of a $49 million Joe Fashion first joined the IBEW in Market Recovery Fund over seven years was 1957 and has served as Business Manager of estimated to result in 3,488 full-time jobs, 5.6 Local 353 continuously since defeating Robert million person-hours of work and $218 million Rynyk in a run-off election in 1987. in wages and benefits paid directly to Local 353 Fashion attended his first convention in members. 1966 in St. Louis. Fashion ran for Business Under Fashion’s leadership, the low-rise Manager against Farquhar in 1968 and against residential sector is 80-85 per cent unionized JOE FASHION Hardy in 1970 and lost. Fashion was elected to within Local 353. Prior to the 1997 agreement the Executive Board for the first time in June this sector was completely non-union. The high- 1972 and was re-elected in 1975 where he rise residential sector is 90–95 per cent union- served as the Executive Board Chairman until ized and both sectors enjoy virtually full International Vice President Ken Rose removed employment. Fashion from office in 1977. Fashion appealed A major organizing victory was the cer- the ruling right up to the International tification of 230 electricians at TROM Electric Convention in 1982 when he was completely in 2002 – the largest electrical contractor ever exonerated. organized by Local 353. The organizing suc- Fashion has led the Local through some cesses can be directly attributed to Fashion’s hir- perilous times. His achievements are many and ing of additional organizers. include successfully leading the Local through New initiatives in labour education, the devastating economic downturn in the early health and safety, and political action are also 1990’s. As a result, the Local emerged even achievements resulting from Fashion’s leadership. stronger and more vibrant than before. Gary Majesky was hired in 1998 pri- A no-nonsense Business Manager, marily to assist Local 353’s members who are Fashion orchestrated the reclamation of work injured on the job. A Workplace Safety and

Page 148 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Insurance Board specialist, Majesky has an Program that started out at 50 cents per hour impressive 90 per cent success rate in appeals. and is now at $1.25 per hour. The Technical Education department, Another of Fashion’s preeminent tri- under the guidance of Ed Nott, has increased umphs is the ‘Joint Proposal,’ initiated in 1992. 1903 2003 the number of trade-related courses to 34 pro- The purpose of the Joint Proposal is to renew a YEARS of Electrifying Progress grams with six new courses added recently. In collective bargaining process that allows both the fall of 2000, the Local introduced a Labour the Union and Electrical Contractors to negoti- Studies course designed to identify and encour- ate the Principal Agreement without a work age members to become more active in union stoppage. This process of negotiating early has affairs. worked effectively in the previous four out of The Political Action Committee became five rounds of bargaining. Prior to the incep- directly involved in the 1999 provincial elec- tion of the Joint Proposal, the unionized electri- tion, the 2000 federal election and the 1997 cal industry was involved in work stoppages and 2000 municipal elections. With two full- some lasting as long as two months. time organizers and over 60 Local 353 volun- Both parties agreed that the effect on teers, the Local was instrumental in electing 75 union marketshare was negative and felt that it per cent of the candidates it endorsed. was in the best interest of the union electrical In addition to serving as Business industry to conclude negotiations as early as Manager/Financial Secretary of Local 353, possible without a work stoppage. They real- Fashion has served in many other capacities. ized they must work together jointly to expand He served as President of the IBEW the unionized sector of the construction and Construction Council of Ontario; Trustee of the service/maintenance industry. Health and Welfare Plan; Trustee of the Pension The Joint Electrical Promotion Plan Fund; Executive Board Member of the (JEPP) promotes through radio and advertise- Provincial Building Trades Council; Delegate to ment, an image of teamwork and cooperation IBEW conventions – including the 2001 conven- between the IBEW and ECAO. Also, as a result tion in San Francisco where he was appointed of the ‘Joint Proposal’, the IBEW CCO has to the Law Committee; member of the I.B.E.W. developed a strong and successful organizing – E.C.A.T. Joint Conference Board; program across Ontario. Administrator for the Local’s Market Recovery Fashion believes the Joint Fund; and, Vice President of the Ontario Apprenticeship Council has to be re-evaluated; Federation of Labour. Most recently, Fashion it must become a better delivery agent for was appointed to the IBEW International apprentices to become better trained and more Executive Council Eighth District in 2003. involved in the industry. Fashion also sees an Fashion sees his greatest achievements opportunity for further organizing and he as acquiring the building at 1377 Lawrence believes that offering continuing education Ave. E. and establishing the classrooms and training throughout the city is critical to the education programs. His success and emphasis continued success of the Local. on organizing is also an important part of his mandate, as well as the Market Recovery

The charges against Fashion arose On appeal to International out of the 1977 strike where he was President Pillard, Fashion’s suspension accused of “fraudulently receiving or mis- was reduced to four years. A further appropriating …monies from a local appeal to the International executive union of I.B.E.W” He was accorded a council simply upheld Pillard’s ruling. “full and fair” hearing, where Another appeal was submitted to the International Vice President Rose found International convention in 1982, and the him guilty. Rose removed Fashion from appeals committee upheld the previous office and barred him from participating decisions and recommended the appeal be in the affairs of the local for seven years. denied. Additionally, he was ordered to repay $406.69 to Local 353.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 149 When the appeal went to the had presented enough evidence at his trial 3,500 delegates on the floor of the board hearing to prove himself not guilty. Convention, and as is customary in these He thought it was enough. matters, Fashion was permitted five min- 1903 2003 utes to explain his side of the story. To complicate matters further, YEARS of Electrifying Progress When the five minutes was up one could Fashion asked for a postponement of his request an additional five minutes that trial board hearing because he and his may be granted or denied by the dele- wife had booked a charter flight for a gates. Fashion requested and received the vacation. To cancel his trip meant losing extra time. the prepaid fare. The business represen- tative granted the postponement, but was In his defense, Fashion contended subsequently overturned by Rose who that the trial was about a bookkeeping insisted that he appear before the trial error he committed. He explained that board as scheduled. As a result of the one month after he became Chairman of postponement denial, Fashion appeared the Local 353 executive board, the local as scheduled but he was not as prepared of 4,000 members went on strike. “All as he might otherwise have been. hell broke loose,” Fashion said, and he found himself performing three full-time Rose dismissed all of Fashion’s jobs – his regular job for his employer, his justifications and claimed, “…Fashion involvement with strike patrol and co- never phoned me, never came near me, ordinating the efforts of strike volunteers. never wrote me a letter.” In addition, the union charged 96 mem- Business Representative Ron Raw bers with 318 incidents during the strike – the Local 353 delegate who filed the and all cases had to be heard. This neces- charges against Fashion – was given sitated long trial board meetings and both recognition at the microphone but offered Fashion and the Recording Secretary nothing constructive to the debate. He made certain there were no mistakes. simply stated that Rose had covered any With all of this going on, he points that he might have made. booked time off his normal job and had Robert Gullins, also from Local lost time paid by the local. Surprisingly, 353, defended Fashion. Gullins was the foreman changed Fashions records involved with Fashion in most of the trial without his knowledge. proceedings, during the strike and in Because of all this activity, Fashion other activities. “I’ve seen the figures claimed he lost track of where he was that he has. I don’t believe he’s guilty,” concerning hours paid by the local, and said Gullins. “As a character reference, I hours paid by the employer. He also don’t think he would do this intentionally claimed that he was still owed money by to the Local Union…” the local union for his lost time. He was- Fashion was questioned on why he n’t overly concerned about it though. He did not contact Rose to talk over these figured when the strike and the associated issues. Fashion explained that the local activity ceased, he would have plenty of was under trusteeship and when he time to balance the books. returned there were many hard feelings Fashion admitted that he said he between him and Rose. “…How would I had a fair hearing because he believed he ever make a decision on my own from

Page 150 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE then on? I would always have this thing non-Canadian delegates ask questions to hanging over me that he had done me a prolong the debate for over an hour? favour,” stressed Fashion. “I decided I’d Ed Nott, Local 353 Technical wait my four years and come in front of 1903 2003 this body and have a fair trial.” Education Director, also attended the YEARS convention and recalls Fashion being of Electrifying Progress Quick on his feet any time he was escorted in to the hall by two seargeant- criticized, especially at an International at-arms. They remained at his side – convention.. “A statement was made standing – during Fashions entire defense. here that’s not true. There has never Nott believes that the convention dele- been any animosity on my part towards gates found this treatment excessive. Brother Fashion,” said Rose. “If he felt that way himself, then I’m sorry about it, Fashion was exonerated as a result but it was on his part and not on mine, of the full participation of his brothers and he has no substance to that state- and sisters from both the United States ment.” and Canada. His victory should not be tainted through innuendo. One delegate rose on a point of order and asked, “Do you feel that it’s Fashion, speaking about these fair to me and every other delegate in this events in an interview in July 2003, stat- hall to be hit with a case that a man wait- ed that despite having been exonerated he ed four years to be heard and you give did not return to his position on the exec- him a 10-minute speaking period to pres- utive board. While he had only been ent his case when he had a tribune of removed from the executive board posi- maybe seven or eight men that have tion, but had maintained his membership stacked the decks against him? I don’t throughout and still continued to pay know this man, but I don’t think we’ve dues, he was not permitted to run for given him a fair trial.” office or to attend union meetings.

In the end, Fashion won his appeal When Fashion returned to and was reinstated, an accomplishment Toronto after the convention, he admits about which one I BEW member said, to still being disenchanted with the union. “that in itself is quite a miracle!” He didn’t attend meetings for some time, but gradually, over time, he did go to Others, however, were not quite meetings and became involved again. so charitable. Bill Baird, who attended the convention, said he believed Fashion It seems that the most convincing won on a technicality and that technicali- proof for belief in Fashion’s innocence is ty was that everyone was tired and want- that in 2002 he won a substantial mandate ed to go home. The convention had been from the local to continue his term as in session all day and Fashion’s appeal Business Manager – a full 20 years after his was heard at night. Perhaps it's due to exoneration by the convention delegates. the passage of time, but Baird’s version Ed Nott, in reflecting on the events does not fit with the facts. believes that Fashion’s trouble had If the delegates were so tired, why absolutely nothing to do with misappro- did they grant permission for the addi- priation of funds, but rather more to do tional five minutes and why did so many with an article he wrote in the Spectrum.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 151 Nott recalls that in his capacity of so, and were the victims of trumped-up editor of the newsletter, when he accepted charges by the International – Ken Rose in the article for publication he was appre- particular. Rose assigned Don Lounds, the hensive about printing it. And in some current International Vice President, to 1903 2003 respects regrets to this day that he did. serve as trial chairperson. YEARS of Electrifying Progress The regret stems not from any inaccura- cies, but stems from the problems its pub- As difficult as it might be to lication unleashed. The article, “Have believe, part of the problem that led to You Been Wondering What Has the imposition of the 1978 trusteeship Happened In Your Local Lately,” pub- centred in part on Financial Secretary lished on the front page of the October Steve Weslak. Weslak refused to grant 1977 issue of The Spectrum questioned funds to the local to have a Christmas the rationale for removing Warren party because the local was going broke. Chapman from office. He outlined his concerns about the local’s financial status in writing to the Business In the article Fashion merely cited Manager with a copy to Ken Rose but his all the events surrounding the imposition assessment was not accepted and plans of the trusteeship. Nott thinks that the for a party went ahead. imposition of the trusteeship and the removal of Fashion from office drained Baird said that the local had the resources of the Local. He also dances and various sports activities. believes it soured many potential leaders However, there was no entertainment from becoming actively involved in the fund so any costs exceeding receipts for local, and set the local back to such an these activities were paid from the general extent that it took many years to recover. funds. These expenditures were always He himself never ran for elected office. approved by the membership but not by Fortunately for the union, Nott has the International Vice President – they remained active. His contribution as were normally rubber-stamped. Technical Director of the Technical In Baird’s estimation, to maintain Education department has insured that stability the International office always Local 353 members continue to be lead- had the trump card. It approved all of ers in their field. these things in the past and now, all of a sudden it was not appropriate. This was the way the International could control a group it thought had got out of hand.

LOCAL 353 PLACED IN The local was placed under trusteeship and, according to Baird, the TRUSTEESHIP entire executive was thrown out. Baird said he was perceived to be all right and was asked to head up a financial commit- tee to look into the local’s affairs and to make recommendations. As he recalls it, In May 1978 Local 353 was placed the recommendation was to establish a in Trusteeship. Trials were held and those sports and entertainment fund for the pur- who were targeted were extremely dis- pose of funding Christmas parties, hockey traught. They believed they had done tournaments and other such activities. nothing wrong and in fact, had not done

Page 152 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The committee returned a recom- ship extension be rejected. They, too, mendation to increase the dues by $6.00 accused the Trustees of not keeping them per month, which was subsequently amend- informed. To prove their point they

ed to $3.00 and accepted at that level. referred to a mail-in-vote for a pension 1903 2003 plan proposal – the results of which were YEARS The finance committee assessed the not released. The group accused the of Electrifying Progress local’s situation as in need of a dues increase Trustees of placing people, who had been so obviously the local had insufficient funds voted out of office democratically, in to administer its business. Given that there charge of the local. appears to have been no impropriety, the imposition of the trusteeship seems to have Another hand-written letter dated been an overreaction on Rose’s part. May 17, 1979 and signed by 16 members, rejected the granting of consent to extend The trusteeship did not sit well the trusteeship. This submission referred with the membership. General meetings to correspondence received approximately were suspended and there was no Local six months previously from the “Trustee, 353 representation at conventions. Mr. Rose, stating that they resolved the problem that caused the Trusteeship, As the trusteeship neared its which was --- the elegal (sic) spending of anniversary, Local 353 executive board funds, and yet the new Board, under Tom member Robert Rynyk revealed in a sub- Hart…wants to put the members’ money mission to the Ontario Labour Relations into the Federal Election campaign with- Board (OLRB) that, at a May 8, 1979 out the members’ vote.” meeting, it was asked if the International office intended to apply for an extension Maurice Green from the law firm of the trusteeship over Local 353 and if of Golden Levinson filed a list of objec- so, when. Bill Hardy and the appointed tions to the trusteeship on behalf of a trustee and International representative number of members. Chris G. Paliare W. Moore attended the meeting. from Cameron Brewin and Scott filed for Local 353 member Ed Nott. As they understood it the response was that the IBEW would apply for an Nott’s submission stated that extension but they didn’t know when. sacred rights were disregarded when the The extension was requested and the trusteeship was imposed and that a fair OLRB scheduled a meeting for June 19, hearing was not held in May 1978. Nott 1979. That announcement precipitated a claimed that Ken Rose was the com- flurry of activity from Local 353 mem- plainant, the investigator, and the adjudi- bers, who opposed the trusteeship. cator at the trusteeship hearing.

Local 353 member Jim Lambie Vice President R. G. Tyrrell also sent a letter to the OLRB and asked that sent a letter to the board. The letter was the trusteeship be lifted. Lambie accused received May 31, 1979. It stated that as the trustees of failing to provide leader- a Local Vice President he was not ship by not keeping the members informed of the hearing until 5pm on informed, and asked for a postponement May 23. He was a member of the sus- of the hearing. A hand-written submis- pended board, but was reinstated and re- sion signed by 16 Local 353 members appointed to the new board and should demanded that the request for the trustee- have been notified earlier.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 153 Tyrrell said that at the original In a letter dated June 15, 1979 from activities of the suspended board by Registrar D. K. Aynsley, he stated, “this International Vice President Rose, he will serve to confirm my telegram of

1903 2003 “entered a statement disagreeing with the today’s date, that the International original trusteeship. I have, however, co- Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has YEARS of Electrifying Progress operated with the International Vice advised the Board that it is withdrawing its President…” request for an extension of the Trusteeship over Local 353. Accordingly, the Hearing Local 353 members sent a number in the matter, scheduled for Tuesday, June of letters objecting to the trusteeship. 19, 1979, has been cancelled.” Several of them complained about the dictatorial powers of the International So ended a disturbing chapter in vice president and the disenfranchisement Local 353’s history. The trusteeship may of IBEW Local 353 members. have been lifted, but today, 25 years later, resentment over its imposition lingers in This overwhelming show of solidar- what many still regard as an abuse of ity against the trusteeship had an impact. authority by Ken Rose.

May 1974 edition of the Journal’s Local Lines

A lofty addition to Toronto’s skyline, the CN communications and observation tower, will rise more than a third of a mile above the ground to become the tallest self-supporting structure in the world---.

Certain to become a world-famous landmark, the tower will exceed 1,800 feet in height. It will provide greatly improved communications facilities and, at the same time, provide public observation decks and a revolving dining room between the 1,100 and 1,200-foot levels. Potential visibility from this height will be 75 miles, extending beyond Niagara Falls to the northern shores of Lake Erie and east nearly a quarter of the distance to Montreal.

Visualize a dart standing on end, its point reaching skyward. This is what the CN tower will look like. It will be supported by a Y-shaped base, each side 100 feet at ground level, narrowing gracefully to meet the central hexagonal core of the tower far above.

Four elevators in glass-faced shafts will take sightseers to the observa- tion decks; it will be a one-minute ascent to a thrilling vista. The decks, one indoors, one outdoors, will be in the “sky pod.” This is a circular, seven-storey structure ranging from 100 to 140 feet in diameter between the 1,100 and 1,200-foot levels. The sky pod will also contain a dining room and lounge, broadcasting and transmission equipment, and CN telecommunications microwave facilities.

To prepare for construction of the tower, workmen first excavated through 30 feet of earth into some 25 feet of rock. This took them well below the level of Lake Ontario, and a system of relief wells was installed to prevent water seepage during excavation.

Page 154 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE After the tower’s foundation was completed, a special slip-form was set up and the placing of concrete commenced. As the slip-form moved up under

hydraulic pressure, supported by a ring of climbing jacks, it left a continuous 1903 2003 extrusion of hardened concrete, reinforced by steel bars and post-tensioned YEARS steel. of Electrifying Progress

This has been a ‘round-the-clock, five-days-a-week operation, resulting in the tower growing at a rate of nearly 20 feet a day.’ On September 26, 1973 it became the tallest structure in Toronto at 785 feet.

To build the tower it is expected that 106,000 tons of concrete will be used, along with 5,000 tons of reinforcing steel, 700 tons of structural steel, and 80 miles of tensioning wire. The tower itself will weigh 130,000 tons.

CN tower will have the stability to withstand the effects of high winds, snow, ice, lightning, and earth tremors. Experts in Canada, Switzerland, and the United States played roles in its design.

Some facts: elevator capacity – 1,300 persons per hour each way; dining room capacity – 400 persons; observation area capacity – 600 persons; main observation level – 1,126 feet; upper observation level – 1,500 feet; dining room level - 1,140 feet; total floor space, sky pod – 70,000 square feet; total floor space, base – 25,000 square feet; volume of concrete – 106,000 tons; total weight of tower – 130,000 tons.

Major electrical contractor on the job is A. D. Ross Electric Company, and electrical foreman is Mike Bolan. Other members are Terry Quale- Steward, Doug Wray, John MacAulay, Paul Crough and Alonzo Cardozo.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 155 CHAPTER 10

1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress 1983 – 1992 REVERSALS OF FORTUNE – Recession and High Unemployment

Old dangers persisted and new highest ever membership to date. challenges emerged in the early years of the 1980’s. Unemployment rose to levels There was work being estimated not experienced since before World War and four new hospitals were in the plan- II with construction workers taking the ning stage – Markham, Scarborough heaviest losses Grace, Baywood and Credit Valley. The Toronto Convention Centre, which would Local 353 saw a decline in its host the 1986 IBEW convention, was membership from 4,242 members in about to be built along with the 1978 to 4,152 in 1986. By 1991 the Scarborough Light Transit System. membership had rebounded to 5,836 – its After 46 years as a Local 353 member Bill Hardy retired in 1983. He was credited with achieving much for the Local 353 membership since 1950 when the wage rate was $1.85 per hour and vacation pay was at four per cent.

Robert Rynyk was appointed as his replacement, and would subsequently be elected to the post on his own merits in 1984. Bill Baird was re-elected as President in 1984, John Smith as Vice President, Walter Wray as Financial Secretary and Steve Knott as Secretary.

Brother Hardy Retires After 46 Years in IBEW – 1983 Local 353, Toronto, Ont., officers at Brother Hardy’s retirement are, front row, left to right, former Financial Secretary, Steve Weslak; retiring Business Manager, Bill Hardy; and Ron Raw; second row, Bob Rynyk, Business Manager; Ernie Swift; Bill Baird; Ron Carroll; Steve Knott; and Morley Hughes.

Page 156 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE In May 1979, when the Local was seek- ing to have the Trusteeship lifted, Rynyk was Robert Rynyk the only elected member of the Executive Board. He served as the Local’s Welfare 1903 2003 Business Manager 1983 - 1987 Trustee, the Local’s Building Trustee and as a YEARS member of the IBEW Construction Council of of Electrifying Progress Robert Rynyk was appointed Business Ontario. Manager in 1983 on Bill Hardy’s retirement. He was also a delegate to the Labour Prior to his appointment as Business Manager, Council of Metropolitan Toronto and served as Rynyk ran unsuccessfully for the Executive an elected representative of the Labour ROBERT Board 1972 but was successful in 1975 and Education Committee. RYNYK retained that position until the Trusteeship was Rynyk was defeated in the 1987 Local imposed. elections by Joe Fashion in a run-off vote.

Prior the 33rd convention J.J. Obviously the campaign was successful Barry was appointed to replace Charles and the 33rd convention was planned for Pillard as International President. At the 1986 Toronto. 33rd convention, held in Toronto for the first time in 1986, Barry was elected by As the convention date drew clos- acclamation to International President. er, enthusiasm escalated. President Pillard commented at the All Canada First At the 33rd convention, held in District Progress meeting in June 1985 Toronto for the first time in 1986, J. J. that, “There is a great deal of anticipa- Barry was elected by acclamation to tion and enthusiasm by IBEW members replace Charles Pillard as International in the United States regarding that President. Barry firmly believed that Convention and their visit to your great increased political action would help country in September 1986.” solve many of the IBEW’s problems. In his view, the only way to reverse the In January 1986, Local 353’s con- trends of outsourcing jobs to the third vention hospitality committee sponsored world and right-to-work states was a contest with the co-operation of George through political action directed at forc- Brown College’s graphic arts department. ing politicians to enact legislation more The students were asked to submit favourable to unions. designs for a local union logo and the winning logo would be used for lapel pins, crests, jackets, hats, sweaters and T-shirts for sale to the membership. Proceeds would be used for a hospitality WELCOME TO TORONTO evening sponsored by Toronto locals. The convention got off to an impressive, ceremonial start, “---with a parade of flags of the provinces. The flags At the 32nd convention, Toronto were arranged in the order in which the delegates distributed little red hearts bear- provinces entered Canada – Ontario, ing the city’s name to promote Toronto as Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick (the a suitable location for the convention. provinces which entered Confederation on

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 157 July 1st, 1867) Manitoba, British stitute resolution and was endorsed by Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, the delegates, “that the International Saskatchewan, Newfoundland, Yukon and President and the First District Vice North West Territories. Following this, President investigate the use of French 1903 2003 the Canadian flag was presented, and then translation where possible.” YEARS of Electrifying Progress the U.S. flag. The National Anthems of both countries were sung, with Rolland Regrettably, a resolution that Thivierge doing the honours with the requested a section entitled Canadian Canadian anthem, and Ben Parrish singing Scenes be printed monthly did not fare as the American anthem.” well. It received a recommendation of non-concurrence and cited the logistical Also a part of the social festivities difficulties involved in setting rigid proce- was First District Theme Night, which dures for dissemination of Canada-wide acquainted the delegates with the various information. life styles in different parts of the country. Local 353 submitted a resolution For Canadian IBEW members the requesting that accurate minutes of All 33rd convention would see many of the old Canada Progress Meetings be made avail- resolutions about Canadian autonomy issues able for all locals upon request. debated, only to have them end up with sim- Similarly, another Local 353 resolution ilar results as those reached in the past. requested the right not only to debate but also to decide policy on Canadian issues. A resolution requested that articles like the Editorial, Safety Tips, Research There were also a number of reso- and Education and The Canadian Labour lutions opting for a change in the Scene be printed in French as well as International Executive Council structure English. It won a sympathetic response including one that called for a position from the committee and it drafted a sub- on the council for women. Another

33rd Convention in Toronto for First Time – 1986

Page 158 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE called for substantive changes, which Local 353, the request that all minutes be would provide for one member from circulated was rejected. According to the Canada, two members from the U.S. convention proceedings, the purpose of

manufacturing sector, two members from the meetings was to provide an opportu- 1903 2003 the U.S. utility sector, two members from nity for business managers and represen- YEARS the U.S. construction sector, one member tatives to discuss matters informally. “It of Electrifying Progress from the U.S. telephone sector one mem- was all right,” the committee said, “if ber from all U.S. locals not considered they were so inclined, for those in atten- manufacturing, utilities or construction. dance to keep notes and report back to the members on matters of interest.” These resolutions were combined and received a recommendation of non- Local 353 delegate Larry concurrence because the resolution was Priestman wanted more than that. He considered a dramatic change from the believed the purpose of the resolution system that existed and worked well for was “to ensure that all locals – even those many decades. not represented – received an accurate record of all matters within the union.” The committee noted that under Unfortunately these desires were not the current system, “any member – male addressed. or female, regardless of race, color, creed or national origin…can be elected. The The absence of formal minutes present system treats all members equally. meant that there was no obligation to act All were treated equally and the proposal and no record of commitments made. This would divide the members into artificial led to many misunderstandings and with categories imposing a quota system where no formal record the ability to overcome people were declared eligible for office these misunderstandings was difficult. based on criteria rather than their ability” International Vice President Ken This does not differ in any way Rose reminded delegates similar resolu- from the rationalization of the corporate tions had been defeated at the previous sector when they denied rights to women, three conventions. “If you go back over people of colour and the physically chal- the last few conventions, no one can in lenged. There were an estimated 300,000 all honesty get up here and say women in the IBEW representing more Canadians haven’t had the opportunity to than a third of the membership. Yet discuss their Canadian problems in the there was not a single woman among the forum of the IBEW conventions,” said 12 International Vice Presidents or on the Rose. “I’d be interested in anyone com- eight-member Executive Council. Was ing to me…during this convention and there not at least one woman with the laying out for me the problems or the ability to fill one or more of those 20 top questions that Canadians haven’t been leadership positions? Society was chang- able to discuss; and I can assure them ing in both Canada and the United States, they’ll be discussed when we get back and the IBEW in Canada was losing home.” membership because of its inflexibility on some of these positions. Discussion was never the issue. The power to act, involvement, and some In another resolution on All- control over their own destiny were the Canada Progress meetings submitted by real issues.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 159 At the time of the CLC – Building guarantee that all staff at any convention Trades split, there were 70,000 Canadian venue in future is unionized and that the IBEW members. Fewer than 200 of those Toronto Convention Centre be boycotted. members were able to vote on disaffiliat- 1903 2003 ing from the CLC. In response to the resolution the YEARS of Electrifying Progress committee said that the Toronto A resolution submitted by Local Convention Centre was organized by 213 had the potential to cause both Rose Local 351 – Textile Processors, Service and the International President embar- Trades, Health Care Professionals and rassment. The resolution criticized the Technical Employees International Union, fact that the Toronto Convention Centre Toronto, Ontario. In addition, Local 353 – the venue for the 33rd convention – members did all the electrical contract was not unionized. The resolution also work for the Centre. requested that the IBEW receive a written Local 353 delegate Robert Rynyk nominated Ken Rose for re-election as International Vice President, First District Canada. Rynyk noted that Rose had joined Local 1095 in 1946 and then Local 353 in December 1970 and he described Rose as one who “skilfully guided his staff and our local unions with dedicated leadership and decisions based not on popularity, but always on what is best for the IBEW.” Rose was re-elected.

At the time of the 1986 conven- tion, construction was underway on the SkyDome. The SkyDome was promoted as having “the world’s first retractable roof, which takes 20 minutes to open and close,” and covered an eight-acre area. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in October 1986 and the project was esti- mated to provide 10,000 person years of direct or indirect employment during the construction phase. It was projected to contribute $326 million to the metropoli- tan Toronto economy with an additional $45 million to the overall Ontario economy.

Robert Rynyk at Ontario Federation of Labour Rally at Queens Park - Toronto.

Page 160 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The Building Trades’ 1989 Year Book

“The roof operates on a system of steel tracks and bogies. There are 54 bogies, some with 10 horsepower motors inside, for a total of 750 horsepower. 1903 2003

YEARS The roof takes 20 minutes to open or close, moving at a rate of 21 metres per of Electrifying Progress minute.

“The lid is made of steel trusses covered by corrugated steel cladding. A PVC single-ply membrane covers the cladding, acting as weatherproofing. The roof weighs 11,000 tons – the equivalent of 3,734 automobiles – and contains 250,000 bolts. When open, 100 per cent of the playing field and 91 per cent of the seats are uncovered.

“It takes 9,000 light bulbs and 776 field lights (2,000 watts) to illumi- nate SkyDome and 120 miles of electrical cable to handle the 1,558,000 watts of power used. Seen another way, SkyDome generates enough electricity to light the whole of Prince Edward Island.

“How sturdy is SkyDome? The structure consists of 210,000 tons of concrete, twice as much as the CN Tower. In fact, there is enough concrete in the Dome to build a sidewalk all the way from Toronto to Montreal. There are 1,400 precast concrete bleachers at field level, and SkyDome is divided into 48 sections by 48 concrete beams.

“There are 53,000 seats for baseball fans (54,000 for football and 65,000 for concert goers). The Blue Jays’ new home is large enough, with the roof closed, to fit a 31-storey building. The field could handle 516 African ele- phants, eight Boeing 747s, the entire Eaton Centre, a 32-home subdivision, or the Roman Coliseum.

“The playing field features a hydraulic pitcher’s mount (sic) built by Ontario yachts. The mound is constructed on an 18-foot fiberglass “dish” that is placed in a holding chamber. As the chamber fills with water, the mound rises to field level, where it is locked into place for the duration of the game. When the game ends, the water is drained from the chamber and the mound lowered below field level.”

On the north side, and integrated Ainsworth’s biggest concern. “The short with SkyDome, a 350-room hotel was time of scheduling made it difficult to co- added as an afterthought once construc- ordinate our role to coincide with the tion began. Ainsworth Electric Company deadlines of other trades,” said Ltd. was the electrical contractor for the Mawhinney. building and Local 353 member Jerry Mawhinney was the Project Manager. Negotiations for a new agreement Linda Cranston wrote an article titled were also a subject of debate for Local SkyDome Distinctive Touches beyond the 353 members. Three separate votes had Roof, that time constraints were been held at the Construction Council of

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 161 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

SKYDOME construction – 1987 KEN ROSE RETIRES

In 1987, Local 353 Member and International Vice President Ken Rose announced his retirement effective July 1.

The local certainly had its differ- ences with Rose throughout his tenure, but Steve Knott recognized Rose’s contri- bution to the union. “Although Bro. SKYDOME cabling room – 1987 Rose has been involved in many contro- versial activities during his tenure in the office of Vice President of the First Ontario (CCO) where only council dele- District, it is my personal opinion that the gates could vote on the proposed agree- best interests of the IBEW, and the electri- ment. The new procedure made it possi- cal industry, have always been uppermost ble for the membership to reject the in his mind,” said Knott. “We offer our agreement while CCO delegates voted to best wishes and thanks to Ken and his accept and the CCO vote carried the day family for his years of service and dedica- -–an unusual situation. tion to the Brotherhood.”

Page 162 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Ken Rose would be succeeded by Fashion and John Smith, Don Leitch and Ken Woods, who would be equally as com- Bill Robinson were Local 353’s represen- mitted to the International’s interests as Rose, tatives on the negotiating committee.

but less abrasive when protecting them. 1903 2003 The election for Local Union 353

YEARS Certainly from the beginning to the President was held on June 26, 1987 and of Electrifying Progress end of his tenure, Ken Rose proved to be of 1269 votes Baird received 455 and an uninspiring leader. His “my-way-or-the- Priestman won with 801 votes (13 were highway” approach to union leadership spoiled). The Business Managers position only served to weaken not only the IBEW, called for a run-off election and Joe but also the labour movement in Canada. Fashion won with 630 votes to Robert For the period through which he led, no Rynyk’s 378 votes. International Vice President – before or since – created as much havoc within the Canadian wing of the IBEW as he.

Following a three-week strike, an JOE FASHION ELECTED agreement was ratified on May 24, 1988 that provided a $3.00 per hour increase over two years. The apprenticeship ratio was altered to allow small shops an “I campaigned during the election apprentice sooner than was permitted that I did not think the leadership of 353 under previous agreements enabling small, were successful at running the local unionized contractors to better compete union,” said Fashion, “and that if I got against the non-union sector. The ratifica- elected I would get rid of them all.” tion procedure still had critics because a When Fashion was elected he let his local with 4,000 plus members – like 353 entire staff of Business Agents go and – had no more voting clout than a local appointed new ones. with 200 members. Larry Priestman, Joe

Board of Education Local 353 members on strike – Toronto - 1986 (Tony Conqiusti, Len Gilbert, Desmond McGoldrick, John Atkinson)

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 163 During the 1980’s a large number described as a mega-project involving an of non-union contractors were moving “incredible number of person years of into the Toronto area to pick up some of employment – estimated at 11,100 person the work overflow. To combat this non- years of employment for its four-year 1903 2003 union intrusion, additional staff was hired construction and installation period. YEARS of Electrifying Progress to organize and establish contacts in the It was one of a kind.” non-union sector. Members were asked to help in the organizing efforts by promot- BCE Place, a $900 million 2.6 mil- ing the benefits of belonging to a union lion square foot twin tower project, was among their non-union electrician friends. also being built in Toronto’s financial core.

Their organizing efforts met with IBEW launched a new publication early success. From January 1 to June in the early 1990’s called Canadian 30, 1988, 409 new members were initiat- Comment. In the publication’s first edito- ed into the local. Another 150 members rial, International Vice President Ken were initiated by December 31, 1988, and Woods thanked International President J. by June 30, 1989 an additional 362 were J. Barry for his “foresight and recognition initiated. that the uniqueness of the Canadian situ- ation required a method of communicat- New construction projects were ing more directly with the Canadian underway including Terminal 3 at IBEW membership.” Published quarterly Pearson International Airport. It was and in the two official languages, the described in the June – July issue of four-page paper would focus on issues of Canadian Business as, “an airport termi- Canadian interest. nal built for people, not baggage.” It was the first airport terminal that the federal The 1986 convention voted to government allowed the private sector to change the frequency of IBEW conven- design, build and operate. tions from every four to every five years and 1991 marked the first occasion to use The firm chosen (in the fall of the new format. Like many other con- 1987) for the project was Airport ventions before it, the 33rd convention Development Corporation, a subsidiary examined numerous purely Canadian res- of Huang and Danezkay Ltd. The pro- olutions. A Local 353 resolution asked posal was valued at $380 million and for a process to elect the Vice President included the terminal building, a 199,000 First District. The resolution requested square foot office complex, a five-storey using a secret ballot vote for the entire parking garage and a 500-room hotel. Canadian membership on a one-member one-vote basis. The committee stated Seven million people were expected that the resolution would change the vot- to use the facility in its first year of opera- ing system from one vote per local union tion. To cater to this traffic, 75,000 to one vote per member and would be square feet of retail space was built – dou- inconsistent with other districts. The ble the capacity of both terminals 1 and 2. non-concurrence recommendation that followed was upheld. Another project scheduled for completion in 1992 was the CBC According to convention proceed- Broadcast Centre – a Cadillac Fairview ings, an unidentified Local 353 delegate Development. The electrical system was said that they had met with the Chairman

Page 164 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE of the Law Committee and requested a was no violation of the constitution or change in the resolution so it would the laws of the land. apply to all districts. According to the Robinson was at a loss as to how delegate the law committee chairman said 1903 2003 that the request was untimely but recom- the by-laws violated either the constitu- YEARS mended an amendment from the conven- tion or the laws of the United States or of Electrifying Progress tion floor. The delegate did just that, but Canada. “Unless the International both the main motion and the amend- President deems it necessary to correct ment were defeated without debate. local union by-laws so they remain con- sistent with applicable laws and Court Another Local 353 resolution interpretations,” said Robinson, he was accused Canada’s International Vice amenable to having an amendment President of unilaterally and arbitrarily added. removing the request that applicants who applied for membership in the local Robinson defended the underlying should take an examination. The resolve principle of the resolution. “The was that it be made clear to International Canadian government and companies officers that they had neither the authori- recruit workers from the Third World, ty to change the approved by-laws of a who received job priority in accordance local union, nor to deny the approval of with whatever agreement the government any changes as long as those changes made,” said Robinson. “They did not conformed with the constitution. have to take a test to prove their qualifica- tions so there was no way for the local to The resolution received a recom- know if they were qualified electricians.” mendation of non-concurrence. The committee felt the constitution provided International Vice President Ken the Vice President with the authority to Woods disputed Robinson’s claim that he correct local by-laws so they remained removed the examination requirement consistent with applicable laws and court from the local by-laws. Woods explained interpretations to protect the IBEW and the government qualifications and said its local unions from costly and unneces- that he wrote at least three letters to all sary lawsuits. The committee claimed if construction locals suggesting these peo- the resolution was adopted it would place ple had already been tested and exam- the IBEW and its locals in direct conflict ined. He said he did not remove the right with the protective provisions of the con- of locals to examine but rather directed stitution. locals to accept the examination author- ized by the provincial government as Local 353’s Bill Robinson said he proof of qualifications. was opposed to the committee’s recom- mendation. Robinson felt that the local Local 105 also submitted a resolu- had a set of by-laws that permitted exam- tion that asked that Canadian locals be inations and that removing the by-law permitted to elect executive board mem- would be a violation of the constitution. bers and delegates to the International The committee’s chair replied that the convention. For example, by permitting International President had the right, Canadian locals to vote for fewer than within the parameters of the constitution, the maximum, if the executive board had to change the by-laws as long as there four members at large a member could vote for only three if he or she so chose.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 165 Local 353 submitted a similar resolution Local 353 delegate Bill Robinson that was combined with Local 105’s. The said the reason the local proposed the res- resolution received a recommendation of olution was because they had many trav- non-concurrence. ellers working in the local area and had 1903 2003 companies that refused to lay off non- YEARS of Electrifying Progress Bill Robinson spoke against the members so members could be placed in recommendation saying that the reason jobs. Non-members who had not passed the local submitted the resolution was a test were sworn in on company premis- that some locals were treated differently es while Local 353 members and trav- on the issue. According to Robinson, ellers were laid off. Local 353 was instructed to vote for the actual number required. The constitution Woods responded by accusing the clearly says, “the local union decides the local of not doing its job and that had it manner in which elections are held and been he would not have sworn anyone we have the same rights as any other into the union. He claimed that there local.” were people in Local 353 working out of the local on ‘white cards’ for as long as Ken Woods disputed Robinson’s 18 years. contention that there was a difference in the manner in which the rules were Local 353 Business Manager Joe applied. “I suggest to him there is not, or Fashion, on a point of information, took has not been, nor will there be any differ- exception to Woods’ characterization but ence in the application of the rules.” was ruled out of order. Fashion then responded with a point of personal privilege, Tom Keagan, a Kitchener Local only to be told by President Barry, “That did 804 delegate, spoke in favour of the com- not allow you to denigrate anybody.” mittee’s recommendation but said, “We are treated different. 804 had not fol- Fashion said he was not trying to lowed the policy.” To verify what the denigrate Woods but that it was the local proper procedure was, Keagan contacted that had been denigrated by Woods. an International representative. When There wasn’t a situation where any mem- the instructions came back, they were ber of Local 353 was working under a told that they had to vote for the number white card for 18 years. There were, to which they were entitled. “There is no however, many situations where he had discrimination,” he said, “some of us taken them in for two years but at the were ignorant of the rules.” The debate time they were down to one year. fizzled. At the 1991 convention, 2,992 Local 353 accused the delegates were entitled to attend and International Vice President of swearing 2,684 were present, - a remarkably high in new members on company premises representation. Local 353 had a total of even though Local 353 had members who 10 delegates representing 5,836 members. were laid off. Some of these ‘new mem- bers’ were in fact old members who had Ken Woods was nominated and dropped their membership and owed the re-elected as Vice President for First local money. They should not have been District. In his nomination, J.R. permitted to take the oath of obligation Wacheski from Local 636 Toronto before coming before a local meeting. described Woods.

Page 166 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE “From his first day as Vice electronic manufacturing industry, President, Ken has clearly demon- and also served on the Provincial strated that he is a “no nonsense” Advisory Committee for the line

leader, who will do what is best for trade in Ontario” 1903 2003 the IBEW – not just what is best for YEARS of Electrifying Progress his popularity. In the early 1990’s many of “As the leader of the IBEW in Toronto’s older buildings that IBEW Canada, Ken is held in high esteem Local 353’s members had worked on dur- in all political arenas. He is a mem- ing their initial construction, were now ber of the Canadian Executive being vacated, gutted and turned into up- Board of the Building Trades, the to-date complexes like condominiums Economic Council of Canada and and revitalized commercial enterprises the Construction Industry Advisory combining both the old and the new. Board in the province of Ontario. Some were completely renovated “Brother Woods is also an right down to the framework while oth- executive board member of the ers maintained their exterior appearance Canadian Federation of Labour. and were modernized on the inside. One of these early projects was Metro “Ken has also served as a mem- Toronto’s main water treatment plant ber of the Electrical-Electronic located at the foot of Leslie Street origi- Manufacturing Association of the nally constructed in 1910. Even at 80 Canada Advisory Council on years of age it was still considered one of Industry Problems, leading to the the most advanced facilities of its kind in establishment of the Joint Industry North America. Training Fund for the electrical-

New Union Hall Sign, 1377 Lawrence Ave. E. – 1992 “The Grand Opening of our new union hall was a huge success. More than 1,000 people showed up to enjoy the beautiful weather on the Canada Holiday. We had hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments for everyone. The crowd was so hungry we ran out of food 3 times, but with the help of Brother John Freedman and Brother Bob Gill were able to replenish the food supplies. On behalf of the Local I want to congratulate the Education Committee, the Retirees, the Entertainment Committee, the Staff and all Brothers and Sisters and their wives and families who made this event such a great success. The members and their families had such a great time that they have asked to make it an Annual Event.” — from IBEW Local 353 Newsletter, August 1992, Business Manager’s Report by Joe Fashion

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 167 The firm of Gore and Storrie In 1989 the $58 million Art Limited completed a major three-part Gallery project began and the completion environmental upgrade at the Metro date was set for 1992. A state-of-the-art

1903 2003 Toronto main treatment plant that met alarm system was installed along with the most stringent air, emission and efflu- sensors and systems for controlling heat, YEARS of Electrifying Progress ent-limit requirements of the day. humidity and lighting. These systems were specifically designed to detect prob- A second large project that pre- lems early and facilitate quick action on sented major challenges for the electrical necessary adjustments and repairs. The and mechanical trades was the Art work was completed without closing the Gallery of Ontario located in downtown gallery and there was minimal down time Toronto – a building which dates back to of the exhibition space. 1900.

Markham Suites Hotel Crew – 1989 “The following Brothers were employed by Guild Electric at the Markham Suites Hotel: G. Popp, H. Brocumann, V. Bonnici, B. McCormick, R. Nabzdyk, B. Morrow, D. Valousis, R. Cooke, S. Harrison, S. Szalay, U. Gustavson, S. Bilagot, K. Fyffe, C. Bousher, P. Chamney, F. McCormick, R. Lawlor, D. Bresolin, Miro Kielbus, S. McFarlane, J. Jones, O. Grassl, M. Feculak, L. Pires, S. Cherry, C. Hooker, P. Muscat, D. Flaxman, L. Walton, A. Korelewski, Geo Valkanas, Gus Valkanas.” — from IBEW Local 353 Newsletter, March 1989

Page 168 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE resented IBEW and Ken Rose was elected as a vice president, making him a member CANADIAN FEDERATION of the executive of the CFL.

1903 2003 OF LABOUR PROVES There was certainly a continuing YEARS presence of IBEW high-level officers at of Electrifying Progress CFL conventions and CFL President TO BE LIMITED FORCE James A.McCambly was a fraternal dele- gate at IBEW conventions in 1986 and 1991. At the September 1986 All Canada Progress Meeting McCambly announced While the Canadian Federation of the addition of the Manitoba Para- Labour (CFL) remained a force through- Medical Association and the Canadian out the 1990’s, it did not achieve its Association of Professional Radio anticipated goals. Not all of the building Operators (CAPRO) as new members of trades joined the new organization, nor the CFL. Neither organization was ever did the expected, or rather the publicized affiliated with the CLC prior to that. exodus of other unions from the CLC occur. Even Cliff Evans of the United Food and Commercial Workers, whom some believed would join the CFL, did not leave the CLC. Evans preferred to keep his feet in both camps. The Teachers unions and the Teamsters didn’t join either. The result was that the CFL was left talking to itself with its 220,000 members. In fact, from the very begin- ning many of those members sought to return to the CLC, which unfortunately they weren’t allowed because they didn’t get a vote.

At its second CFL convention in Edmonton, Alberta in May 1984, 230 delegates from the same 10 unions pres- Originally constructed ent at the founding convention attended. as an art museum, it In addition, there were fraternal delegates became the Art Gallery from six national and international unions, including the Professional in 1919, and in 1966 was Institute of the Public Service of Canada, re-named the Art Gallery the Professional Radio Operations of Ontario (AGO). Group, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the United Local 353 delegates at 1991 IBEW 100th Anniversary Convention on podium Carpenters and Joiners of America and Front, left to right: Larry Venning, Don Putsey, Joe the Manitoba Para-Medical Association. Fashion, Bill Robinson, Rick Lyman Back: Mike Lloyd, Bob Gill, Dave Hussey, Sixty-six delegates and 12 alternates rep- Bob Gullins

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 169 Both the IBEW and the CFL did of Labour’ while the CFL was composed everything in their respective powers to of nothing more than business managers prop one another up. The IBEW credited and international representatives. James McCambly and the CFL with hav- 1903 2003 ing employer contributions to dental and The committee recommended non- YEARS of Electrifying Progress health care plans exempted from taxation concurrence of the resolution. It stated – an annual estimated saving of $200 per that 105 local unions met in Toronto member. voted to leave the CLC. The IBEW did not support a move back to the CLC and The CFL was also credited with Local 353’s Bill Baird and Bob Rynyk obtaining funding for a labour education both supported staying with the CFL. program, however this was a plan won by the CLC before the split, and it was “This Resolution has been before extended to the CFL. all the Canadian Progress meetings and has been shot down,” said Baird. “This Resolutions to re-affiliate with the is not the first time that we in Canada Canadian Labour Congress surfaced at have had problems with the so-called both the 1986 and 1991 IBEW conven- voice of labour in this country. And we tions. At the 1986 convention – held in have turned around and created a more Toronto – Vancouver Local 213 charged meaningful body called the Canadian that there had not been a vote by the Federation of Labour.” membership when the IBEW pulled out of the CLC. The resolution claimed that the “This local union in Toronto has split weakened the CLC and did nothing had numerous problems with CLC affiliates for the IBEW. The CLC was the ‘House continuing to build their buildings, their

Local 353 delegates at 1991 IBEW 100th Anniversary Convention Front row, left to right: Don Putsey, Joe Fashion, Rick Lyman, Larry Venning Back: Dave Hussey, Larry Priestman, Bob Gullins, Bill Robinson, Bob Gill, Mike Lloyd.

Page 170 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE properties that their pension funds own, for the CWC while the IBEW garnered 51 non-union,” continued Rynyk. “They raid- and of the 60 telephone operators 33 ed us when we were with the CLC, they voted for the CWC and 21 for the IBEW.

continue to raid the IBEW today.” 1903 2003 At New Brunswick Telephone

YEARS The question of re-affiliation with there were 315 telephone operators and of Electrifying Progress the CLC was also a subject of much the result was 177 for the CWC and 72 debate at the 1991 convention. The com- for the IBEW of 268 votes. Of the 754 mittee once more recommended non-con- Craft employees 700 cast ballots – 511 currence citing that the matter was dis- went to the CWC and 151 to the IBEW. cussed at the All Canadian Progress meet- ing and didn’t receive sufficient interest or The most astounding defeat support and the CLC had not changed its occurred in Newfoundland where out of policies. They felt there was no need to 122 operators 116 cast ballots and 115 change. of those chose the CWC. This left the IBEW with only one vote. [This had to In opposing the re-affiliation, one mean that even the local executive didn’t delegate listed the many locals that used vote for the IBEW.] Similarly, the Craft to be represented by the IBEW. These Unit’s 383 of 397 employees voted with included New Brunswick Telephone, only five secured by the IBEW. Island Telephone, Newfoundland Furthermore, the CWC organized the Telephone, Telebec, ADT (Toronto), Clerical Unit that had not been organized Manitoba Telephone, Clerks and Traffic, and won the unit of 334 employees by Siemens Electric (Montreal) – all repre- 201 votes against 75 for no union. sented by the Communications Workers of Canada. Obviously with results like these – and the resulting loss in membership – Others included were Noranda there were issues among the Canadian Metal, Square D, Stratford, Phillips membership that Ken Rose did not recog- Electronics, View Star Cable Tech, nize and could not address. Brampton Hydro – all by the Auto Workers union. In addition the Canadian An amendment to the 1991 reso- Union of Public Employees (CUPE) took lution was proposed and it suggested, the Kitchener Public Utilities “The International President appoint a Commission. six-member Committee, the objective of which was to negotiate a merger between What was not mentioned was that the CFL and the CLC.” The amendment in each of these situations a vote was held was seconded by Local 353’s Larry and the IBEW lost each one. Priestman and carried.

In Manitoba the Communications The CFL celebrated its tenth Workers won a vote for the 700 opera- anniversary in 1992 and celebrated some tors with 285 of the 442 votes, and for of its milestone achievements: the 1,233 Clerical Workers with 557 for the CWC and 471 for the IBEW. • Established a national headquarters in Ottawa creating a national presence for Of the 116 workers at Island Tel the federation; in Prince Edward Island, 62 voted voted

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 171 • Created a national system of provincial town Toronto were as high as 12 per cent councils to represent the unions and this put a damper on any possibility interests; of office building construction.

1903 2003 • Lobbied to change government policy

YEARS of Electrifying Progress on pension portability, worker allowances, taxation of dental and extended healthcare premiums, and CREDIT UNION investment tax breaks for individuals;

• Developed Canada’s best labour-educa- tion program; The Credit Union was first • Launched the Working Ventures established in 1955 with 20 members Canadian Fund – a union-created subscribing with a $1.00 membership. investment capital [fund]; Within five years it grew to 807 mem- bers with $265,854 in assets and main- • Introduced a broad range of financial tained a five per cent interest rate for services saving members substantial each year of its existence for funds on sums of money through preferential deposit. access to financial services at President Jim Woods, Vice favourable interest rates; and, President Steve Weslak, and Directors • Participated in and recognized from a Frank Woodhead, Al Wignall, Bill number of international forums. Godwin. Jim Lambie, Tom Johnstone, Peter Lak and Treasurer/General Manager Reg Geh comprised the Credit Committee in 1960

By its 10th year, the Credit GROWING CONCERN Union had grown to 1,500 members and $750,000 in assets and continued ABOUT MARKET SHARE to boast a 5 per cent return on all funds on deposit. In addition, for the previ- ous four years the Credit Union granted interest refunds on the repayment of loans.

During the early part of the 1980’s Members borrowed funds to many Local 353 members were unem- make down payments on homes, mort- ployed with few periods of full employ- gages, new cars, furniture and a host of ment. Local 353 Press Secretary Knott other purchases. In 1966 the Credit reported in July 1983 that 500 out of Union surpassed $1 million in assets for approximately 4200 members were on the first time and by 1980 the total the out-of-work list. Similar reports con- passed $6 million. tinued to the end of 1986. Short periods The late Steve Weslak, who of improvement occurred during the sum- served on the Credit Union board for mer months when vacations permitted the many years, found the experience very hiring of additional members. Through rewarding and credits his time there the early 1980’s vacancy rates in down-

Page 172 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE with contributing to a broader knowl- edge of financial issues.

19031903 20032003 Unfortunately, the credit union YEARSYEARS did not survive. According to Larry ofof Electrifying Electrifying Progress Progress Priestman a major reason for this was the skyrocketing interest rates during the early 1980’s. The Ontario govern- ment issued a bond offering a rate of 19.5 per cent interest. Local 353 mem- bers took their money from the credit union and as a result the cash flow to maintain the credit union was no longer there.

Another reason for the demise of the IBEW Credit Union was the Ontario 1st meeting of Credit Union - 1954 government’s legislation directing small- er credit unions – of which Local 353 was one – to phase out their operations or join a larger organization. This action was taken because the govern- ment was fearful that smaller organiza- tions were no longer solvent. Local 353’s solvency level was estimated at $3.5M and its assets at the time were precariously close to that level.

It is unfortunate that the credit union did not survive because for the time it was in operation it served local 353 members well and offered loan interest rates that were competitive with 10th Anniversary of Credit Union – 1964 both banks and finance companies.

While still high, in 1985 unem- By mid-1986 work was steady and ployment was not as horrendous as it had only 20 members were on the out-of- been two years earlier. Long-term proj- work list. This was a considerable ects were promising. The development improvement over the previous six or of the massive railway lands in the down- seven years but still too unstable for those town area meant a whole new business working out of town to return home and financial district would be built over without calling first. the next 20 years. It would provide hun- dreds of thousands of person-years of The high unemployment rates work for trades people. coincided with the CLC – building trades’ split but it’s difficult to assess what effect,

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 173 if any, the split had. Certainly a united local cited many areas where they already labour movement might have created a co-operated and offered ideas for addi- more forceful lobby against government tional joint ventures. Some of these ideas

1903 2003 inaction. included foreman training, Canadian Federation of Labour Investment YEARS of Electrifying Progress At the 33rd convention held in Corporation, participation on various Toronto, a resolution was presented committees, joint presentations to legisla- requesting retraction of a document enti- tive bodies, promotion within the indus- tled Ensuring our Future that had been try, the community and the upcoming jointly signed by employer representatives 1986 IBEW convention in Toronto. and top leaders of construction unions in Canada. Both sides thought the discussions were constructive and a sub-committee The document was described as was formed to draft a questionnaire for asking construction workers to make con- past and present foremen. The question- cessions in their collective agreements so naire was designed to get feedback from they could compete more effectively both sides of the industry – union and against non-union contractors. The management. The questionnaires were resolve was that the IBEW demand build- conducted locally with each trade respon- ing trades’ leaders, Ken Rose in particu- sible for its own jurisdiction. Any out- lar, retract their endorsement of the docu- standing issues would be referred back to ment and live up to the policies of the the main committee for resolution. trade union movement and dissociate themselves publicly from the publication. As early as 1983 problems about market share were discussed. In the The committee recommended non- Electrical Trade Bargaining concurrence and dismissed the resolution Agency/Electrical Contractors Association simply as a labour management study. It of Ontario publication Reason, an article said it was no different from many other revealed contractors were bidding less U.S. and Canadian studies that attempted than 50 per cent of projects compared to identify problems of efficiency and with two years earlier. It claimed that competitiveness and make recommenda- unionized employers were losing con- tions for improvement. Many delegates tracts to four main groups: non-union were angry because the document forces, union-in-plant forces (U.A.W., endorsed concessions – calling for wage U.S.W.A.), non-AFL-CIO unions rollbacks, reduction of overtime premi- (Christian Labour Association of ums, questioned the need for coffee Canada), and employers of tradesmen breaks and home-time allowances. represented by residential unions like the Labourers. The non-union sector was Others were of the opposite view. considered the most serious competition. Local 353’s Bill Baird reported that the Electrical Contractors Association of While it was reported that down- Toronto (ECAT) and their staff and Local town office tower construction remained 353 representatives held a meeting on union work, retail and commercial reno- January 24, 1985. The discussed why the vation was switching to non-union. unionized market place was dwindling Hospitals and universities were operating and what joint efforts could be made to under a low price policy with no regard retain and expand market share. The

Page 174 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE to either the union or non-union affilia- affected by the outcome. Given the tion of the contractor. Projects described above, we feel that our objectives in as major mechanical projects were going this round of bargaining should be:

non-union. In Vaughan, council awarded 1903 2003 a $1 million mechanical package to A. To achieve a reduction in costs arising YEARS of Electrifying Progress CLAC. out of the collective agreement in order to further cost effective construc- At a January 1984 meeting tion and improve contractor competi- between the IBEW and the ECAO, a tiveness. paper entitled 1984 – Negotiations was submitted by the ECAO. It referred to a B. To allow those who have invested in drastic change in the economic environ- the electrical contracting business a ment since the 1980 – 1982 negotiations greater opportunity for fundamental because “all key players, clients, govern- decision making through elimination ments, employers, and workers” were of restrictive contract language. questioning the viability of existing struc- tures and practices. C. To recognize that one agreement can- not cover all facets of work and The paper suggested the discon- address these different work character- tent arose from the economic recession istics in the agreement. and the depth and unexpected duration of the downturn. The inability to be flex- D. To recognize those areas of electrical ible and to act quickly left little room to work that cannot adequately be manoeuvre or to meet the new challenges addressed within the existing construc- in the market place. Non-union contrac- tion agreement and establish separate tors were moving into union “work means for governing the work rela- fields,” cutting into market share, profit tionship that meet the requirements of margins and pay cheques. the work, the client, the contractor and his forces. Construction contracts were signed for bargain-basement prices, bare- A successful round of bargain- ly covering costs, and Conservative gov- ing depends upon the sincerity of ernments were embracing American the ETBA/IBEW-CCO joint open-shop and right- to-work concepts. approach to these concerns.

The paper argued that Union affil- iation, once considered the key to success, A similar prediction was recorded was now regarded as a liability. The doc- in Reason Vol 2, #1, 1985, through an ument cited its goals and objectives: interview with ECAO President Charles Norris. Norris claimed that clients began “The ETBA feels that the to tell contractors – particularly those in provincial bargaining system is at a the service field – to absorb wage increas- turning point. The difference es or lose the clients completely. Two between success or failure in this things occurred. Small clients began to round of bargaining depends upon switch to less expensive alternatives and our ability to react positively and larger clients formed their own in-plant straightforwardly to the messages work forces. we are receiving from all those

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 175 According to Norris, the way out Bill Baird was considerably more was for the unions and contractors to critical and accused Local 105 in particu- come to “an enduring solution,” not just lar of reading things into the document an agreement based on economic condi- that were not there. He said the booklet 1903 2003 tions existing during negotiations. reflected what Local 353 and ECAT were YEARS of Electrifying Progress Management and union had to work attempting to accomplish locally. jointly to re-design the package to make it more attractive to the customer. Baird said he was an electrician and “now working in the technical part Norris said he was not overreact- of the trade.” And as for the political ing and that the crisis was real. He had connotation being put forward, he com- never before seen such a “dump-the- mented that “…there are people sitting at union” movement within the industry. It the negotiating table who want to use the was not anti-unionism but rather what he collective bargaining process to destroy described as the “discouraged contractor free bargaining by demanding more and phenomenon.” One company bid on 33 more so as to socialize the system com- jobs and did not get one of them and pletely with no regard whatsoever to the “that’s a discouraged contractor,” said operation of free enterprise,” Baird con- Norris. Norris believed part of the solu- tinued. “I am totally opposed to using tion was to revive the ECAO/IBEW Joint the collective bargaining process to drive Action Committee. the free enterprise system out of the industry.” These and similar concerns were expressed repeatedly by industry, govern- A motion was passed to defer the ment and contractors alike. It was difficult motion, but the matter didn’t end there. to determine if they were reacting to a On May 22, 1985 Bill Baird wrote to Ken panic situation or deliberately creating one. Rose and commented on the booklet Bill Baird informed delegates Ensuring the Future. “The press release attending the April 25, 1985 prior to a discussion with the CCO and Construction Council of Ontario (CCO) its affiliated locals has created a great meeting that Local 353 and ECAT had concern and misunderstanding as to the formed a Joint Industry Review content and purpose of the booklet,” said Committee to look at all the policies at Baird. the local level. “At our May general meeting, The Ensuring our Future booklet there as (sic) a lengthy discussion on this was also a topic of discussion. A motion matter. I informed the membership that was passed requesting that Ken Rose there was a request by the CCO for an retract his endorsement of the document audience with you, so that all points or, failing that, that the Province of could be discussed to ensure a continuity Ontario be exempted from its provisions. and understanding of the content of the booklet, continued Baird. Local 353 delegate Robert Rynyk stated that the booklet had some good “----You and I are quite aware recommendations and some bad ones. that there are those with in (sic) our soci- The greatest dispute he had was the lack ety those who are totally apposed (sic) to of any prior report to the CCO before it having the free interprise (sic) system was released to the press.

Page 176 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE alive and will use whatever available means to discredit any venture in support of it----.” WORK SITUATION

1903 2003 On June 18, 1985 the IMPROVES YEARS ECAO/IBEW Joint Action Committee of Electrifying Progress (JAC) sent a memo to all local joint con- ference boards about a joint industry assessment survey. The memo announced that the ECAO/IBEW JAC had taken the It is difficult to determine whether first steps toward the development of an it was the result of the attention the econ- Electrical Construction Industry Analysis omy received from the contractors, the and Recovery Programme. union, academics and others, or just a normal phase in the upturns and down- Representation from both the turns of the economy, but the economy union and contractors in each local area did improve. There were signs in 1985 were requested to meet under the support and 1986 but by 1987, for Toronto at of the Local Joint Conference Board to least, things were booming. develop a joint response to the survey questions. From 1986, records indicate that there were calls on the books not filled In the end, the IBEW/Electrical and up to 700 travellers working in Local Contractors’ Market Survey revealed that 353’s jurisdiction. This was a vast the IBEW share of the construction mar- improvement over the early 1980’s. ket between 1980 and 1984 was 63 per However, the economy would experience cent. another downturn in the late 1980’s.

The Blueprint, Vol. 2, #2, pub- It appeared that everyone was lished in the spring of 1986 by building paying closer attention to market share trades workers, criticized the union repre- and working towards methods not only sentatives who authored Ensuring our to retain current levels of employment, Future. It accused employers of attempt- but also to improve upon them. ing to push the trades to the 40-hour week, cutting overtime pay back to time The Toronto Central Ontario and one-half, and promoting different Building and Construction Trades 1992 wage rates for different parts of the yearbook contained an article entitled province. Dubbing the CFL the Attacking the Recession, a Joint “Contractors’ Federation of Labour,” it Approach by David Miller. He applaud- criticized them for encouraging the set-up ed the formation of what was termed, “a of stabilization funds, which it regarded unique new body — established to stimu- as giving back money to the contractors. late major construction projects and cre- ate jobs in the battered building indus- Whatever the reason there was a try.” The Metro Job Start Coalition was considerable improvement in the established in 1991 by the construction province’s work situation and Local 353 trades and associations. and its members benefited from it. The coalition’s mandate was three- fold. Firstly, to create jobs at a time

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 177 when unemployment ranged from 35 to abdicated their responsibility for quality 50 per cent. Secondly, the elimination of workmanship and future liability claims – time delays in the approval process and including those for workers. According

1903 2003 finally co-operation at all levels of gov- to Majesky, unions were concerned about ernment and approval bodies. the current wage policy for two main rea- YEARS of Electrifying Progress sons: John Cartwright, Business Manager for the Central Ontario Building Trades i. The lack of a comprehensive and uni- Council, called it an important body versally acceptable municipal fair wage because “for the first time, we are all able policy, which tended to discriminate to sit down in one room and discuss and against unionized contractors who had target major construction projects.” collective agreements paying industry Union representatives on the coalition rep- standard wages and benefits, and, resented 80,000 workers. After only two months’ effort, the coalition approved two ii. Unionized firms became marginalized major projects: the Spadina subway exten- from the bidding process because non- sion and the Spadina Light Transit Line. union firms underbid knowing they These two projects alone represented had no obligation to abide by any fair 1,500 construction jobs with more than wage standard. double that number in spin-offs. According to Majesky, a current Not satisfied with these initial suc- and enforced fair wage policy was cesses, the coalition wanted more and absolutely essential. It existed in Canada focused on other work: for most of the century and for good rea- son. It provides for conditions of equali- • The Toronto Sewer Relief project ty and opportunity for contractors who ($16.7 million) and its potential for are free to bid against each other in effi- 1,400 jobs per year for four years; ciency, know-how and skill rather than in wages and fringe benefits. • Main Treatment Plant and the Don Trunk Sewer; Majesky also argued that the provincial fair wage program had been • The Front Street extension; and, unduly prejudiced over the years through government inattention and as a conse- • The GO Line expansion. quence of this neglect the credibility the “…There has never been a better program had initially was completely time to build…interest rates and contract destroyed. It was difficult to argue that costs are low.” If approved and started the fair wage program was an important these projects would serve to help the policy instrument in a unionized contrac- construction trades weather the worst tors’ ability to obtain public work. A valley of the depression. feature article in the August 1992 Labour Times by Lynda Shorten titled If You Wally Majesky advocated a Can’t Beat ‘Em, she alluded to labour municipal fair wage policy. Majesky becoming more involved in the economy thought the policy was necessary because through Venture Capital Funds, including many firms were setting up shop for the investing pension funds in enterprises and sole purpose of completing a single con- supporting businesses that met certain tract and then folding. In doing so they ethical and social standards.

Page 178 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE tions that, “we don’t rock the boat and don’t delay the signing of the agreement.” FREE TRADE He stated, correctly so, that Canada

would not be at the table as an equal 1903 2003 OR FAIR TRADE partner. McCambly felt the proposed YEARS agreement would be especially bad for of Electrifying Progress labour because there was no sign that labour issues would even be discussed. He thought Canadian participation Believing it to be just another way should be contingent on improved labour for the corporate community to attack standards in Mexico. Mexico also need- working people, the labour movement in ed to be told that labour standards in Canada was suspicious of free trade from that country had to be raised before it the outset. Subsequent events have proved could gain access to the Canadian or U.S. that their worst suspicions were correct markets. At the 1991 IBEW convention, and it would not be labour alone who a resolution against NAFTA passed with- would suffer the consequences. Pensioners, out debate. The June 1992 Journal the physically challenged, the ill, reported that the CFL had reviewed all Aboriginals, women – all have experienced aspects of NAFTA and found its terms the most negative aspects of free trade. unacceptable. In 1988, Brian Mulroney’s By the late 1980’s imports from Conservative government was re-elected Mexico had switched from mostly food with the promise of free trade. Labour and raw materials to electrical power and other progressive groups campaigned equipment, computers and telecommuni- vigorously against it hoping to defeat the cations equipment. Not satisfied with government. Unfortunately their efforts simply reviewing the agreements, the CFL failed. executive council went to Mexico to see By 1991 the initial impact of free conditions for themselves. They estimat- trade was being felt in the form of mas- ed it would take approximately 18 years sive plant shutdowns. Manufacturing for Mexican wages to reach 20 per cent companies – like the anti-union Fleck of the current U.S. and Canadian wages. Manufacturing firm located near London, Mexico had 10 million unemployed, 20 Ontario – fled to Mexico with its lure of million under-employed, and one million $1.00 per hour wages, or less. new entrants to the labour market annu- Government cutbacks and cancelled con- ally. Mexico’s population was expected struction projects confirmed for labour to exceed 100 million by the year 2000. that free trade was not good for anyone At the Maquiladora operations in but the wealthy few. Mexico, the CFL representative found James McCambly, President of the plants that were good by Mexican stan- CFL, called the free trade agreement with dards with take-home pay of $1.00 per Mexico and the United States wrong for hour. One plant they visited, considered Canada and predicted serious industry excellent for Mexico, paid $2.60 per hour and job losses. He felt Canada was only including fringe benefits. A good job in part of the negotiations between the Toronto paid $20 plus per hour! United States and Mexico on the condi-

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 179 Certainly the free trade agree- ments are an example of corporate greed in its basest form, yet there are still those VOTE BY POLLS OR

1903 2003 within the ranks of labour, including some in the IBEW, who believe it is the MAIL-IN BALLOTS YEARS of Electrifying Progress unavoidable and unpreventable ‘path of progress.’ It highlights that the social and environmental advances made over the last century are not necessarily the result of any largesse on the part of corporate Bill Baird is credited with intro- America. ducing the mail-in vote for the election of officers in Local 353 in 1981, approxi- Our society, the Canadian society mately one year after his election to the was considerably more compassionate presidency. Baird wanted as many mem- before free trade. Already we have a bers as possible to participate in the elec- whole new generation of workers with no tions. The procedure was used in both personal recollection of what life was like the 1981 and 1984 local elections. before free trade. If Third World stan- dards had been substantially improved Baird readily admits that the issue under free trade its introduction might be was very controversial and that its intent acceptable. They were not! In fact, their was to take control from the people who standards have remained relatively the actually attended the meetings. “They same and for a great many in Canada, are good at driving people away because standards have been lowered. of their antics on the floor,” said Baird. “If they didn’t like someone’s ideas, they would hassle them until they stopped coming to meetings.” According to Baird it was the anti-internationalists who were opposed to the mail-in ballot.

Baird’s comments are interesting because 20 years after the events the ‘anti-internationalists’ are in office and from the floor at educational courses as late as 2002, members were still being criticized for disrupting meetings. Some of these modern day critics, however, readily admit that perhaps their observa- tions may be tainted because of their lack of knowledge of parliamentary procedure and the proper manner in which to con- duct and participate in a meeting.

The introduction of the new proce- dure did not receive positive reviews from the activists, and the voting method was addressed at every convention from its incep- R. Law and R. Gullins demonstrating for Local 353 tion in 1981 until it was rescinded in 1987.

Page 180 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE In 1983 the by-laws were changed There was one more ballot than to provide for an election judge and as eligible but these are the figures submit- many tellers as were required – none of ted to President Barry and as signed by

whom could be a candidate for any election judge Bill Baird. 1903 2003 office. On June 6, 1986 International YEARS Vice President Ken Rose wrote to Bill This should have been the end of of Electrifying Progress Baird reminding him that he had denied a the matter but wasn’t. The September 9, request to rescind the mail-in ballot 1986 Local 353 executive minutes show method of voting back in 1982. Rose’s that Baird read a letter that he wrote to decision to do so was appealed to the President Barry withdrawing Local 353’s International President, the International appeal. Several Local 353 executive Executive Council and the convention board members wrote to Rose dissociat- itself and Rose’s decision was upheld. ing themselves from Baird’s actions. Bill Robinson, John Smith, Rob White and On June 19, 1986 a special meet- Robert Gill also wrote to President Barry ing was called to discuss a letter from September 11, 1986 and expressed their International Vice President Ken Rose. objections to Baird’s actions on the refer- The letter referred to the appeal by the endum vote and the withdrawal of the local union on whether to return to vot- appeal that was submitted to be heard at ing for officers and delegates at specially the 1986 convention. The letter was called meetings or through the use of copied to Ken Rose, W. I. Taylor – mail-in ballots. Chairman of the International executive committee, grievance and appeals com- John Smith, Ron White and Bob mittee and to William Baird – Local 353 Gill asked to record in the minutes their President, and J. Gilmour – Local 353 offer to assist in the ballot counting. Recording Secretary. They would help, but because they were not in favour of the procedure it would The letter revealed contradictions be under protest. in Baird’s actions and said he had initially told the board he had been directed by The referendum vote on the mail- International Vice President Rose to hold in-ballot was held and in a letter to a referendum vote on the mail-in ballot International President John J. Barry, Baird issue when, in fact, the reverse was true. informed him of the referendum results: They felt Baird deliberately misled both Number of Ballots mailed . . . . .3,793 the executive board and the membership and deemed his actions as “deliberate and Number of Ballots returned . . . .1,281 contrived and overstepped the bounds of his office.” Spoiled envelopes not opened . .48

Ballots to be counted ...... 1,233 Quoting article 19, section 9 of the IBEW constitution, the letter stated, “The In favour of mailed ballot . . . . .848 Executive Board shall have the power to act on behalf of the local union between In favour of poll voting ...... 372 union meetings.” The executive board Spoiled ballots ...... 14 was not consulted on the decision to with- draw the appeal and didn’t endorse Total: ...... 1,234 Baird’s actions. “We feel it is only just

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 181 and democratic to allow the appeal of July 10, 1986 Local 353 to stand and to come before Attendance: 98. the Delegates at the convention floor and Notice of Motion to return to Polled Ballot.

1903 2003 follow the democratic rules of the IBEW Constitution as they are laid down.” August 14, 1986 YEARS of Electrifying Progress Attendance: 69. Local 353 Financial Secretary Notice of Motion from previous meeting. Steve Knott sent Bill Baird a letter dated Ruled out of order. August 23, 1986 and reviewed meeting minutes since 1979 that contained infor- On September 11, 1986 a notice mation related to mail-in ballots. The of motion for a by-law change was pre- information refuted Baird’s recollection sented to the regular meeting – specifical- that he introduced the mail-in ballot in ly Article III Officers Election Duties. 1981. The mail-in ballot appears to have The change was slated for discussion and developed out of the local trusteeship. voting at the October 9, 1986 regular meeting. The notice of motion included a July 12, 1979 return to elections at the polls as opposed Attendance: n/a. to the mail-in ballot method. It was Motion to return to Polled Ballot – no moved by Bill Robinson and seconded by additional information on results John Morrow and the motion won November 13, 1980 acceptance so the 1987 elections would Attendance: 105. be polls. Notice of Motion to return to Polled Ballot. At the 1986 convention a delega- tion made up of Joe Fashion, Bob December 11, 1980 Gullins, John Smith and Bill Robinson Attendance: 122. were authorized by the members to see Motion tabled to next meeting. what they could do about the appeal for January 8, 1981 mail-in ballots. As Fashion recalls it they Attendance: 74. were walking along the convention floor Motion Carried. and spotted the International officers. February 12, 1981 The Local 353 delegation had a letter to Attendance: 91. present and Fashion shouted to the Motion to appeal decision to Ken Rose. President, “I have to talk to you.” Carried. An individual responded to June 11, 1981 Attendance: 106 Fashion, “whatever you have give it to To appeal adverse decision to I.E.C. me and I will give it to him.” At that Carried. point Fashion backed off. The pressure was on Rose to solve the issue because April 6, 1982 the International officers didn’t want to Attendance: 172 – Attendance high due to negotiations. put it to the floor. “After this discussion, Appeal Ken Rose decision. Carried. we got a commitment,” said Fashion. “We withdrew the appeal and it never July 8, 1982 went to the floor of the convention.” Attendance: 73. Motion to appeal C.H. Pillard decision. Fashion claimed the Executive directed Carried. Rose to solve the problem.

Page 182 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE In 1986 Rose reviewed his previ- “To ensure delivery of same to ous decision as he had promised to do. your office, the members present He decided that the question of what vot- also approved a directive to the

ing method should be used would be L.U. recording secretary, John 1903 2003 decided by a mail-in ballot vote of the Gilmore (sic), to hand deliver the YEARS membership involved! Rose instructed approved document on October 10, of Electrifying Progress Baird to prepare a mail ballot for all 1986. This we were assured at the members of Local 353, with a covering next meeting by the chairman, had letter of explanation to read: been done.

1. I am in favour of a mail ballot election “Our April 1987 newsletter for officers and delegates in Local 353; notified the membership nomina- or tions for L.U. officers would be held at our May 14, 1987 meeting, 2. I am in favour of a proposal that the which was fine. officers and delegates representing the “The centre fold however, local union 353 shall be elected at a included locations of the polling specially called meeting of the local stations and the date and time for union. the elections. Bob Gullins wrote to International “This unprecedented action by Vice President Ken Rose on May 13, the L.U. President, is objectionable 1987 as a concerned union member and far exceeds his authority and about items in the by-laws that were duties as layed (sic) out in our con- contrary to the original approved motion stitution and bylaws. “In our September 18, 1986 “For this reason alone, not to newsletter there appeared a notice mention many others, I am asking of motion to change our bylaws you to direct the president of L.U. Article III Officers – Election 353 to rescind his directive to the Duties. Section 5 stated “On elec- membership and allow the election tion night no other business shall be judge and tellers to conduct the conducted and polls shall be open election in the manner the Local from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.” No Union has decided. mention of Section 5 is included in “There is no opposition from our newly approved bylaws. me that the members must have “The IBEW Constitution, Article every opportunity to cast their bal- VIII, Section 11 (photo copy lots. It is the responsibility of the attached) clearly states “The L.U. election judge and tellers however shall decide the manner in which the to ensure this happens. I am confi- nominations and elections shall be dent they will.” held, and such shall be stated in the L.U. bylaws.” L.U. 353 decided the Reflecting on these events 15 years “manner” in which the elections later Baird says, “Joe (Fashion) got elect- would be held by their approval, of ed and…there was an alliance, and many the proposed bylaws as proposed, at of them received full-time positions. If our October 9, 1986 regular meeting. you look at who was in the background

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 183 and who got elected, then it all ties got it back under Joe Fashion. I was together.” Baird says he attempted to going to go to the meeting when that become the first full-time president, but it happened, but I thought, why bother, I

1903 2003 never happened. His opposition was am not a supporter of anyone who is an against it, yet within a year of the elec- NDP’er. Gullins, Fashion, Majesky are YEARS of Electrifying Progress tion Larry Priestman became the first full- all NDP’ers. I believe in ‘Gomperism,’ time president. not Socialism. We all lost in 1987, that’s when Fashion was elected – ‘the cell’ “Fashion, Gullins and Majesky won.” were all part of ‘the cell.’ Majesky lam- basted the International as dictatorial,” Events that Baird looked back on Baird continued. “He withdrew his card in 2001 with considerable bitterness merit from local 353 and the International and some examination. It is not necessarily true that mail-in ballots are in any way more democratic than ballots by poll. From 1981 to 1987 Local 353 was out of sync with the rest of the union – includ- ing the International and the First District. People who attend meetings reg- ularly are probably more informed about the day-to-day issues and the many who don’t may respond to innuendo and rumour.

When Baird was elected President the union was experiencing a severe downturn in the economy over which he had no control. When he was defeated the economy was starting to recover. No doubt both he and Rynyk suffered because of this – just as the improved economy likely benefited both Fashion and Priestman.

IBEW Local 353 Member working at Campbell Soup Company

Page 184 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE the end the Rae government would be defeated after only one term and Rae NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY would leave elected office and work in the

private sector for a prestigious law firm. 1903 2003 ELECTED TO POWER IN This left the Ontario New Democratic YEARS Party in total disarray, a situation from of Electrifying Progress ONTARIO which it still struggles to recover. The Rae government did introduce Bill 80. Labour Minister Bob McKenzie, a long-time United Steelworkers of While the IBEW has generally had America member and staff representative, a Gompers ‘reward your friends and pun- described Bill 80 as a way “to provide ish your enemies’ approach to politics, greater democracy, freedom and local many IBEW Local 353 members did pro- control for construction unions.” The mote and campaign on behalf of the New Bill came before the Legislature in June Democratic Party (NDP) provincially and 1992 and addressed the relationship federally. It was with tremendous enthu- between Ontario-based local unions in siasm that they welcomed the NDP elec- the construction industry. tion to power. In a letter to the editor of Our Early in their mandate the NDP Times, Jerry Raso, Legal Counsel for the government showed great promise granti- Ontario Sheet Metal Workers and ng the public sector workers the right to strike. These early expectations were quickly soured. Certainly the downturn in the economy on their election to office didn’t help matters at all and the business establishment, particularly the small busi- ness establishment, virtually ignored the party and refused to co-operate with it in any way. It went so far as to sponsor billboards depicting photos of Premier Bob Rae with Stalin, Mao and Lenin – a ridiculous comparison.

Rae’s attempt to cater to the cor- porations would, in the end, ignore unions. Michael Lyons, former Metro Labour Council President commented that when both the Liberals and Conservatives were in power, labour could at least gain an audience with them to let them know what their concerns were. Under Rae that became more difficult with few excep- tions. Some cabinet ministers appeared reluctant to meet with labour leaders. In Joe Fashion and Minister of Labour Bob MacKenzie – 1990

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 185 Roofers conference commented on Bill • Province-wide agreement: Provision is 80. “The issue of arbitrary and undemo- made for the maintenance of existing cratic control by U. S.-based parent province-wide bargaining structures.

1903 2003 unions over Ontario locals has simmered for at least 15 years,” Raso said. “In • Interference with a local trade union: A YEARS of Electrifying Progress 1978, for political reasons, the parent trade union or council of trade International Brotherhood of Electrical unions is prohibited from interfering Workers, which is vehemently opposed to with the local trade union without just Bill 80, placed IBEW Local 353 in cause. They are also prohibited from Toronto under Trusteeship, and barred penalizing local trade unions officials several local leaders from holding elected without just cause. office for five years.” • Successorship: Provision is made for “Bill 80 can only help to local trade unions to become a succes- strengthen the Construction Unions in sor to a parent trade union with the Ontario. Democratic unions are strong approval of the parent trade union. unions,” commented Local 353 Business • Administration of benefit plans: Local Agent Bill Robinson. trade unions are entitled to appoint at An article in the 1992 Building least a majority of trustees of employ- Trades Council of Ontario yearbook ment benefit plans (exclusive of trustees described Bill 80 as “designed to promote appointed to represent employers). greater democracy, freedom and local Obviously, more than just a few control in the relationship between inter- members were dissatisfied with the lack nationally-based parent unions in the of local autonomy. construction industry, and their Ontario- based locals.” Another piece of legislation that proved to be controversial was Bill 40 The highlights of Bill 80 were: (anti-scab legislation). In the • Bargaining rights: If a parent trade January/February 1993 TC News in an union holds bargaining rights within article entitled Remember the Alamo, the jurisdiction of the local trade union, Temple Harris railed against Bill 40. “I the local trade union is deemed to share submit their only interest is to box busi- the bargaining rights. If the parent ness in by passing labour laws so restric- trade union is a party to a collective tive they give unions almost total clout – agreement, the local trade union is all as a payback to those large union deemed to be a party with respect to its bosses who put them into office, said jurisdiction. The minister may require Harris” a parent trade union and its local trade The Council of Ontario unions to form a council of trade Construction Association (COCA) was unions. equally disturbed by the Act. In an arti- • Jurisdiction: A parent trade union can- cle written by Rick Morrison, BILL 40, not alter the jurisdiction of a local COCA vows to continue fight. In the trade union without its consent. same issue of TC News, Morrison wrote, Provision is made for the resolution of “the revised Act will make it easier for disputes about jurisdiction. unions to get new members, give organ-

Page 186 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE ized Labor more clout and make it illegal for employers to hire replacement work- ers during most strikes.” COCA

announced it spent $440,000 against the 1903 2003 Act in six months and attempted to swing YEARS delegates attending the NDP convention of Electrifying Progress in Hamilton by placing an ad costing $8,500 in the Hamilton Spectator.

With all this anti-Bill 40 rhetoric, strikes were close to an all-time low dur- ing the time the Act was in place. Obviously, given the corporate outrage against the legislation, corporations were more comfortable with long drawn-out strikes like the Fleck strike, the Eatons’ strike and the VISA strike against the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (all in Ontario). With the anti-scab legis- lation in place, corporations had less power to intimidate the work force.

Business Manager Joe Duffy of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council said he “expected to see COCA oppose the Bill. It wouldn’t mat- ter what the Government brought in, the employer would be totally opposed to it”

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 187 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

SPORTS Fun and Games

IBEW 353 has long recognized that leisure, fun and entertainment are an important part of a balanced life. To help satisfy the need Local 353 has supported din- ners, dances, winter and summer sporting events, includ- ing baseball, softball, golf, bowling, skiing and hockey. The local and its members have many trophies and plaques to show for their superior expertise in these events. This support started as early as 1928 when the Local had two softball teams. In 1930 Joe Godden’s Bank of Commerce team won the baseball cup and league championship eliminating Jack Price’s Bell Telephone squad 24 to 12 (heavy hitters on both teams!). Sporting events became more frequent throughout the 1960s, perhaps a reflection of the increased member- ship and better times. Hockey has long been a favourite sport for many in the local. The Annual Ontario Provincial Council Hockey Tournament has developed from a challenge between locals 105 in Hamilton and Local 530 in Sarnia to “The Tournament” by 1964 – which still exists to this day. Joe Fashion’s hockey team made a good showing at the OPC Trophy Tournament in 1965 when it defeated both Sarnia and Oshawa and was defeated by Kingston in the final game.

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Montreal was invited to participate in the tourna- ment in 1970 and walked away with the trophy. Bill Farquhar quipped, “To keep everything straight, we will now have to consider Montreal is now part of Ontario.” Shut out for the William Ladyman Trophy that year Local 353 did manage to win the Ontario Provincial Council Trophy, one of the remaining two trophies. Undeterred, Local 353 won the Bill Ladyman Trophy in 1971 for the second time and it won the Ontario Provincial Council Trophy for the fourth consecu- tive year. The 1971 team, coached by Dennis and Whitey Youngberg, was regarded as one of the local’s finest. The Tournament was honoured with the presence of Frank Selke Jr., former Local 353 Business Manager, and a member of the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club, when it hosted the event in 1977. Selke was guest speaker at the tournament dinner dance and reminisced about the local’s earlier days in his speech. Local 353 emerged the winner again in 1986, defeating Sarnia for the Trophy and in 1996, Local 353 goal tenders Marco Deci and Kevin Henderson, shared top goal tending honours and led the local to runner-up status at the 33rd Annual Tournament held in Toronto. Golf tournaments are another Local 353 favourite. In 1967 executive board member Bev Taylor was appointed as a one-person committee to arrange the local’s first golf tournament in August, 1967, and they have been held regularly ever since. Baseball and softball tournaments are also held regularly between teams within Local 353 and occasional- ly beyond the local’s borders. Local 353 has registered teams in the Building Trades’ Softball Tournament and the IBEW Long Island International Softball Tournament.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 PagePage 189 1903 2003

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Bowling is another sport, which has kept Local 353 members active. Steve Weslak organized the first league after World War II and by 1967 the bowling league was divided into east and west divisions, playing off for the Chuck Bailey Memorial Trophy. In 1972 the local was the first Canadian local to participate in the IBEW International Bowling Tournament held in Cleveland, Ohio. By 1998 the local celebrated its 10th anniversary of organized ski trips to Whistler, British Columbia. Many IBEW locals from both Canada and the United States participated. The local has extended its interest in sports beyond the local to sponsor teams in the Toronto area through its Promotion Fund. Teams sponsored have won many trophies and accolades in their own right, and team photographs representing the communities’ children adorn the walls of the Local 353 headquarters. One of the numerous teams sponsored is the Wexford Raiders who won the 1995 AAA Ontario Championship.

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A tree-planting ceremony through the Evergreen Foundation was also sponsored in 1995. To protect the environ- ment and to enhance the community over 600 trees were planted with Local 353’s support. Local 353’s activities in sponsoring in-house teams and reaching out to the community are a reflection of its interests beyond what is seen as the regular collective bargaining issues. Christmas parties, summer picnics, fishing trips…all supported by the local. A casual reading of the “thank-you” letters posted in the common area of Local 353 headquarters shows that they don’t just cover the local’s sport-oriented side, but many other commu- nity activities as well. Put all together, they show a clear desire on the local’s part to participate whole-heartedly in ways to make the communi- ty in which it lives a better place for all.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 191 CHAPTER 11

1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress 1993 – 2002, A NEW DIRECTION

In 1993 the Canadian Federation “The Conservative coalition, of Labour (CFL) conducted a survey of which swept him into office, like that its affiliates and it revealed that 26 per which carried Ronald Reagan in the cent of its members were unemployed United States and Margaret Thatcher in and 22 per cent had exhausted their Britain, thankfully did not last.” unemployment insurance benefits. Construction workers alone revealed a 40 “—Double-digit unemployment per cent unemployment rate. rates, a seven per cent goods and services tax (like a sales tax) and the prospect of In Toronto there were construc- the job-losing North American Free Trade tion projects in the planning or approval Agreement have struck the wallets and stage, many of them on the fast track heart strings of Canadian Workers,” because of the lobbying efforts of the Job Barry continued. Start Coalition. The $400 million York City Centre development was approved In May 1993, 80,000 trade union- and the Spadina Loop was referred to the ists marched through the streets of Province for approval. There was the Ottawa to protest federal government multi-million dollar renovation of the policies. At the time, 1.6 million O’Keefe Centre, the Water Control Canadian workers were without jobs and Diversion programme and a $382 million they and their families were living what Trade Centre at Exhibition Place. CFL President James McCambly termed a “human tragedy.” Local 353 described the work situ- ation as extremely poor and many mem- McCambly criticized the federal bers’ unemployment benefits were budget for projecting 300,000 new jobs exhausted. in 1993 and an additional 400,000 in 1994, but allocating no money to assist In February 1993 Prime Minister in the creation of those jobs. Without Brian Mulroney announced his retire- Government assistance the projected jobs ment. Many trade unionists welcomed were unlikely to materialize. his retirement as good news. Kim Campbell succeeded Brian “Mulroney’s term in office offers Mulroney as leader of the Conservatives an important lesson on the power of automatically becoming Prime Minister. unity and solidarity,” said IBEW She than led the party to one of the great- International President J. J. Barry. est political defeats in Canada’s history –

Page 192 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE the Conservatives went from a majority ters to every IBEW local asking them to government to just two seats in the let Local 353 know of any available House of Commons. The defeat was work. These efforts met with some suc-

largely attributed to Mulroney’s arrogant cess but the need was so great that unem- 1903 2003 style and insensitivity to the needs of ployment levels remained high. YEARS average Canadians. Had he stayed on as of Electrifying Progress Prime Minister he may have possibly won Local 353 Business Manager Joe a few additional seats. Either way, the Fashion was not content to sit and Conservatives were definitely headed for weather the economic recession-cum- defeat. depression. Fashion took a proactive approach to the problem and added more Mulroney was blamed for the organizers with moderate successes. stagnant economy that, as International Nevertheless, his approach triggered criti- Vice President Ken Woods reported had, cism from some who couldn’t understand “since 1989 resulted in 400,000 lost why one would organize when unemploy- jobs!” In 1987, 40,600 new jobs were ment was high. Fashion viewed this as created monthly but by 1990 net job loss- shortsighted because every electrician es were 7,000 a month and by 1993 there who remained unorganized was a threat; was 50 per cent unemployment in the they undercut unionized rates. If the construction industry. non-union trend continued it would lead to even greater unemployment in the In an effort to reverse this trend, local. James McCambly consulted with the new Liberal federal government under Jean Fashion met with provincial mem- Chrétien. An initial meeting was held in bers of the Legislature and University of December of 1993 to discuss ways to Toronto officials in 1994 and successfully maximize the benefits of the government’s negotiated a lighting retrofit project for a ambitious rebuilding plans. Billions unionized contractor. The project includ- needed to be spent on basic structural ed 81,000 ballasts and fixtures – all to be repairs, maintenance, and the develop- replaced by Local 353 electricians. ment of roads, bridges, railways and serv- ices – all in need of attention. The local was attempting to expand the energy savings plan. It was McCambly pressed for the use of encouraging industrial and commercial unionized labour. Because unionized enterprises to take advantage of this workers were paid decent wages, this proven technology that saved energy, would result in more tax revenue and improved performance and was environ- contributions to pension and health plans mentally friendly. and positively impact the economy. Not unexpectedly, the Bob Rae Certainly, Local 353 would bene- NDP government in Ontario was soundly fit. From early 1992 to the end of 1995 defeated in 1995 by Michael Harris and the local experienced high unemployment the Conservatives after just one term in levels with many members working out- office. Harris’s ‘Common Sense side the local’s jurisdiction. By May Revolution’ promised a 30 per cent cut in 1994, 1,800 of approximately 5,000 were income tax. Today, many of those who without work, and by November 1994 applaud Harris for “keeping his promise” local officers reported they had sent let- conveniently forget that the second part

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 193 of the promise was that tax cuts would The most tragic consequence to not impact on Medicare or education come out of the Conservatives’ economic spending. Cuts to Medicare and the edu- strategy was in the town of Walkerton. cation system were not only implemented, Seven citizens died and 2,300 fell ill, 1903 2003 but were so far-reaching that they poten- many with life-long complications, YEARS of Electrifying Progress tially put lives at risk. because of the presence of e-coli bacteria in the town’s drinking water supply. Eight years following the election Water inspection had been transferred of the Harris Tories, Ontario voters have from the public to the private sector as a a greater appreciation of where those tax cost-saving measure. The government dollars went. To replace lost tax dollars tried to lay the entire blame on the local user fees were introduced (which means officials, but an extensive investigation that for many there are no tax savings at found that the Provincial Conservatives all), thousands of public sector workers were also responsible. lost their jobs and government services deteriorated. Those thousands of work- Even after the tragedy and the ers would now not build, buy, renovate release of the report on what led to it, or engage in any of the thousands of over half of Ontario’s water treatment projects that construction workers, plants were found to be suffering from including Local 353 electricians, earned serious deficiencies. Of 645 plants their livelihood from. inspected 311 were instructed to improve testing procedures. Even at that time None of these measures were well many water inspectors were deemed to thought out before being implemented lack the proper qualifications for the job. and as a result there were less Highway Traffic Act inspectors, fewer nursing and When the Tories took office in health care workers, fewer teachers and 1995, they reduced the environmental fewer water inspectors. budget by $100 million and laid off 900 workers. In 1993 and 1994 provincial The consequences were many. For government inspectors inspected 75 per the first time ever semi-tractor trailers cent of water treatment facilities in travelling at speeds of 100 km and over Ontario. In 1998 to 1999, the number of per hour, were losing wheels and causing plants inspected had dropped to 24 per death and destruction on the highways. cent and 29 per cent respectively. Ambulances had to race from one hospi- tal to another with critically ill or injured patients because of the lack of health care workers to treat them or because beds had been shut down due to the shortage of nurses and other support staff.

Classroom student numbers increased cutting down on the time avail- able for each teacher to spend with each student. This had no serious impact on the wealthy that could afford to send their children to private schools.

Page 194 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE secret ballot elections. In recommending the change, the committee briefly outlined IBEW 1996 CONVENTION the history of various changes in conven-

tion voting procedures. For the first time, 1903 2003 VICTORY FOR THE electronic voting machines were available YEARS and the delegates voted to have this par- of Electrifying Progress MEMBERS ticular vote conducted electronically. This meant that the ballots were com- pletely secret. The delegates voted against the committee’s recommendation of non-concurrence so the ‘One Local, Local 353 was one of 97 locals One Vote’ concept was accepted for the that submitted resolutions calling for a 1996 convention elections. secret ballot vote for the leadership of the International. Since the 1948 convention Another resolution, this one sub- the IBEW practice had been to elect offi- mitted by Local 105, requested that the cers through a roll call vote of the dele- requirement to vote for all candidates in gates – a procedure that placed tremen- Local elections be rescinded. dous pressure on the voting delegates. Speaking against the committee’s Each delegate in attendance repre- recommendation of non-concurrence, sented a proportional number of his local Local 353 delegate Joe Fashion said he members. For example, at the 1996 con- was a 39-year member and it was only in vention Local 353 had ten delegates who the previous 15 years that this voting represented 5,528 members. Eight dele- method existed. It was unfair, he argued, gates were allocated 553 votes each and for a local to force anyone to vote for the remaining delegates were allocated four candidates when in good conscience 552 votes, bringing the total to 5,528. an individual felt only three were deserv- ing of the vote. Locals were polled in numerical order until all locals had voted. When a There were three separate votes on local’s number was called, one spokesper- the resolution, all by a show of hands, son would give his/her name, local num- and all were inconclusive. For the ber and the number of members in the fourth vote, International President Barry local. If every delegate was in favour of invited Fashion to come to the platform one particular candidate then all votes to observe the vote for himself. Fashion were allocated to that candidate; when did so and in his view the non-concur- the delegates were split, then each dele- rance motion was defeated. A delegate gate’s name was called with the name of from the floor suggested using the elec- the candidate for whom he/she voted. tronic vote method. This request was The procedure made it difficult for a dele- accepted and resulted in the defeat of the gate who was committed to a particular committee’s recommendation by a margin candidate to change his or her mind. of 1,343 to 868 upholding Fashion’s impression. On this occasion, locals from throughout the United States and Canada Throughout the years many of endorsed the change from roll call to Local 353’s resolutions have been reject- ed, including a significant number that

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 195 required constitutional amendments. By Both inside and outside the labour their very nature constitutional amend- movement there are many who sometimes ments are difficult to achieve. That is as interpret debate as disloyalty or indicative it should be. Whether we are talking of a lack of support for the union and/or 1903 2003 about a nation or a union the constitu- its officers. It isn’t. It is the process YEARS of Electrifying Progress tion lays out the rules by which we are through which democracy in unions sur- governed. To have value, a constitution vives. When the IBEW disaffiliated from must be durable, rigid and at the same the CLC, a member told International time flexible enough to stand amendment Vice President Ken Rose that, “It was not if the change is merited. Washington’s Union, it was My Union.” In all probability that delegate recognized Repeatedly, delegates from Local that his union made mistakes, but it was 353 and other locals asked for changes still his union. and were rebuffed. Through the process arguments in favour and against are pre- Every time a company manager, a sented and people are educated. It is right-wing journalist or a Mike Harris- through education that people become type politician denigrates the union move- convinced, and if arguments are well ment, he insults the individual union founded change takes place. member. In doing so he increases that

IBEW Crew at CNE - 1996

Page 196 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE member’s loyalty to his union and its leadership. That loyalty might be to a particular leader. While the member LOCAL 353 MEMBERS

might not be overly impressed with that 1903 2003 leader he or she was elected through a RESPOND TO SURVEY YEARS process defined in the constitution. of Electrifying Progress Members might argue with the process but they will live with it until the process is changed. The debate continues and it never ends. New ideas emerge and Union members do not always through new ideas come new life. attend local meetings. Of the approxi- mately 7,400 Local 353 members, an In 1997 Ken Woods retired as average of only 200 attend meetings. Of International Vice President First District those, 75 per cent are regulars leaving and was replaced by Don Lounds. 7,200 of their members who occasionally Certainly Woods was a refreshing change attend meetings. Like the officers of any from Ken Rose, and both Woods and Joe union, Local 353 officers must wage a Fashion worked well together. Through constant battle when discussing the course discussions on Local 353 and of action to follow on any given issue. International Office difficulties, both managed to put the battles behind them. A local union officer is not like a company CEO who makes decisions and During Woods years as demands they be followed. Union offi- International Vice President he attempted cers seldom, if ever, make decisions either unsuccessfully to create a single IBEW individually or in concert with the execu- electricians local in Ontario. He believed tive and the membership that are not crit- this was necessary to meet future chal- icized by the membership, and occasion- lenges in the industry. ally the executive itself. Every decision is second-guessed. Your closest ally on one Don Lounds, Woods replacement, issue will be your fiercest opponent on also worked well with Local 353 and the another. Most of the time this ebb and cooperation with both Lounds and flow of debate is conducted with every- Woods throughout the years has permit- one understanding it is the normal proce- ted both the International Office and dure and nothing is taken personally. A Local 353 to expend all their energies member from the floor may have what towards achieving many successes for the appears to be a mean-spirited and vicious benefit of the Local, the International argument with the chair and emotions and, above all, the membership. run high. Yet, a couple of hours later the two combatants may be seen sitting at a table having an after-meeting beer before heading for home. To all appearances there is no lasting animosity and general- ly speaking, there isn’t.

Nonetheless, it is sometimes diffi- cult to assess what members are thinking. The member in the aforementioned

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 197 debate at least attended the meeting and that 62 per cent were in favour of work- vented frustrations, but what about the sharing, 85 per cent thought the local members who never attend? Their needs was doing an average to excellent job in

1903 2003 must also be addressed. servicing the members, 76.9 per cent thought it important to have a monthly YEARS of Electrifying Progress Outsiders sometimes interpret newsletter and 61.3 per cent thought it non-attendance as non-support but this is important for the local to have an effec- not necessarily so. In an effort to assess tive tele-message system. the membership’s wishes Local 353, together with 13 other IBEW locals, had With respect to direct assistance to FP Consultants (owned and operated by the membership 72.8 per cent wanted to Local 353 member Wally Majesky and see a social/service employee assistance his son Gary) conduct a membership sur- program, 66.2 per cent said they wanted vey in 1997. They received a total of a substance abuse programme and 64 per 3,400 responses from the members of the cent wanted to see an employee assis- 13 local unions in the province. This rep- tance/stress counselling program. In resented a return rate of almost a 25 per addition, 72.9 per cent wanted to see cent – considered very high for a mail-in counselling for laid-off members, and poll. Of the responses 41.8 per cent were 86.8 per cent wanted to see an assistance from Local 353 members. program to address employment insur- ance and employment insurance training. The survey was far-reaching and cannot be addressed in depth here but the Six years later many of the sugges- responses were revealing and reflect a tions have been implemented either in strong membership commitment to one whole or in part, and the officers who another. Over 77 per cent were willing to were in office when the survey was con- engage in a Market Recovery program to ducted were re-elected in June 2002 to win local market share from the non- another three-year term. union sector. The survey also revealed

April 13, 1995 union meeting, graduating apprentices raised to journeymen: Vince Bell, Anibal Calvo, Leonardo Cordeiro, Roman Ruzycky, Michael Dlugosz, John Ferreira, Sion Jones, Robert Kaszuba, Antonio Raso, Biago Scola, Bradley Shannon, Douglas Walton.

Page 198 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The local hired Gary Majesky in 1994 the CFL had about the same num- 1998 to look into Local 353’s workers’ ber of members – 250,000 – that it had compensation problems. Majesky has a when it split from the CLC, showing

90 per cent success rate winning benefits quite clearly that no new growth had 1903 2003 for members who were denied on their taken place. YEARS initial claims. Majesky also expends con- of Electrifying Progress siderable time and energy educating Local Re-affiliation with the CLC was 353 members on the importance of con- raised at every IBEW convention and All- tacting him as soon as an injury occurs Canada Progress Meeting since the union and before a claim is filed in order to left the CLC. Carpenters, millwrights, minimize complications that arise from labourers, painters, glaziers, the sheet incorrectly filed claims. metal workers International union, brick- layers, ironworkers and IBEW locals in British Columbia had re-affiliated.

Nevertheless, the 1996 IBEW con- vention still received a resolution on the THE CANADIAN re-affiliation. The resolution received a recommendation of non-concurrence FEDERATION OF LABOUR because at the 1995 All Canada Progress Meeting Ken Woods was given authoriza- FOLDS tion to re-affiliate when he deemed it appropriate to do so. In this circum- stance the committee decided it was inap- propriate to interfere in Canadian affairs.

The IBEW returned to the A delegate from Thunder Bay Canadian Labour Congress in February Local 1565 spoke in support of the com- 1997 – 16 years after disaffiliating from mittee’s recommendation. “…I stand them. The CLC building trades dispute here and also state clearly that this and its consequences are a tragic episode shouldn’t even be on the floor because in Canadian labour history and one for what this local is trying to do is to get which both sides paid a price. Neither 2,400 delegates to force 70-some odd side could claim victory. If there were any thousand members back into a labour spoils they went to the anti-union forces, body it don’t (sic) want to be into, and I which are much more united against ask for your support and please back the labour after the split than before. Had committee and non-concur.” It was an the dispute not occurred labour’s position astounding statement when one realizes might not have been weakened to the that fewer than 200 of the 70,000 same extent as it has been by NAFTA Canadian members actually voted to dis- plant closures and downsizing. Certainly affiliate from the CLC. the CFL attained few of the goals it set for On announcing the re-affiliation itself at its founding convention. with the CLC in 1997, First District Vice No other construction trades President Ken Woods said, “It was time unions joined the original 10 and no to put our differences behind us and additional affiliates left the CLC. In work for the good of all Canadian work- ing people.”

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 199 In re-joining the CLC, the IBEW of it was. With its re-entry into the CLC disaffiliated from the CFL. CUPE President Judy Darcy instructed her union that no more raiding would be IBEW International President J. J. tolerated. 1903 2003 Barry said that because Canadian work-

YEARS of Electrifying Progress ers were facing some unprecedented chal- IBEW President Barry also com- lenges that demanded solidarity in the mented on the re-affiliation at the All labour movement, re-affiliation with the Canada Progress Meeting as “—a posi- CLC was a major step in enabling the tive step…Even though differences exist leaders and members in Canada to between us, we are better off discussing achieve that goal. our problems and finding solutions.”

Ken Woods presided over his last CLC President Ken Georgetti who First District All Canada Progress meeting worked in co-operation with Woods for before his retirement on October 1, 1997. the re-affiliation, welcomed the IBEW In his parting address Woods said that back and stressed the need for all union the IBEW would be governed and guided members to oppose provincial govern- by the CLC constitution. To his credit, ments efforts to introduce right-to-work Ken Woods was at least open to the legislation. Canadian members who felt the IBEW’s departure from the CLC was a mistake The May 1997 Journal termed the from the outset. re-affiliation as a “step towards unity in difficult times…IBEW’s recent reaffilia- The IBEW Canadian membership tion… helps bring unity to organized in 1996 was estimated to be 58,000 – a labour at a time when corporate greed drop of 12,000 from when it left the CLC and hostile provincial governments are in 1981. Not all the loss can be attrib- eroding the social and economic position uted to the split but a substantial portion of working people.”

Unemployment was running at 45 to 65 per cent in the industry. The urging that gave impetus to the idea of re-affilia- tion was that re-joining would mean combining significant resources in a col- lective effort. This would increase and strengthen union clout in the wake of unfair trade issues, outsourcing and job losses. Woods said that the re-affiliation with the CLC would better serve the IBEW membership.

IBEW Local 353 members protesting U.I.C. cuts

Page 200 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE 1998 ICE STORM – THE BROTHERHOOD COMES THROUGH

A number of ice storms struck parts of Ontario, Quebec and the New 1903 2003 England States in rapid succession over a four-day period starting on January 7, YEARS 1998. The weight of the ice on wires and poles was of such magnitude that of Electrifying Progress both poles and hydro lines broke under the strain in quick succession. Hydro crews struggled to keep pace but when the day’s work was completed it became undone by falling trees and more heavy ice and snow.

Several Local 353 Toronto members worked with their Local 636 broth- ers from the same city in what became a competition between each crew to splice live wires, run new lines and set new poles.

In the May 1998 Journal article, a Local 636 lineman was quoted saying, “on Thursday night, I was standing on Highway 1 looking out at the pouring rain. That was my lowest point. It was unbelievable. More lines were coming down than we could put up. Just then, 20 trucks from Willowcreek, Pennsylvania came by in a convoy and gave us a thumbs up. That’s what it must have felt like to be liberated. We realized it wasn’t going to be just us. Then things started to look up.”

The brotherhood comes through again!

pleased to have the employment and the union rates and benefits they receive. MARKET RECOVERY The critics view it as “buying your job – Market Share and with your own money.” In reality, the program addresses both the concerns of critics and advo- Stabilization Funds cates. By supplying funding to unionized contractors, Local 353 forces non-union contractors to bid even lower decreasing non-union profits and wages even farther. Local 353 had expended consider- To remain in the market place the non- able effort in re-gaining market share. union contractor is forced to become The Market Recovery Program (STAB unionized. funds), which has met with significant The ultimate goal for Local 353 is success, has also received criticism from a 100 per cent unionization eliminating the small part of the membership. The critics need for stabilization funds. see the program as giving members money back to the contractors instead of In its 2002 election campaign, simply organizing the work force. The Local 353 incumbent officers defended advocates, many of whom have employ- market recovery as consistent with the ment from the use of the STAB funds, are aims of the constitution. They believe it

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 201 supports the economic advancement of work that was previously non-union. the members by organizing and obtaining The results are impressive. An invest- work in all sectors. In the campaign, ment of $49 million created 3,488 full

1903 2003 local officers reminded the membership time jobs, 5.5 million person hours of that the program was approved over- work, and $218 million in wages and YEARS of Electrifying Progress whelmingly in a membership vote at a benefits for Local 353 members. As the special call meeting. Local 353 executive boasted, this is an extraordinary 443 per cent return on In the eight years since the incep- investment. tion of the market recovery program, the local union has successfully recaptured Market recovery is beneficial because it puts members to work at unionized rates and benefits, slows down the non-union sector and gives Local 353 a larger share of the electrical contract work. It creates revenue for the health and welfare plan, the pension plan, the sub-plan and other plans. It improves and assists the financial and operating expenses of the local. All of this is an outstanding success.

The local has placed an increased emphasis on organizing. Often, the suc- cesses are small with 25 to 50 members added here and there. But on occasion, as happened not too long ago, a larger unit is organized. The 230 employees of Tron Electric recently voted to join Local 353 in 2002.

For the first time in approximately 10 years, Local 353 is at virtually full employment. Local 353 has organized 80 to 85 per cent of the low rise sector, with 40 of the top electrical contractors under contract and 700 dues-paying members. A recently signed three-year agreement added $5.04 over the life of the agree- ment, bringing the total package to $38.42. The high-rise sector adds 500 members to the local and 90 to 95 per cent of that sector is now organized.

Local 353 members working on a low-rise job site

Page 202 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Much of this was accomplished In June 2002, following an inten- since 1999 with the addition of four addi- sive campaign the officers were re-elected tional representatives and five organizers: en masse. Former Local 353 President

Bob Gill ran against Joe Fashion for busi- 1903 2003 • Cameron Commandant – ICI ness manager. Gill was a full-time busi- YEARS Representative ness representative for 13 years and has of Electrifying Progress worked in the trade for 19 years. He • Ted Szwec – ICI Representative campaigned with the promise to conduct • John Chapman – ICI Representative an independent and forensic audit of all the union’s funds. He promised to • George Smith – ICI Representative improve the pension plan, make full dis- closure to the membership regarding the • Bill Finnerty – Line Section Organizer use of Market Recovery and Stabilization • Tony Chiappetta – Low Rise Organizer funds. He promised better representation on low-rise residential job sites, to make • Rudy Lucchesi – Low Rise Organizer business representatives more accountable to the membership and to ensure health • Nino DiGiandomenico – High Rise and welfare benefits were upgraded and Organizer improved. He promised an open-door policy for members to restore what he • Bill Martindale – ICI Organizer termed “honesty and credibility,” and to The present officers have increased improve hiring-hall practices. He prom- efforts in education and political action. ised to open a satellite despatch and As part of its educational efforts, the promised residential stewards would local wants new members to be better receive the same protection as IC1 stew- informed about their work and their ards. He would protect the work jurisdic- union. tions and enforce the collective agreement.

A healthy opposition that does its The Joe Fashion team comprises best to expose any shortcomings con- himself as Business Manager, Bob Gullins stantly challenges the officers. All of this – President, John Smith – Vice President, adds up to a healthy local equipped to George Smith – Recording Secretary, Len face any challenges its second century Zawaski – Treasurer, Barry Stevens, might present. Robert White, Steve Belanger and Wally Majesky for the executive board. (Wally At the moment, the economy is Majesky passed away in August 2002 healthy although the recent outburst of and Dan Drummond was appointed to a SARS, West Nile virus and the world situ- board position by the executive board.) ation threatens this. Employment is Fashion’s team defended its record and brisk, but every Local 353 member promised more of the same. knows that with every boom comes a bust. A union local's strength is meas- They reviewed their track record ured by how well it survives the busts. of successes with the membership includ- Local 353 always survived because it was ing; the success of market recovery pro- prepared for them. gram; consulting with the membership for the second time in five years through a membership survey; the upgrade of the

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 203 local Newsletter; the development of new Local 353 members sought input on how initiatives in education for all members, to improve meetings and encourage more apprentices and new members; shop stew- membership involvement. Approximately

1903 2003 ards training; and, the development of a 1,300 responses were received. new web site. In addition they promised YEARS of Electrifying Progress to launch a new electronic Newsletter Briefly, the survey revealed that 63 and make union-based education compul- per cent of the respondents wanted meet- sory for all apprentices. ings rotated on a geographical basis; 53 per cent thought members should be The Joe Fashion team members required to attend a minimum of one or were easily re-elected, with Treasurer Len two meetings a year; 87 per cent felt that Zawaski gaining more votes than any meetings were unruly, but at the same other candidate. The members were time, 70 per cent felt the meetings were obviously content that their money was getting better; 78 per cent felt that stew- being spent wisely! ards should actively promote membership attendance at meetings on the job site; 88 Shortly after the June 2002 elec- per cent of the respondents believed that tion, the re-elected officers released the Local 353 should involve and encourage results of the most-recently conducted apprentices to attend monthly meetings; survey. The questionnaire sent to all 75 per cent believed that the local newslet-

Local 353 members on a low-rise job site

Page 204 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE ter – News and Views – should have more On February 2, 2003 Local 353 trade-specific information, more articles on reached its 100th Anniversary. Its loyalty union activities and more information and to the International should not be ques-

articles on issues that affect 353; 81 per tioned. The local raised legitimate con- 1903 2003 cent of the respondents were supportive of cerns and, given that these concerns were YEARS “setting up an employee-assistance plan to not addressed, the membership of the of Electrifying Progress service the unique human needs” of Local IBEW dropped from 70,000 at the start 353 members; and, 78 per cent wanted to of Ken Rose’s tenure to 58,000 by the see more polling stations added in local time the IBEW re-affiliated with the CLC. union elections. Its telephone representation (communica- tions unions) was all but eradicated. In her book, Dreams of Dignity, Workers of Vision – a History of the You can criticize your opponents International Brotherhood of Electrical for raiding, but the fact is that there was Workers, Grace Palladino spoke of something fundamentally wrong within Canadian IBEW members. “In many the IBEW. Those problems should have ways militant nationalists had forced the been addressed and were not. Brotherhood to rethink its concept of international unionism and improve serv- The Canadian membership of ices to Canadian members,” said national unions is compelled to develop a Palladino. “Although their arguments greater understanding of the loyalty con- rarely persuaded a majority of locals to struction trades unions share for the vote with them, even within their own International. national delegation, and their arrogant The answer should be obvious. style convinced many that they only The Canadian membership of industrial intended to disrupt convention proceed- international unions seldom have any ings, these dissident Canadians neverthe- interaction with their American brothers less raised important questions about and sisters except at conventions. The minority membership rights and majority same does not hold true for the member- rule that other groups within the ships of international construction trades Brotherhood, particularly women, were unions. also beginning to ponder.” The rationale for the loyalty to That’s part of the problem. their Internationals of the memberships of Dissent, legitimate dissent, is often inter- Canadian construction trades unions, preted as arrogant and disruptive. Many including Local 353’s membership, is the of Local 353’s delegations would have same today as it was when Canadians been placed in that category. Absolute were motivated to join back in 1899 – control is not democracy even if you do the ability to get a job in any area repre- get a vote. Too often forward-thinking sented by the IBEW. resolutions received non-concurrence rec- ommendations and debate was stifled. The ability to get a job anywhere Interestingly, when the delegates did get should not be under-estimated. Many the opportunity to cast a secret ballot, as Local 353 members have travelled to they did in 1996, they voted against the other parts of Canada and the United recommendations. States to work when there were few jobs within the local’s jurisdiction. In good

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 205 times, Local 353 has reciprocated in kind. This generates an increased feeling of security within the membership and it

1903 2003 creates a sense of brotherhood and sister- hood between different locals. It also fos- YEARS of Electrifying Progress ters a greater understanding between them, in short, solidarity. In that sense, the International is not remote and com- mands greater loyalty from the members.

Tenacity and resilience are what this local has in abundance. When you review the local’s documents one theme emerges repeatedly –each generation of local members was critical of the next generation. Senior members sometimes scorned the naiveté of the younger work- er, yet as the apprentice matured to the journeyman and he gained wisdom through experience and also contributed to the IBEW Local 353 history. Apprentices entering the field today will prove themselves equal to the task and each, in his or her own way, will build on the local’s wonderful legacy.

And as Local 353 Technical Education Director Ed Nott explained, when an industrial or public sector work- er loses his or her job in the industrial and public sector union membership is severed. In the construction trades mem- bership continues.

The older Local 353 members have illuminated the past…and we’re sure that the new generation of IBEW Local 353 members will continue to lead the Tenacity and resilience way and brighten the future. are what this local has in abundance.

Page 206 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE APPENDIX A

1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress Retirees Club

Many union members work their entire adult lives, retire, walk away from the job and never look back. They completely sever their ties with their place of employment and their workplace friends as well. Others have tremendous difficulty severing those ties because a major part of their lives has been spent on the job where important friend- ships developed. Local 353 retirees have the opportunity to maintain those long- standing friendships by becoming members of the Retirees’ Club. The retirees meet monthly for a luncheon, reminisce about ‘the old days,’ and keep up the friendships established throughout their working lives. Not surprisingly, many of the activists in the Retirees’ Club have merely transferred their activism from the Local to the Club.

The September 1947 Journal’s Local Lines mentioned there was some talk about starting a 20-year club in the Local. There were an estimated 100 members who had 20-year cards and might be inter- ested. The December 1947 Journal reported a gathering of the “Old Guard, lads with 20 or more years of service, 97 of them, with 70 expressing an interest in attending.” The April 1948 Journal reported that on January 23 the “old timers” had a party for members who had 20 or more years in good standing. Of the 97 who were eligible 67 turned out. It was not until 1985 that the Retirees Club was established. Steve Knott recorded in the September 1985 Journal that the first Local 353 Retirees’ Club meeting was held on June 17th 1985, and said the following:

“L.U. 353 (i&o), TORONTO, ONT. – On June 17, 1985, the retired members of this local union gathered together at the Holiday Inn on Wynford Drive to form a retired members’ club and to elect its officers. “The following members were elected to hold office: James Lambi (sic), president, William Anderson, vice president, S.Woolnough, secretary-treasurer, Warren Chapman, M. J. Mungy, D. Seivwright and Steve Weslak, Executive Board.

Page 208 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE “Although their newly elected presi- refused. I was nominated for comptroller and I dent, Jim Lambie, could not be on hand accepted. I forgot about the first meeting and because he is presently hospitalized, the you phoned me and said ‘what happened?’ I following members were present at the said ‘what do you mean what happened,’ and inaugural meeting: H. Hoffman, you said ‘you missed the meeting.’ I never J. Forsythe, A. Taylor, O. Chappel, missed another one.” 1903 2003 W. Whitehair, W. Hall, R. Ploon, J. Lynn, YEARS K. Peter, L. Mowat, R. Barker, Mungy recalls having a Charter made of Electrifying Progress F. Simpson, F. Hedges, R. Hamilton, up, having a bunch copied, and selling them for D. Seivwright, Oliver Booth, 25 cents to the members. He put one in a W. Anderson, F. Swales, S. Weslak, frame and handed it to the President Bill Baird, J. Gillespie, A. St. John, E. Gower, and it’s now hanging up in the hall. G. Campbell, B. Lavery, F. Griffin, The retirees had their first report pub- E. Gering, S. Woolnough, B. Jackson, lished in the Journal in March 1986. Retiree W. Hamilton, G. Corlett, R. James, Club Vice President and Press Secretary Bill G. Brown, W. Barber, R. Nixon, R. Anderson described Wright, J. Glenn, P. McWilliams, that the purpose of T. Roberts, J. Bosley, W. Chapman, the club was “to I. Marcus, J. Hymson, J. Hamilton, provide a continuing W. Work and M.Mungy, Sr. bond among our “Our special thanks go to Don local members and Putsey who assisted in polling the mem- members of any bers and in organizing the preliminary other…locals who meetings as well as the June 17 meeting.” may be interested.” Highlights of In an interview with the author in Steve its first half-year of Weslak’s presence, Mike Mungy spoke about operations were the first Retiree Club meeting. “As you recall described as a buffet (referring to Weslak) (Jim) Lambie was in the lunch – a great suc- hospital, and I was sitting next to you --- at the cess and a source of first meeting to elect the first president. You satisfaction for the nominated me and you said ‘you know, Mike, organizers. Thirty- you would make a good president. I refused, I two members and said, I am not going to be around, I am going their spouses were to be doing a lot of travelling. So, anyway, you there for “a delicious nominated me, and there was a letter read from lunch…arranged and Lambie. He wanted to be president. He was in supervised very effi- the hospital and he just lost his leg. I said to ciently by Mike you, ‘Steve, how the hell do you run against a Mungy, our catering guy who is in the hospital with a leg off?’ So I expert.”

Retiree booth at 1986 Convention in Toronto

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 209 The club promised to continue having “The one mistake I made, Brothers and pleasant and entertaining meetings open to all Sisters, is to remember this here: I did not have retired Local 353 members and visitors from any stick on things for the Brothers; so these are other locals. Brothers who haven’t seen each other for years. They were scratching their heads and saying, ‘I 1903 2003 By the summer of 1986, the club was still operating and making progress although it know you!’ So if you form a club, make sure YEARS you have some kind of a thing to identify of Electrifying Progress was not as much as was anticipated. There were fewer than 50 members. A program of summer them.” activities including theatre, sightseeing and lunch- The club was now a year old and the eons at different locations were held to boost retirees dug out old plaques and trophies going interest. back to the 1930’s and put them on display. IBEW’s 1986 convention was held in According to Mike Mungy, the first Toronto and the Local 353 retirees used the Retiree Club meetings were held in Jim convention to welcome many of their American Lambie’s house. Those who attended put in brothers and sisters to Toronto. Local 353 $20 each to keep the club going. Eventually retiree Don Putsey addressed the convention to someone read the rules and saw that “no meet- promote the club. He said that for over 40 ing could be held in a private home.” years as a Local 353 member he had heard peo- Bill Anderson, Local 353 Retiree Club ple say, “…we Press Secretary, reported in April 1987 that the should get some- club had a very successful year and had received thing going for our letters from a few locals about their activities. retirees. Well, about two years Bob Barker started taking photographs ago, I went to my of the retirees and recording their birth date, president, Brother initiation date, retirement date and, when it Baird, and I said, occurred, the date of death. Barker’s practice of ‘Brother Baird, taking photographs didn’t start right from the could I try to work beginning. “It occurred to me that people were to get our retirees coming in and disappearing, so I started taking organized?’ He the retirees’ photos.” gave me his bless- Taking photographs of events has con- ing; told me he tinued. Sadly however, the recording of details would give me all – a convenient method of keeping track of the the help he could. important dates in each member’s history – has “So, being an not. Brother Bill Smith receives Honorarium from President Bob Gullins with sons George and officer of 353, I got Mike Mungy recalled the night in 1991 John Smith. in touch with hard when the Local gave him a plaque for doing workers, I knew such a good job for the retirees. “They had a who had worked so special night for us, they called it the Night of hard in Local 353 the Stars. They drove us down in a limo,” and I asked them if Mungy recalled. “It was at the Convention they would come Centre, they spent a fortune. They had six or out to a hotel room, eight of them, and they asked me who should and we’ll talk it go with me. I said ‘I think all the guys who over. We got the worked with me.’ Jim Shaw had a ticket, he programme off won a watch. I got my 50-year pin. That was International Office ten years ago.” in the retiree book- A motion regarding retirees was pre- lets and we talked it sented at the 1991 Convention. The resolve over. was to go on record as asking each local to “Finally, we form a Retired Members’ Club. The motion sent a letter to all received a recommendation of concurrence and our retirees, and we Local 353 retiree Don Putsey spoke. He got to a hotel room, thanked the delegates for coming to Canada in gave them a cup of 1986 and expressed his 100 per cent support coffee, and had for the resolution. He outlined the activities Brother Ken Rose, that the Local 353 club was involved in and our International asked the delegates not to forget the men and Representative of women who built their local unions. District 1 there and Local 353 submitted a resolution to the we formed the 1996 convention requesting a constitutional Alex Hay - First Retiree memeber to receive Retiree Club. amendment granting voice. The resolution 50 year pin

Page 210 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE addressed other issues including retired mem- bers not performing work that was under IBEW contract. The committee offered a substitute RETIREES SCROLL resolution providing for permission to attend local meetings with voice, but no vote. 1903 2003 The local submitted the resolution YEARS because it believed there was an inequity in the The 1950 IBEW convention author- of Electrifying Progress Brotherhood. Many retired members were ded- ized the Secretary to design a scroll and icated and worked in the local. For some of pocket card to present to IBEW members them it was their greatest interest in life. When on receiving their pension. A certificate they retired the members were cut off from bearing the union seal in gold, and a input in the local as well as from participation replica on a pocket card enclosed in a and involvement. plastic case was designed. It is inscribed “We need their involvement, experience in decorative script and issued with their and participation,” said Fashion. “Many were first pension cheque. prepared to work as volunteers on committees, Scrolls and cards were inscribed and but could not speak at local meetings.” In sent to over 3,000 members who were

Fashion’s view, the Law Committee’s recom- mendation did not go far enough but the substi- tute resolution was adopted. The Local 353 Retirees Club continues to thrive and provides a wonderful social outlet for its members. Spouses are full participants in the activities ranging from the regular monthly meetings, specially arranged tours and other interesting events. already on pension at the time and the The current Retiree Club President, Pension Scroll and card concept were Larry Priestman, reports that the club has 1,100 extended to include Honour Scrolls and members – over 2,000 including spouses. are for award by local unions, along with Meetings are still held on a monthly basis and pins designating members years of serv- approximately 100 members attend them regu- ice. larly. Attendance increases on special occa- The pins, scrolls and pocket cards sions, such as the presentation of service pins to were also issued to members with 50 members. years standing in the Brotherhood. It is a certainty that, when the 100th anniversary of the local is celebrated the retirees Local 353 is a signatory to the will be present to share in the accolades. And Scroll. As noted previously in this book, deservedly so! Alex Hay was the first Local 353 mem- ber to complete 50 years of service.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 211 APPENDIX B

1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress Education and Apprenticeship Training

The idea of apprenticeship for training The Canadian membership of IBEW craftsmen is many centuries old. During the locals held a conference in July 1903 with rep- Middle Ages individual craft guilds were organ- resentatives from London, Ottawa, Hamilton, ized and became the workingman’s fraternities. Winnipeg, Sault Ste Marie, St. Catharines, They established systems for the individual Québec, Montreal and Toronto. Over 3,000 trades, set standards for workmanship, deter- members were represented and the conference mined the number and training of apprentices, Chairman was J. H. Hurd – IBEW’s first and even set prices for their products. Canadian International Vice President. The The system began to break down with conference endorsed by-laws for cities and the coming of industrialization. Factories were towns that compelled all electrical workers to able to turn out goods faster and at a lower pass a proficiency examination – training that cost than guild workmen could and entire was necessary for public safety. trades were destroyed. The construction trade By the summer of 1928 the local was one of the few that survived. Even though announced that an apprenticeship plan was the electrical tradesman’s job was spared the ax, underway. There were 56 helpers enrolled and he still felt the pressures of the machine age. the list grew daily. The Apprentice Committee The door was opened up to unskilled workers and the local executive board anticipated that taking jobs from those held by the highly skilled the program would extend to all helpers in the electrician. trade. There was no registration charge for the But the industry continued to change first six months training but a 50 cents per and the application of electricity would grow month charge was levied for the second six beyond what an unskilled person could deal months, and 75 cents for the third six-month with. This led to the need, once again, for training session. intensive training and great skill at mastering Upon completion of the second year, all the power source known as electricity. helpers that were registered for a minimum of Members of IBEW Local 353 have been six months were admitted to the union as regu- blessed with leaders both in the past and in the lar members. There was no initiation fee and present who recognize the need for intensive dues were $2.50 a month. The Helper Training training and education demanded by the contin- Courses were reported to have a superior par- uously evolving electrical field. From its earliest ticipation rate than the Journeymen’s Courses. beginnings, the IBEW insisted on a well-trained The local regarded helpers’ education as a step and educated work force, and this is no less in the right direction because “the helper of true of Local 353 today. today will be the journeyman of tomorrow.” When Local 353 was chartered in Helpers’ wages were 20 cents per hour 1903, the Technical School Board raised con- for the second half of the first year, increasing cerns that expectations for aid granted to the to 40 cents an hour in the second year, 55 cents board had not been fulfilled. It was estimated an hour in the third year and 70 cents per hour that $1,800 worth of equipment was needed in in the fourth year. the mechanics and physics departments. These On completion of three years of contin- funds were particularly important for the teach- uous service with one employer and successful ing of electricity. The class for electrical stu- standing at the end of the third year, the fourth dents was the largest in the school. Of equal year apprentice would be lent a kit of tools. concern was the teacher-to-student ratio, which These included a brace hacksaw, frame, keyhole was one teacher to 95 students. saw, torch, 10-inch wrench, 14-inch wrench,

Page 212 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE brace extension, feeler bit, 11/16-inch and 1- exam and of those, only 24 were successful. inch auger bits, 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch twist Peter Elsworth, the Chairman of Local drills, cold chisel, 3/4-inch wood chisel, ham- 353’s Examining Board, reported in 1935 that mer, cutting pliers and screwdriver. Once he classes for electrical workers were held at the completed four years of continuous service and Central Technical School on Wednesday 1903 2003 received his journeyman’s card, the tools were evenings and Saturday mornings. The classes his to keep. YEARS covered topics in blueprint reading, electrical of Electrifying Progress At the time, the collective agreement estimating, lead cable splicing and the prepara- permitted one apprentice for every two journey- tion of cable ends for pot heads. The Ontario men employed in each shop. Apprenticeship Act controlled the number of A new apprentice plan enacted by the men entering the electrical trade, but they were Ontario government at the request of the given the “ultimate” in training. Ontario Building Trades Union was termed “the In 1937, the board for examining and most vital subject now before the Brotherhood” regulating electrical workers comprised R. S. by Frank Selke Jr. in the March 1929 issue of Gillies – the city architect; E. Longfellow – rep- the Journal. Selke claimed it was “potentially resenting the Electrical Contractors; and Peter the best legislation ever brought forth in the Elsworth from Local 353. The board addressed cause of organized labor in Ontario.” issues related to the examination of electrical The intent of the legislation was to put contractors and journeymen who applied for a a beginner on a three-month probation period city licence. and if he wasn’t successful in proving his quali- The enforcement of the licensing by-law fications he would be encouraged to try other was under police supervision and members were work. The legislation covered both theoretical encouraged to inform either the police or the and practical training that would provide “bet- committee if they had personal knowledge of any- ter mechanics for the boss and better conditions one performing electrical work without a licence. for the boys,” because it eliminated half-trained As of July 1938, 239 electrical contrac- workers. Between December 1933 and June tors and 753 journeymen were issued licences. 1934, 73 fourth-year apprentices wrote the

1931 Central Tech Apprentice grads

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 213 There were 143 unemployed electricians and the lads returning from overseas also wanted to only 16 had found placements between January be electricians.” At the time, the agreement and June 1938. called for one apprentice for every three jour- The situation worsened in the later part neymen and the legislation required the same.

1903 2003 of 1938 and into 1939. With the onset of Even so, Mr. Hawes, the Director of World War II a problem of a different kind Apprenticeship for the ministry, explained that YEARS of Electrifying Progress began to develop. The war effort required the act was purely for educational purposes. additional electricians for the home front as He claimed that signing on an apprentice was well as on the battlefield. Local 353 alone had not binding on the employer or the apprentice. 104 members in the armed forces and that situ- They could be signed off or fired as soon as ation would, to a varying degree, be repeated in their wages got too high, with new, lower-cost every community across the country. There was apprentices hired in their place. One shop had an acute shortage of electricians. The result six journeymen and eight indentured appren- was that contractors attempting to meet their tices. Other shops had as many as six appren- needs hired almost anyone and pressured the tices to one journeyman, but not all the appren- local into accepting them as members. Many tices were indentured. electricians, who had been out of the trade for Farquhar viewed Hawes’ assertions as years because of the Depression, were also ridiculous and believed that he did not want to pressed into service if not as fully participating enforce the law but to call indentured appren- electricians, then as instructors. tices “labourers.” To have followed Hawes’ In the December 1944 Journal Local logic to its logical conclusion, no apprentice 353 applauded the International for forming a would ever attain journeyman status. class in electronics in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the request of Local 353, night class- Nevertheless, the local had difficulty taking es were set up in 1951 to improve journeyman advantage of the course. The problem was electician qualifications at the Provincial financing the cost of getting members to the Institute of Trades. At its 1952 convention, the course – travel, lost time wages, accommoda- IBEW announced that the union would issue tion and tuition fees. apprenticeship certificates. A full-time Director Consequently, Local 353 decided to of Apprenticeship and Training was appointed hire a qualified instructor, purchase the course by the IBEW and the National Electrical materials and conduct classes in Toronto. The Contractors Association (NECA). venture was an overwhelming success. By Larry Priestman apprenticed in 1954 December 1944 they signed up Professor Cass and recalls having to write both a provincial Beggs, an electrical engineer on staff at the examination and a union examination before University of Toronto, to teach the course. receiving his union card, his Certificate of Credit for this approach went to Cecil Shaw and Qualification from Ontario and his Toronto the Investigating Committee including Jimmy Licence. Wiggins, George Campbell Sr. and Bob Gardiner. The electronics’ course consisted of 12 lessons At the 1954 convention the National and 70 Local 353 members enrolled in the class Joint Apprenticeship Committee developed a that started in January 1945. Jack Nutland full Apprenticeship program for outside electri- noted that the local had more members taking cal apprentices. It required a three-year course courses than were attending union meetings! of study with detailed units and related instruc- tion material. At War’s end in 1946 the local began to introduce a system of apprentice registration At the 1958 convention in Cleveland, and training, the goal was to “…turn out better Ohio, International President Gordon Freeman men.” Local 353 retiree, Larry Priestman said, “We have endeavoured to do all in our recalls that after the war immigrants entered the power to assist and encourage our local unions country in large numbers. Many claimed to be to train their members, both in the field of tech- electricians but it didn’t take long to find out nology, in order to fit them for the ever-changing that many of them had no papers to prove their electronic developments in the electrical industry, qualifications – they lost them in the blitz! All as well as in basic union education which we of them required improved testing procedures feel is so important for the survival and growth to prove they were properly qualified. of organized labor today.” From 1952 to 1957, the number of apprentices in training in the con- By 1947, Bill Farquhar – Assistant struction field increased 46 per cent. Business Manager to Cecil Shaw – was predict- ing the 20-hour workweek within two or three The 1955 issue of the Labour Gazette years because it seemed to Farquhar “…that announced that according to Roland Demers of everyone had a son or a nephew they wanted to the Electrical Contractors Association of have employed in the trade, and the majority of Ontario (ECAO), electrical apprentices were

Page 214 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE still in short supply in Ontario. Full advantage in Metro, adding Tech shops.” His application was not taken of the opportunities available was not successful until 1963 when he was an because there were only 833 apprentices in the Installation and Maintenance teacher for the entire province, far short of the 5,800 positions Hamilton Board of Education. available. Whether there would have been jobs One advantage of the Hamilton system 1903 2003 for all 5,800 was not divulged. was that every school had a technical wing. YEARS In 1957 an assistant to direct appren- Academic and technical schools were not sepa- of Electrifying Progress ticeship training was appointed and by 1959 a rate and there were 3,600 students and the full-time Director of Skills Improvement teaching load was divided. The electricity and Training was added to the International office electronics instructors met monthly to ensure staff. A complete electronics course was devel- that everyone was following the same teaching oped and the program had well-defined rules agenda. Since every teacher was teaching the and regulations within the industry. same material, any student who transferred Each trade understood that for its con- from one school to another did so with little tinued success as a craft, procedures had to be difficulty. developed to ensure sufficient numbers of work- While he was teaching in Hamilton, the ers were trained to meet the industry’s needs. Technical Director at the school approached IBEW continued to standardize training courses him and asked permission to submit his name to meet training needs for every branch of the as part of a group that would develop a stan- Brotherhood’s jurisdiction. By 1962, over dard course for installation and maintenance. 50,000 IBEW members were involved in skill He did this over one winter in consultation with improvement training. other teachers from Western Tech and Central In response to requests for more infor- Tech. When the course material was completed, mation on new materials and trends in the elec- the committee was asked to discuss it with trical construction trade, Press Secretary Frank school trustees and representatives from indus- C. Bentley announced that an Education try. Worthington was asked to get a trade Committee was appointed. In addition to union representative for the committee and he Business Manager Bill Farquhar and Assistant submitted Wally Majesky’s name. Business Manager Bill Hardy, the committee Majesky was with the Toronto and included Local 353 Vice President J. A. District Labour Council. As it turned out, one Pritchard, A. G. Boivert, R. Hooper and F. Micel. person on the committee strenuously objected The committee arranged a monthly to Majesky – mostly because of a personality series of talks, demonstrations and plant trips, conflict. This necessitated another call to all described as successful. The next step was Majesky who took the news with good humour to establish an Electronics School under the and was most understanding. direction of the International’s department of Worthington then approached Local skill improvement and training. To meet the 353 member Ed Nott who agreed to serve on needs of the 220 students, 11 evening classes the committee. were held at four Toronto technical schools. In 1964, the 46th annual meeting of the Each student paid $10 for the registration fee Canadian Construction Association was held. A and some textbooks. Local 353 maintained a report was presented on the progress being made library for the use of each class. The electronics in labour-management relations with new field was expanding and to meet the education- approaches to apprenticeship training. The al requirements local unions needed to train Apprenticeship Training Committee proposed the their members in each new phase of the electri- indenturing of apprentices to joint committees cal industry as it came on line. and recommended pre-employment training. Technical training was not the only Among its 25 recommendations was one request- area of concern. The opening of the Labour ing that the “provincial government introduce College of Canada in 1963, a joint co-operative and enforce compulsory tradesmen’s qualifica- effort between McGill University in Montreal tions’ legislation for the construction industry.” and the Canadian Labour Congress, was con- In 1964, the Apprenticeship and sidered a “firm foundation for the development Tradesmen’s Qualification Act was proclaimed, of union leaders, young in spirit and trained in and certification of all electricians was a legal the technology of modern industrial life.” requirement. Electricians already in the trade Retiree Herbert Worthington was initi- had two years to demonstrate their competency ated into the local in October 1951 with a and to obtain a Certificate of Qualification. By Green card and received his Blue card in November 1, 1966 all existing electricians had January 1957. In the early 1960’s Worthington to be certified and were required to present doc- applied for a teacher’s position because they umentary evidence to the Ontario Department were “putting all kinds of extensions on schools of Labour.

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 215 In addition to a certificate issued by the Hydro. Half of the students who participated department of labour, a sworn declaration of were Local 353 members. experience as a Journeyman had to accompany In 1966, a report was issued by the 28- the certification application. member Economic Council of Canada that said,

1903 2003 Local unions were encouraged to take “…to achieve greater gains in productivity, advantage of the expanding apprenticeship there must be more education and worker train- YEARS of Electrifying Progress training programs. ing programmes.” This report tied in with In 1966, new regulations governing the Local 353’s policies advocating better appren- training and certification of electricians replaced ticeship training. those issued in 1964. The new regulations In 1966, International Vice President made a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) William Ladyman offered any interested Local compulsory for everyone engaged in the trade. 353 officer to take the International Leadership Anyone new to the trade was required to regis- Training course. Business manager Bill Farquhar ter as an apprentice within three months. worked with International representative Ken The trade was divided into two branch- Rose in setting up the course and the four one- es instead of three. Branch one covered the day sessions were held at the Westbury Hotel in Construction and Maintenance Electrician, and Toronto. Thirty Local 353 members attended branch two covered the Domestic and Rural the course and were pleased with the result, and Electrician. A construction and maintenance it was deemed an excellent opportunity to have electrician was described as a person “who lays more informed officers and members. out, assembles, installs, repairs, maintains, con- The January 1969 Journal in Local nects or tests electrical fixtures, apparatus, con- Lines applauded the efforts of the Labour trol equipment and any wiring for systems of College of Canada which, in just a few short alarm, communication, light, heat or power in years, had produced good results. This pro- buildings or other structures.” gram was an eight-week in-residence program. While attending full-time courses at a In a survey, where 220 of the 299 graduates provincial institute of trades, apprentices were replied, the following was revealed: required to meet the following standards: • 85.2 per cent remained in the labour move- • Take prescribed courses, the details of which ment after graduation; were set out in Schedule I, or an equivalent course of training; • 4.5 per cent were full-time teachers or stu- dents; • Apprenticeship consisted of four terms of 1,800 hours, which would be reduced to • 1.2 per cent worked for a Credit Union or 1,600 hours if the apprentice had a Grade 12 Co-operative; and, Certificate; • 6.5 per cent went into business. • Minimum starting rate for the apprentice elec- In two months of study students covered trician was 40 per cent of journeyman’s wage the equivalent of half a semester at University in in the same trade. This rate increased by 10 the social sciences. They returned to their unions per cent annually in each period reaching 80 better trained to provide leadership. per cent in the fifth period of training and instruction; and, By 1970, apprenticeship in the province of Ontario required an apprentice to have a • The Certificate of Qualification was compul- minimum Grade 10 education. The IBEW sory and was to be renewed annually. apprentice, however, required a Grade 12 edu- cation. The length of the apprenticeship was By 1966 Local 353’s Education five terms of 1,800 hours each totalling 9,000 Committee continued to offer courses. Over hours. There were three seven-week classroom 200 members were taking electronics courses at sessions included in the first three terms, with four different Toronto technical schools. A progress from one term to another dependent course on electric heating was held during the on the apprentice’s performance. A fourth 1964-1965 term with the co-operation of classroom session on electronics was available, Ontario Hydro and the Electric Heating but not compulsory. Association. In this 30-hour course of class- Applicants with Grade 12 qualifications room instruction and a written examination, 35 required only 8,000 hours divided in five 1,600- members enrolled and all but one graduated. hour terms. The agreement Local 353 had with There was also a Commercial and the contractors required the higher academic Industrial Lighting course conducted by Ontario standard.

Page 216 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE The apprentice, by law, was indentured Apprenticeship Council (JAC). Supplementary to an employer or a committee with equal rep- classes for apprentices were held under the aus- resentation from labour and management all pices of the JAC with first and second-year appointed by the Ministry of Labour. In apprentices participating. Toronto an apprentice was indentured to one The Joint Apprenticeship and Training 1903 2003 employer, which, in Bill Farquhar’s view, did Committee (JATC) was not appointed by the not give the apprentice a sufficient variety of YEARS Director of Apprenticeship, but it would need of Electrifying Progress work for proper training and it made it more to be done eventually if the Joint Committee difficult to move them from one employer to took full charge of apprenticeship training. another. By 1972 Local Press Secretary Steve Local 353’s goal at the time was to con- Knott praised the training program set up by vince the Electrical Contractors Association of the local JATC. At the time there were 642 Toronto (ECAT) to co-operate in a joint effort apprentices in the local; 555 fell under the to develop a standard apprenticeship-training JATC supplementary training courses. program to cover all apprentices in union shops in Toronto and to have them indentured to a By this time, the members donated five joint committee. cents per hour into an Industry Fund to fund the program. The fund was controlled by the By 1971, some progress was made ECAT and administered by Local 353 member through the formation of the Joint Martin McBride.

Instructor Dick McRae teaching IBEW Local 353 members - 1972

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 217 The classes were held from 8am to supplementary education of approximately 700 noon on Saturdays without pay, but the hours apprentices. Local 353 apprentice Bill Reynolds were credited to the apprenticeship contracts. received an award for being the top apprentice They were instructed in approximately 120 sub- of the year. jects including types of conduit; types of wire 1903 2003 In 1976 Local 353 President Bill and wiring methods; the care and use of all fas- Johnson praised the excellent training apprentices YEARS tening devices; arc and acetylene welding; the of Electrifying Progress received. Business manager Warren Chapman layout and installation of different types of encouraged the JAC “to carry on with the fine lighting; motor controls; the calculation and example set by their predecessors.” installation of electric heat; CAD welding; ground fault detectors; blueprint reading; rig- Between 500 and 600 apprentices were ging and hoisting; the IBEW by-laws; the consti- in the program at any one time – attending tution and log books. classes at Humber, George Brown and Centennial Colleges. The purpose of the pro- The JATC office tracked each appren- gram was: tice’s training through the logbook. A foreman signed the book – recording the type of work • to prepare apprentices so they would benefit each apprentice performed – and the office more from their government-sponsored day ensured an apprentice received a fully rounded classes; education. In 1972, six months after signing the • to give them all-round practical training by master agreement, the Conference Board agreed exposing them to every facet of the industry; to a Trust Fund for the JAC making it one of the “most advanced, expensive and • to build loyalty to the trade and decrease the autonomous” within the IBEW. The funding drop-out rate; for the program came from the industry fund. In 1972 it was estimated at $61,000 to fund the • to establish very early in their careers that

Rigging and Hoisting course – 1975 Some of the graduates of the Safe Rigging and Hoisting Course offered by Local 353, Toronto, Ont., are, seated, left to right, John O’Dea, Wayne Sharp, Morley Hughes, Michael Webb and Paul Seidel. Standing, Lou Hauser, John Friedman, Gunther Frisch, Bill Bebe, Ed Smith, John Murray, Bill Robinson, Keija Maruya, Hubert Werner, Gordon Stephenson, Leonard Graves, Bill Singleton and John Smith

Page 218 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE they must guard against obsolescence through In 1975 the Ontario School Board a continuous learning process; developed a work-experience program designed to place 14 and 15-year olds in the workplace. • to establish the importance of safe working It supported the introduction of work experi- habits; ence committees into the educational system. A 1903 2003 resolution opposing the concept was submitted • the choice and care of tools; to the Ontario Federation of Labour convention YEARS of Electrifying Progress reading; • the necessity for accurate log book records; “WHEREAS many school boards and, are developing a ‘work experience’ pro- gram, and • the worker’s responsibilities to his union, the employer and the industry. “WHEREAS no trade-unionist should endorse or support the placing of 14 and 15-year old children into the Applicants were carefully screened work place, and before they were selected as apprentices. The course lecturers were members of Local 353, “WHEREAS nothing will destroy a the ECAT, Toronto Construction Safety child’s ability to study and think clearly, Association, and the Industrial Training Branch more, than to be subjected to the daily of the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. grind of industry: In March 1978 Steve Weslak was pre- “THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED sented with a plaque honoring his years of that the Ontario Federation of Labour work on the JAC as Chairperson, oppose the introduction of ‘Work Supplementary Trainer and delegate. Experience’ committees into the educa- tion system.”

Joint Apprenticeship Council – 1975 Union and management men on the Joint Apprenticeship Council work together to formulate the policy for the Supplementary Training classess. From left: Jack Heaton (ECAT), Mac MacNaughton (ECAT, retired), Rick Brodhurst (ECAT), Ron Neal (ECAT Alternative), Chairman Leo Cunningham (ECAT), Steve Weslak (IBEW, L.U. 353), Bill Johnson (IBEW), Gord Watson (IBEW, retired) and Ron Carroll (IBEW).

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 219 The resolution received a recommenda- led the seminar, said that every steward should tion of non-concurrence and the committee’s know the agreement, the constitution and the recommendation of non-concurrence was car- by-laws. ried. Wally Majesky, a member of the Local In 1969 Local 353 member Tom Hart 353 education committee, spoke in favour of 1903 2003 was the first to receive the IBEW Founder’s the non-concurrence recommendation. “I think Scholarship – providing $2,500 a year. Local YEARS it’s very important that we understand that of Electrifying Progress 353 member Glenn Rennie was awarded the wherever there is a pilot project that talks about scholarship in 1970. work experience programs, and I’m speaking now as a parent, that we have some responsibil- An interesting development for the ity to sit down and find out what the work trade union movement in Ontario occurred in experience program is, what does it entail what 1975 when the Labour Council of Metropolitan rates of wages are involved, and if we have Toronto, in conjunction with Humber College, some apprehension at that level, we can say we established the Centre for Labour Studies. are not willing to co-operate,” said Majesky. This program was unique. IBEW Local “If we say we are not in favour of work experi- 353’s Wally Majesky was a driving force behind ence programs, I’m very scared that programs the project. Majesky was the Project Director will be developed without our co-operation.” for the Labour Council and worked with the Local 353 has always vigorously pro- college. The college appointed one of its moted apprenticeship training. Trade union instructors – Joe Grogan – to oversee the pro- education also. It goes beyond job-related gram. Twenty-eight years later the program still training and works towards ensuring that local exists with the Labour Council and George union leaders and officers are well informed. Brown College as joint partners. Courses estab- This training has included stewards’ training, lished from the outset included labour leader- and a course was held in 1970 with 125 stew- ship, industrial hygiene, instructional techniques ards in attendance. The course covered matters for labour education, labour history and labour dealing with clauses in the principal agreement, politics. Local 353 enthusiastically endorsed local union by-laws, the IBEW constitution, and the project and reimbursed any member who handling jurisdictional issues. Bill Hardy, who completed a course and received a certificate. The Centre has expanded far beyond its initial concept and, in addition to its Labour Studies program it offers computer training, English as a second language, and others pro- grams designed to facilitate easier entry into the work place for people who had lost their jobs through plant closures and down-sizing. We have already mentioned the Labour College of Canada that was established in 1963. By 1972 the College was in need of urgent assistance according to Bert Hepworth, the Director of the education department. The eight-week program was difficult to fund because of the tremendous cost of lost-time expenses. The College pressed unions to con- tribute more in the form of scholarships to off- set some of those costs. The eight-week residence program offered instruction in economics, history, sociol- ogy, political science, trade unionism, and industrial relations. A correspondence course consisted of 12 lessons – three in economics, three in political science, three in sociology and one each on How to Study, How to Read Graphs and the Basic Elements of Accounting. By 1972 over 750 people had graduated from the college. Bill Baird was the only Local 353 mem- ber to attend the Labour College. In a 2001 Tom Hart receiving Founders’ Scholarship – 1969 interview with Baird, he described the experi- Brother Tom Hart, Local 353, Toronto, Ont., was one of the 12 Founders’ Scholarship winners. He is shown here, at left, as Business Manager Bill ence as the most enlightening he ever had. He Hardy congratulates him.

Page 220 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE said he “…could not believe how left-wing it offered courses in labour studies, safety, and was, it was against profit, and when you take a industrial electronics. look at the Graduation List, you have the lead- The industrial electronics program at ership of the labour movement in this country.” George Brown College came about because of When interviewed, Baird says that he thinks he the dedication of Harry Mooradian – Chairman 1903 2003 is the “…last buildings trade representative to of electrical technology. Mooradian did an have attended,” and compared his experience YEARS excellent job in coordinating the program and of Electrifying Progress with going to a “Moonie Camp.” Claiming to found funding and set up the space. The pro- have come close to a nervous breakdown, Baird gram was a 13-week day program funded by says the only thing that saved him was the fact the federal government – ran for five years, and that he came home on weekends. greatly assisted a number of our members in It is interesting to note that Baird’s obtaining their 309D electronics endorsement. 2001 recollections do not correspond with a Both the federal and provincials gov- report to the local on March 26, 1982 where he ernments understood the need for skills upgrad- wrote, “My attendance at the Labour College ing in the electrical and electronics fields. In the of Canada for the months of May and June this mid-1980’s through the 1990’s the union was past summer was an experience I would like to offered funding for a Trades Updating Program. see more of this membership become involved They recognized the trade as one of the nation’s in…I highly recommend this program.” most critical, and designated funds for training Ed Nott formed a Technical Education facilities, research and development as well as Committee within the Local in 1977. The com- equipment and course materials. Local 353’s mittee collapsed in 1978 (under the trusteeship) Education and Training Fund Trustees negotiat- and resumed in 1981. Martin McBride, Herb ed with officials of both governments to access Worthington, Bill O’Halloran, Gord Henderson, those funds in order to expand and upgrade its Phil Bova and Dave Kennedy were mainstays on own training programs. the committee for more than ten years. In 1982 the Technical Education In 1977, the local negotiated a one-cent Committee offered six courses to members. In per hour contribution to the Educational the mid-1980’s, the committee conducted a sur- Training Trust Fund. This fund was to assist vey to determine the level of interest in approxi- funding of all courses offered by the technical mately 20 different courses that were available. education committee and safety committee The survey indicated that from 52 to 215 mem- taken outside those offered by the local union bers were interested in each course, more than committee. This was increased to three cents enough to conduct multiple courses in each sub- per hour in 1984. ject. The purpose of the survey was to help the The Fund provided scholarships up to committee in its continuing efforts to improve $1,000 in any year for members attending col- old courses and to develop new ones where lege or university. In the event these scholar- there was interest. ships were not used, the trustees of the fund The committee arranged demonstra- were permitted to consider reimbursement for tions of the latest innovations in equipment and other job-related courses or seminars. In order merchandise to keep themselves, and the course to share the funds with more members, the participants, current with the latest technologi- Fund was amended to provide $250 per calen- cal developments. In 1982, the Tech Ed depart- dar year to members who took technically relat- ment offered the first ever Fibre Optics course ed courses at a recognized training facility. at George Brown College. There was a rapid The trustees of the education and train- expansion and acceptance of computers into the ing trust fund in 1984 were Bill Baird, Robert working world. In 1984 the Technical Rynyk and Steve Knott. They worked with the Education department offered the first Build chairman of the committee, Ed Nott, the safety Your Own Apple (computer) course. This education committee and the labour-manage- meant that computer skills’ upgrading courses ment education committee. The goal was to were becoming a necessity, and assistance for continually provide up-to-date courses and this project was sought from the Ontario Job equipment so Local 353 members would have Strategy Fund. the skills required to maintain their employment Ed Nott, the Committee’s Chairman in a rapidly changing market place. and Director of Technical Education, attended With partners including the Metro the Building Tomorrow conference in Toronto Labour Council, Toronto Building Trades, in 1986. On the agenda was an item on the Construction Safety Association, Joint changing structure of provincial government Apprenticeship Committee (JAC), George funding that placed increased emphasis on Brown College, and the ECA Manpower youth training. This reduced technical educa- Committee the Technical Education department tion funding significantly. A new training pro-

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 221 gram was developed by the federal government • Regular and accurate entries into log books; to retrain skilled workers and Local 353’s com- mittee felt it would be beneficial in developing • Accurate records of an apprentice’s progress; electronic electricians. • Regular attendance at Trade School and 1903 2003 In 1986 a new Industrial Electrician Certificate Apprenticeship Program was initiat- Saturday morning sessions; and, YEARS of Electrifying Progress ed and in 1987 Local 353 began to search for • To seek assistance from persons specifically ways to access both provincial and federal gov- appointed for that purpose if experiencing ernment funding. difficulty. That was the impetus for Local 353 instructors and JAC teachers to meet and dis- cuss a new curriculum. It was also deemed In 1985, Ron Carroll reported on a appropriate to establish formal lines of commu- number of complaints he received from JAC nication between IBEW’s Tech Ed department apprentices who were working in an atmos- and the JAC to address the educational needs phere of fear of reprisals from the JAC Director, for fifth term apprentices and new journeymen the JAC Council, the co-coordinators and for the betterment of the industry. instructors. He expressed his awareness of the pressures all apprentices were under when striv- The intensity of training for new ing to do their best for the employer, the fore- apprentices was hammered home at one JAC man and the journeyman – all of whom some- meeting when JAC Representative Ron Carroll times expected and demanded too much from a reported the termination of three apprentices person just learning the trade. In addition to from the joint program for refusing to comply those pressures, the apprentice was expected to with the terms of their apprenticeship. This participate in Trade School and supplementary action was taken reluctantly, but because there training. were so many applicants waiting to start in the electrical trade, the committee felt it could not Carroll said that human relations were afford to have anyone abuse the system at the important in how well an apprentice progressed. expense of others who were willing and anxious The working relationship in the workplace was for the opportunity to participate. important, requiring patience from the trainer in a hectic environment, and where too much Carroll, obviously disturbed by the emphasis was sometimes placed on how fast a job necessity of taking such action, outlined what was completed and not how well it was done. he regarded as “musts” for any apprentice including: He understood the apprentice’s fear that if all these needs were not met, or some- thing was done contrary to the guidelines, the apprentice would be summoned to the JAC office for an interview with the director of the committee. Carroll assured all apprentices that every day-to-day problem was not brought to the director or to the committee and he prom- ised to have the committee meet regularly to assist in any way possible with these issues. Ed Nott wrote in the Tech-Ed Part- Time Course calendar in the fall of 1985 about the realities of the modern day workplace for electricians. He said, “Routine electrical work - the bread and butter of the electrician and con- tractor - still occupies most of the working hours. But times are changing and each of us must change with the times or be left behind.” Some of the changes were computers and computer room wiring; shielding; ground- ing; noise suppression; UPS systems; computer power centres; CAD/CAM; computer controlled systems; robotics; and variable-speed drives. “The future is here now, placing demands on our know-how, capabilities and ini- tiative. To keep up, it is vital to know as much Training Director Ed Nott and instructor Dave Howard as possible about these sophisticated new tech-

Page 222 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE niques,” stressed Nott. “The answer lies in • An overwhelming emphasis on short-term training, education and reading. Whether it is a entry-level employment training; course offered in this calendar, or one at the community colleges, manufacturers’ seminars or • Fewer opportunities for skill development; in-plant courses. New product literature, trade 1903 2003 shows, equipment exhibits and trade magazines • A lack of standardized training objectives to offer more opportunities to obtain knowledge.” meet the needs of workers and industry. YEARS of Electrifying Progress Increasingly, Local 353 has come to In the 1980’s the federal training policy recognize the importance of communicating the shifted from Community Colleges to the private attractiveness of electrical work as a career sector – even though only one in four compa- option to the younger generation. In 1988, the nies spent any money on formal training for local participated in Future Building – 88, held employees. at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The The report revealed that the average project was an initiative of the Building Japanese company provided each employee Industry Strategy Board and the Ontario with 200 hours of training annually compared Ministry of Housing, with the support of the with only one hour for the average Canadian building and construction industry and the edu- company. cation and training community of Ontario. Its In the August 1991 Journal, IBEW purpose was to attract a new generation of President J. J. Barry stressed that he wanted workers. At the time it was expected that 50 “…this generation of electrical workers to be per cent of skilled workers would retire within that much farther along than the last genera- 10 years, creating a demand for skilled trade’s tion. And the next generation should be a notch personnel. Approximately 50,000 young people higher than that. Building strength in the union attended what for most of them was their first by organizing the unorganized work force and exposure to the construction industry. continuing education throughout a worker’s In 1991, the Social Planning Council of career are the ways…to move the Brotherhood Metropolitan Toronto noted that four features forward.” dictated the training policy at the time: Yet the federal governments’ Canadian • A critical reduction in funds for training; Jobs Strategy Program reduced its funding budget for training. This was at a time when

Communinication Cabling class

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 223 the Canadian Labour Market and Productivity being trained and the average number of hours Centre revealed that 70 per cent of Canadian spent on training. Survey highlights were: workers believed that increased education and training were needed for the future. • 70 per cent of private sector firms in Canada provided structured training with a range of 1903 2003 It was during this period that two new programs were introduced – the Construction, 67 per cent for firms employing 500 or more; YEARS of Electrifying Progress Organizing, Membership and Education Training project (COMET) and Membership • Average length of training – 14 hours; Education and Mobilization for Organizing • 62 per cent provided orientation training; course (MEMO). Both these efforts were cred- ited with organizing successes throughout • 57 per cent provided computer training; Canada. The programs were designed to break down membership opposition to bringing in • 44 per cent provided health and safety train- new members and to illustrate the direct rela- ing; tionship between the degree of unionization and the corresponding success at the bargaining • 40 per cent provided managerial training; table. International Vice President Ken Woods and, said, “The training programmes were designed to enhance organizing initiatives in the First • 8 per cent provided literacy, numeracy and District.” training in other basic skills. The Canadian Labour Market and Productivity Centre released results of a major In 1993, the Ontario Training and survey in 1991. The survey was a joint business Adjustment Board (OTAB) was established. Its and labour effort in labour market research in purpose was to build a system of training and Canada. It gathered comprehensive informa- adjustment programs and services to meet tion on the types of training available, who was Ontario’s future needs and to train and assist people in adjusting to changes in technology and the economy. OTAB comprises representatives from business, labour, racial minorities, women, Francophones, the disabled, educators, trainers and ex-officio representatives from all levels of government. The work place was to be consid- ered as a place of learning with the establish- ment of training programs in specific areas – including the electrical/electronic sector. There was to be equal access to training for those with systemic and other barriers (including those for shift workers). One goal was to review, broaden and enhance the appren- ticeship system to ensure a flexible, adaptable and highly skilled work force, and to develop a market information base to identify future skills’ requirements. These trends merely confirmed for Local 353 that its emphasis on education and training was the correct path to assist its mem- bers in developing the skills needed for the 21st century. When Local 353 participated in the 14- local membership survey in 1997, it identified what its members’ expectations were regarding education. The survey showed that Local 353 members wanted and needed training the fol- lowing skills areas:

• Motor and Motor Controls;

Communinication Cabling class • Controls Automation Systems and PLCs;

Page 224 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE • Communication cabling; apprentices. The show highlights the need for skilled trades’ people and the prominence of • Electronics; technology in our lives. The efforts at recruit- ment are enhanced because both students and • Fire alarms and systems; their parents have an opportunity to discover 1903 2003 that electricians have a dynamic career with • Installation of power generation, stand-by portable skills. YEARS of Electrifying Progress power generation, power condition systems; These efforts to recruit new workers to the trade are extremely important when it was • Conducting preventative maintenance pro- estimated that as late as 2001 Canada faced a grammes; and, shortage of 20,000 to 50,000 skilled technology workers because of an aging work force in the • Estimating costs. industry. The July 2002 issue of News and Views Over 75 per cent of Local 353 member- highlights the 13th Annual Ontario Skills ship respondents thought the ECAO and Local Competition held in Kitchener, Ontario on 353 should take full control of all apprentice- April 29, 2002. “There were fifty trade and ship training and they wanted all training con- technology careers showcased,” reported Ed ducted at the Local 353 training centre. This Nott. “Among the winners was Local 353 would mean ECAO/IBEW Local 353 would apprentice Ryan Cooper, who won a gold provide all apprenticeship training as opposed medal and went on to win the National to having it delivered at community colleges. Competition held in Vancouver in May, 2002. The survey also revealed a high level of Ryan will celebrate Local 353’s 100th anniver- computer literacy in the local. Over 51 per cent sary in style when he competes on the interna- had their own personal computers, and 53 per tional stage in Europe.” Ryan Cooper is the cent said they would use a Local 353 website. first Local 353 member to win both the provin- An astounding 82 per cent believed that the cial and national competitions. local should use computer-based learning for In addition to Ryan Cooper, Local 353 various upgrading programs. Of the respon- sponsored Local 353 apprentice Taras dents, 35 per cent of the membership had post- Petryshyn who won silver in the Electrical secondary education through a community col- Wiring Industrial category competition. Frank lege or university. Ornat also won silver. In 1999 the Harris Conservatives threatened long-standing and proven appren- ticeship training techniques in the province by passing detrimental legislation aimed directly at the construction industry. This was an attempt by the government to drive down wages and conditions through project agreements. Part of the legislation was to force apprentices to work for less so they would have to borrow money for their trade school courses traditionally fund- ed through federal and provincial grants. The union continues to support ven- tures that encourage young people to enter the trade. One of these is Skills Canada – a non- profit coalition of educators, labour groups, employers and government groups that seek to promote skills’ trades and technological occupa- tions. Skills Canada also hosts an annual com- petition and students from elementary, second- ary and post secondary schools support their peers who compete in over 40 technology and trade-specific contests spanning construction, manufacturing, communication, trade seminars and leadership. Through the competition, the union has an opportunity to speak with students about the unionized electrical industry and to commend the achievements of competing students and Instructor Joel Liburd (right) teaching computer skills to Local 353 members

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 225 In the October 1973 Journal President In an August 2002 interview, Ed Nott Charles Pillard congratulated locals for keeping revealed that since 1991over 3,000 different pace with changing times and keeping current IBEW Local 353 members have attended classes with changes within the industry by taking in whose courses are designed to upgrade mem- qualified apprentices, training them and edu- bers’ skills and are completely voluntary. 1903 2003 cating them in the principles of good trade One of our most popular programs, the YEARS unionism. of Electrifying Progress Fire Alarm program has also expanded since its inception in 1981. Bill O’halloran, Dave Busato, John Wickens, Steve Smith, Doug Weston and Dave Kennedy were tireless in their commitment and successfully developed the Fire Alarm program. Because of the technical expertise and dedication of the instructors, the Ministry of Skills adopted the four-level Fire Alarm program as an industry standard in 1993 and in 1995 the Fire Marshall’s office recog- nized the program for Fire Alarm certification. Local 353 continues to meet the chal- lenge of constant evolution by offering training and continued education to its membership. A major contributor to the success of the Tecchnical Education department was the open- ing of the Training Centre in 1991. Ed Nott, Peter Olders, Dave Griffiths, Cy Segeal and Bill Martindale were instrumental in developing the training facility – a symbol of progress and expertise within the electrical trade industry. Starting with four classrooms in 1991, the Training Centre expanded its program by 1993 to six classrooms – including a shop area. The shop area allowed unprecedented opportu- nity for hands-on training for our members. The Training Centre was a major step forward in expanding the number of courses that could be offered to the membership. We have dedi- Skills Canada – 2001 cated equipment for practical hands-on training allowing us to offer programs in more detail than ever before. We have labs that cover com- puters, programmable controllers, motor con- trol and fire alarms. Under the direction of Peter Olders the Communications Cabling program was intro- duced. When the economic downturn of the 1990’s gripped Ontario, the Communications Cabling program jumped in to full swing. The program allowed our unemployed members to upgrade their skills during this slow work peri- od and opened the door for work in the new trade of the communications electrician. The Communications Cabling program was expanded in 2003 to include a Network Cabling Specialist pre-exam course – a certified trade with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The Training Centre continues to offer Technical Education courses and gives us the flexibility to offer programs in other areas like Safety, Labour Studies and Apprentice orienta- Fire Alarm Level III class tion.

Page 226 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

Instructor Peter Olders teaching cabling class

As we enter the future, there is no doubt that changes in technology will reshape and expand our industry. Local 353 will be in the forefront to ensure its members the oppor- tunity to enhance and evolve their skills, and offer the best skilled and motivated workforce to service the Greater Toronto Area. Local 353 has been blessed with offi- cers who understood that maintaining the status quo was simply not good enough. This was true 100 years ago, it was true 25 years ago, and it is equally true today.

Communication Cabling - Level III class - 2002

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 227 TECHNICAL 1903 2003 EDUCATION YEARS of Electrifying Progress

Page 228 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 229 APPENDIX C

1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress Substance Abuse

Bill Baird is credited with being the itor. He also believes that a person with a motivating influence for Local 353’s Substance dependency on either alcohol or drugs has to be Abuse program. Baird admits to having defeat- really motivated to stop. Priestman claims that ed his own addiction and started pushing for a anonymity is crucial in any successful program program for the local. Baird blames the media designed to combat alcohol and drug abuse. for much of the alcohol and drug abuse in soci- He claims there are usually 4 – 5 members of ety because the media depicts a “cool” lifestyle Local 353 active in the program at any given where drinking is acceptable. For the construc- time. tion worker, it was considered macho if you Initially, the local had an association could drink a lot. “Guys bang back a half with The Donwood Institute in Toronto. More dozen beers over a half-hour lunch break,” says recently, it has teamed with the DeNovo treat- Baird. The problem still exists today for a vari- ment center – an organization that has an on- ety of reasons. going association with the construction indus- Baird says that the first six years of the try. program were not easy, but when the media The DeNovo objective is “to help indi- began to turn their attention to the problem, viduals regain responsibility to themselves, their the program began to gain wide acceptance. family and their jobs.” The DeNovo approach With older workers, drinking leads to what tailors treatment and recovery to the needs of Baird terms as cross addiction. A worker visits each individual through pre-treatment, post- his doctor complaining about depression – often treatment and counseling programs on a one-to- brought on by his heavy drinking. The doctor one basis, or on a couple and family therapy is not told about the drinking problem and pre- basis. DeNovo promotes education and aware- scribes medication to ease the depression. ness programs and gives presentations upon Before long the worker has difficulty making it request to the community, unions and industry through the day without both a drink and a at no cost to the worker and his family. pill. DeNovo is a joint union-management program Baird credits the Electrical Contractors that offers help to people in the unionized con- Association of Toronto for its 100 per cent vote struction industry. It is funded through a .01 of approval for the project. In 1988, the plan cents per hour worked from both the employee was called MAP – Members Assistance and the employer. Programme. He also stresses that since it was first publicized in 1984, other locals have requested details of the program, and instituted programs of their own. The DeNovo objective is Throughout the years, Baird has made numerous presentations on Local 353’s Program “ to help individuals and in 1987 presented an article in the April issue of the local newsletter. “It is always regain responsibility to rewarding to know that, as trade unionists, we themselves, their family are fulfilling our objectives in improving our lifestyles,” wrote Baird. “Our Substance Abuse and their jobs.” Programme is doing just that for those who have recognized that they have a problem with alcohol or drugs.” The local held seminars open to members, spouses or friends. Larry Priestman is also a long time sup- porter of the locals alcohol and drug abuse pro- gram. Priestman believes that the success rate with alcohol and drug abuse is difficult to mon-

Page 230 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE APPENDIX D

1903 2003

YEARS Local 353 Executive of Electrifying Progress

BUSINESS MANAGER – LOCAL 353 1903 – 1926 Not 1969 – 1975 Bill Hardy * Business Manager and available 1975 – 1977 Warren Financial Secretary offices 1927 – 1930 Bill Brown Chapman combined 1930 – 1932 Frank Selke Jr. 1977 – 1983 Bill Hardy ** Business Manager and 1932 – 1949 Cecil Shaw* 1983 – 1987 Robert Rynyk Financial Secretary become 1949 – 1969 Bill Farquhar 1987 – Present Joe Fashion ** joint office in 1990/1991.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY – LOCAL 353

1903 Chris Walker 1976 – 1982 Steve Weslak 1904 – 1916 Not available 1982 – 1989 Steve Knott 1917 Fred Einbooen/Tom Crawford 1990 – present Joe Fashion*** 1917 – 1918 Fred Einbooen and E. Holden * From 1932 position was both Business 1919 - 1921 H.E. Carter, Joseph Gunn, Manager and Financial Secretary G.W. McCollum, A. Garland, R. Gilette ** 1969 office split and Farquhar assumes 1922 – 1927 P. Elsworth office of Financial Secretary only.

1927 – 1949 Cecil Shaw* ***Business Manager and Financial Secretary positions merged again and Joe Fashion 1949 – 1976 Bill Farquhar** holds both offices. PRESIDENTS – LOCAL 353 1903 D. Mathieson 1962 – 1964 Norm McAllister 1904 – 1917 Not available 1964 – 1970 J.D. Pritchard 1918 C. Phelps 1970 – 1975 Tom Hart 1919 – 1920 Not available 1975 – 1978 Bill Johnson 1921 Cecil Shaw 1978 – 1979 Trusteeship** 1922 – 1923 Not available * June 1979 – Tom Hart appointed President 1924 – 1932 Jack Nutland * July 1979 – Hart resigns 1932 – 1934 Ed Forsey * July 1979 – December 1979 – Ray Tyrell assumes President * January 1980 – July 1980 – Robert Rynyk President 1934 – 1940 Jack Nutland 1980 – 1987 Bill Baird 1940 – 1942 Joe Dent 1987 – 1992 Larry Priestman 1942 – 1944 Jack Price 1944 – 1945 Bill Farquhar 1992 – 1998 Bob Gill 1945 – 1948 Percy Eversfield 1998 – 1999 Bob Gullins (appointed) 1948 – 1962 Jack Price 1999 – Present Bob Gullins

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 231 VICE PRESIDENTS – LOCAL 353

1903 – 1922 Not available 1954 – 1956 George Summers 1903 2003 1922 Cecil Shaw 1956 – 1958 Herb Ransone

YEARS 1923 – 1926 Not available 1958 – 1964 Jack Pritchard of Electrifying Progress 1927 – 1930 J. W. Curran 1964 – 1969 W.J. Jackes 1930 – 1932 D. Morris 1969 – 1970 Finley Gerow 1932 – 1934 T. Redburn 1970 – 1972 J. White 1934 – 1936 E. Forsey 1972 – 1975 Ron Carroll 1936 – 1938 George Murray 1975 – 1979 Ray Tyrrell 1938 – 1942 Not available 1979 – 1980 Rob Rynyk 1942 – 1946 T.P Eversfield 1980 – 1983 Larry Priestman 1946 – 1948 Charles Bailey 1983 – 1987 John Smith 1948 – 1950 Bill Findley 1987 – 1993 Gerry Benninger 1950 – 1952 Not available 1993 – 1998 Rick Lyman 1952 – 1954 Doug Gullins 1998 – 1999 Stan Balding (Appointed) 1999 - Present John Smith

TREASURERS or SECRETARY-TREASURERS – LOCAL 353

1903 – 1918 Not available 1966 – 1975 H. Ransome 1919 G.M. McCollum 1975 – 1981 Roy Patterson 1920 – 1926 Not available 1981 – 1984 Steve Weslak 1926 – 1928 J. Godden 1984 – 1996 Roy Patterson 1928 – 1930 H. Price 1996 – 1999 Frank Velente 1930 – 1960 J. Dolson 1999 – present Len Zawaski 1960 – 1966 Stan A. Melville

RECORDING SECRETARIES – LOCAL 353

1903 John S. Fyfe 1932 – 1934 Frank Selke 1904 – 1916 Not available 1934 – 1938 Bert Maunder 1917 – 1925 J. Barnaby, J. Beverly, S.M. 1938 – 1946 Stan Melville Bugg, J.B. Cuglen, Fred 1946 – 1949 Frank Bentley Einboden, Alex Farquhar, J.T. Gunn, Cecil Haglund, George 1949 – 1964 Len Mowat Haglund, Jas Harman, A. 1964 – 1984 Walter Wray Milligan, D. Morris, Jas 1984 – 1986 J. Gilmour Naughton, Cecil Shaw and Vern Widdifield. 1987 – 1988 Roy Cooke Jr. 1925 – 1927 J.W. Curran 1988 – 1996 Steve Belanger 1927 W. Whitaker 1996 – 1998 Doug Irwin 1928 – 1930 J. Dolson 1998 – 1999 George Smith (Appointed) 1930 – 1932 Not available 1999 – Present George Smith

Page 232 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS – LOCAL 353

2002 1999 1996 1993 Steve Belanger Steve Belanger Al Hossack* Steve Berry 1903 2003

YEARS Walter Majesky* Walter Majesky George Smith Bernie Robinson of Electrifying Progress Barry Stevens Barry Stevens Barry Stevens George Smith Rob White Rob White Rob White Ron White *deceased – Dan *resigned in 1998 Drummond appoint- and replaced by ed to fill vacancy Mike Vanderhyden

1990 1987 1984 1981 George Smith Larry Jackson Bob Gill J. Gilmore Bernie Robinson Don Putsey John Gilmour Steve Knott Rick Lyman Dave Sutherland Bernie Robinson R. Newman Steve Berry Robert Topley Ron White Bernie Robinson

1979 1975 1972 1952 Bob Dawson Joe Fashion Joe Fashion Chuck Bailey Steve Knott R. Gullins W. M. Johnson Stan Melville Art Mahon N. McAllister Steve Knott Bob Hamilton Bob Rynyk Ed Nott Norm McAllister Jim Sparks Dennis Somerville Rob Rynyk D. Youngberg Sam Genise

1946 1944 1942 1938 Tom Bolton Jack Nutland J. F. Nutlan James Wiggins Stan Melville C.F. Cheevers T. Bolton Jack Price Herb Ransome J. Bankier J. Hughson Harry Wilson Eddie Saker J. Hughson A. McGovern Allen Whalen

1936 1934 1932 1930 Roy McLeod R. McLeod J. E. Price J. Curran Jimmy Wiggins F. Ainsworth J. McKenzie P. Elsworth Harry Wilson J. E. Price P. Vesfeld J. Godden Bob Robertson W. Mead N. Murphy J. McKenzie

1928 E. Curtiss E. Forsey J. Gardiner J. Godden F. Todd

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 233 CONVENTION DELEGATES – LOCAL 353

YEAR LOCATION CONVENTION IBEW DELEGATES 1903 2003 MEMBERSHIP

YEARS of Electrifying Progress TOTAL

1929 Miami, 20th Jack Nutland, Ed Forsey, Florida Jack Price, Cecil Shaw

1941 St. Louis, 21st Cecil Shaw, Joe Dent, Missouri Jack Nutland

1946 San Francisco, 22nd Stanley A. Melville, Cecil M. Shaw, California James Wiggins

1948 Atlantic City, 23rd T.P. Eversfield, William Farquhar, New Jersey R. Hamilton, A.G. Matthews, Stanely A. Melville, J.R Schaefer, Cecil M. Shaw, G.C. Summers

1950 Miami, 24th 1003 Chas. Bailey, William Farquhar, Florida William Findlay, Samuel Genise, Robert Hamilton, Wm. G. Hardy, Arthur G. Matthews, Stanley A. Melville, Cecil M. Shaw, James M. Sparks

1954 Chicago, 25th 1348 Charles Bailey, William Farquhar, Illinois Samuel Genise, Douglas L. Gullins, Robert Hamilton, William G. Hardy, Stanley A. Melville, P. V. Picard, George C. Summers, Frank Swales

1958 Cleveland, 26th 1584 Charles Bailey, F. C. Bentley, Ohio William Farquhar, W. G. Hardy, Robert Hamilton, N. McAllister

1962 Montreal, 27th 1858 Charles Bailey, Frank C. Bentley, Québec, Samuel Genise, Robert Hamilton, Canada Michael Kostynyk, Norman McAllister, Jack D. Pritchard

1966 St. Louis, 28th 2859 Frank C. Bentley, William Farquhar, Montana J. M. Fashion, Morley J. Hughes, Norman McAllister, Jack D. Pritchard, Donald C. Putsey, W. Beverly Taylor, Steven Weslak

Page 234 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE CONVENTION DELEGATES – LOCAL 353 (continued)

YEAR LOCATION CONVENTION IBEW DELEGATES 1903 2003 MEMBERSHIP YEARS TOTAL of Electrifying Progress

1970 Seattle, 29th 3601 D. J. Cordery, J. M. Fashion, Washington T. P. Hart, Morley J. Hughes, W. J. Jackes, W. I. Johnson, G. H. Mackay, Wally Majesky, Steven Weslak, D. A. Youngbert

1974 Kansas City, 30th 4242 R.F. Boose, R. Carroll, T. P. Hart, Montana W.J. Jackes, R. G. Jamieson, W. I. Johnson, A.S. Knott, Wally Majesky, T. G. Tyrrell, G. W. Watson

1978 Atlantic City, 31st No delegates at this Convention New Jersey – Local under Trusteeship

1982 Los Angeles, 32nd 4238 W. C. Baird, R. Carroll, California R. Gullins, M. Hughes, A.S. Knott, E. Nott, D. C. Putsey, R. Raw, R. Rynyk, D. Somerville

1986 Toronto, 33rd 4150 William C. Baird, R. Carroll, Ontario, J. Fashion, R. Gullins, M.Hughes, Canada A.S. Knott, L. Priestman, D. Putsey, R. Raw, R. Rynyk

1991 St. Louis, 34th 5710 J. M. Fashion, R. H. Gill, Montana R. A. Gullins, D. J. Hussey, M. E. Lloyd, R.Lyman, Larry Priestman, D. C. Putsey, B. A. Robinson, L. D. Venning

1996 Philadelphia, 35th 5528 S. Berry, J. M. Fashion, R. Gill, Pennsylvania A. Hossack, R. Lyman, G. McDougall, W. O’Halloran, G. Smith, B. Stevens, R. B. White

2001 San Francisco, 36th 6304 S.L Belanger, J. M. Fashion, California R.H. Gill, R. A. Gullins, A. E. Hossack, W. Majesky, J. D. Smith, B. D. Stevens, R. B. White, L. Zawaski

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 235 APPENDIX E

1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress PressSecretaries– Local 353

The press secretary is a unique feature should contribute more to the Journal. of the International Brotherhood of Electrical The Local Lines contributions (through Workers’ Journal. It is through the local’s Press the Press Secretary) recorded the good times, Secretary that contributions to Local Lines were the bad times, the happy times and the sad submitted. The Press Secretary was usually the times. In good-natured style, fun was poked at President or Business Manager of the local, some of “the more colourful members” and although not always. The first Local 353 con- their antics are recorded for posterity. tribution to Local Lines was in March 1903 - one month after the Local was chartered. This In March 1987, Local 353 Press wonderful feature offers many marvellous Secretary Steve Knott announced in the March, insights into the local’s history. 1987 Local 353 newsletter that the International office was restricting contributions While some Press Secretaries only made to Local Lines to once every two months. The one or two contributions and others submitted length of the submissions was reduced as well. items faithfully to the feature for years. Reading these in 2003, one is left to wonder if Whether or not that was the reason, the the Press Secretary was aware that his contribu- submissions from Local 353 declined in number tions would be read so many years later and and have trailed off almost completely these that in many respects would comprise a major past few years. Realistically, given the member- part of the 100th anniversary history. ship size and postal rates, it is not surprising that the cutback became necessary. But a signif- Local 353’s contribution to the Local icant means of communication between locals Lines feature hasn’t always been consistent so where members in both countries can follow there is not a continuous, unbroken thread; nev- events throughout the entire union has been ertheless, they are quite significant. lost. When one reads Frank Selke’s descrip- Perhaps some day it can be revived. tion of Local 353 members walking in the Even with all our modern-day technology, the Labour Day parade during the Depression, you word on a printed page carries its own power- can’t help but feel a sense of pride. Bill Hardy, ful message. Bill Farquhar, Cecil Shaw, Steve Knott, Peter Elsworth, Jack Nutland and so many others left a legacy of words the local can be proud of. The man who wrote might not always agree with the leadership; sometimes he defended Local 353 Press Secretaries them vigorously. In the mid-1920s, Peter Elsworth went throughout the years…. so far as to suggest how the Journal could be improved. Many of his suggestions are found F. Ainsworth Frank Bentleey in subsequent issues of the Journal such as “a different design each month, in colour, with a S. M. Bugg J. B. Collam photograph of some great electrical project to Peter Elsworth William Farquhar create a real understanding of the greatness of Bob Gill Bob Grant the electrical industry.” E. Hewson Larry W. Jackson He wanted to see at least “three full Steve Knott G. W. McCollum pages featuring electrical apparatus, new power stations, and one on radio, with written materi- H. W. Link S. Phelps al on each subject.” Elsworth wrote, “If we are Jack Nutland Frank Selke Jr. to keep in progress with this super power, we Ron Raw John D. Smith must make the Journal talk. We must make our Journal a recognized authority on all things Cecil Shaw D. J. Stuart electrical.” He believed that Canadian locals Dennis Sommerville E. J. Swift

Page 236 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE APPENDIX F

1903 2003

YEARS Members with 50 Years of Electrifying Progress or More Years of Service

Last Name First Name Initiation Date Last Name First Name Initiation Date

Ackerman Raymond July 14, 1949 Burns Anthony January 21, 1949 Ager Arthur January 25, 1952 Buxton Arthur February 21, 1949 Aldersley Harry June 8, 1950 Campbell Joseph March 1, 1952 Aldersley William January 10, 1929 Campbell Jr. George October 1, 1946 Alexander C Campbell Sr. George Allen William Camplin George April 21, 1942 Aquilana George October 18, 1948 Carless Gilbert October 1, 1944 Archbold S Cathcard Jim February 1, 1952 Astill E Cavanagh Richard February 17, 1947 Balanoff Vlad March 16, 1946 Chaulk Boyde June 1, 1951 Banks M.D. Cheesman Stanley September 12, 1947 Baran Mike January 6, 1949 Ciccarelli John October 20, 1950 Barfield James October 13, 1949 Clark Keith April 1, 1949 Barker Robert September 19, 1941 Clarke Earl July 26, 1950 Beatty William June 1, 1952 Clarke Frederick November 1, 1947 Beaumont E. Cleland James February 1, 1952 Bell Patrick February 9, 1952 Clements Robert August 15, 1947 Bell Bruce November 18, 1947 Clint Robert July 1, 1948 Berriault Bernard May 1, 1948 Cochrane Borden Berry Edward August 1, 1948 Colbourn John November 1, 1949 Berwick Edward November 18, 1946 Collett Hubert October 1, 1948 Black Thomas December 1, 1949 Colley Mervin October 19, 1945 Boisvert Alphonse December 29, 1950 Cooling Frederick July 11, 1950 Bowins Art 1926 Copeland George March 1, 1948 Boss Alan November 1, 1951 Cotter Percy July 5, 1911 Bradshaw Ray November 1, 1947 Coulson William August 1, 1951 Brann Herbert September 1, 1947 Courneya Aleric March 1, 1951 Brennan Frederic November 1, 1951 Cowling Colin December 7, 1948 Brown Fred December 1, 1947 Craik Don June 1, 1942 Brownsberger Norman February 1, 1952 Crawford James November 1, 1947 Burgess William March 31, 1951 Crawford Arthur April 24, 1950 Burnett Stanley July 1, 1947 Curnew Reginald February 1, 1951

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 237 Last Name First Name Initiation Date Last Name First Name Initiation Date

Currie William March 1, 1951 Godwin William September 1, 1948 1903 2003 Daines Howard November 1, 1947 Gourley John July 1, 1949

YEARS of Electrifying Progress Dale Douglas September 1, 1949 Gracey Tom Davis Bill Grant Alan March 1, 1949 Davis Douglas September 1, 1946 Greer Richard November 3, 1947 Day Alfred November 1, 1952 Gregory Robert January 1, 1946 Deffett Donald December 17, 1946 Hall W. June 11, 1946 Delaney Alan September 1, 1948 Hallam John February 1, 1947 Derewlany Peter June 16, 1950 Hamilton James September 11, 1947 Digby Alfred May 21, 1948 Hamilton Robert April 28, 1941 Doan Ronald October 1, 1952 Harder Corey October 10, 1947 Down Gordon January 1, 1952 Hardison Lloyd October 8, 1946 Doyle Paul Hardy William May 31, 1937 Duncan Stanley July 1, 1946 Hare John October 1, 1947 Dunlop Edward May 1, 1952 Hare George February 20, 1947 Dunn James February 1, 1952 Harradine Gordon May 1, 1945 Durling Earl March 1, 1952 Harris Herbert June 1, 1951 Durling Russell September 1, 1948 Hay Alex Duz Charles December 17, 1945 Hayes Godfrey June 1, 1951 Eardley Arthur January 17, 1949 Hayes Richard May 1, 1947 Elder Bill Hayes Henry November 1, 1945 Ellis Julius December 8, 1949 Hertfelder Ira 1916 Everett Bert December 17, 1947 Hester Frank June 8, 1944 Farquhar Bill Hill Alf Farrell Robert June 8, 1950 Hill Joseph February 7, 1952 Fava Carl February 9, 1950 Hill William Ferguson Robert October 22, 1946 Howard Kenneth February 1, 1947 Ferrie Douglas September 6, 1949 Howard Samuel June 15, 1948 Fisher Charles June 16, 1947 Hoyle Edwin March 9, 1944 Flanagan Edward December 14, 1950 Hucklebridge William September 1, 1950 Fletcher Harry Hudson George S. Foster Harry September 18, 1949 Hummel Frank May 1, 1947 Frost Gilbert September 25, 1945 Hunter George September 1, 1950 Frost Stan C. March 8, 1928 Isnor Harold December 25, 1952 Fuller James January 16, 1946 James Robert December 10, 1946 Gallaugher Maurice October 1, 1946 Jarvis Raymond November 18, 1947 Gardner Robert September 1, 1948 Jeffries Allan October 1, 1947 Genoe Mervin June 1, 1952 Johnson F Gerstl Paul July 1, 1951 Johnson Harold January 6, 1941 Gillespie James November 1, 1948 Jones Donald April 1, 1951 Girouard Antoine November 1, 1945 Kelly Wilfred February 1, 1947 Girouard Tony Kirk William September 1, 1951 Godden Alex Kirkness Watt June 1, 1952 Godden Joe Knight Norm

Page 238 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Last Name First Name Initiation Date Last Name First Name Initiation Date

Knapp William July 13, 1948 Morbach Nicholas March 1, 1950 1903 2003 Kupchanko John January 1, 1952 Morgan David November 1, 1950

YEARS Lacey Charles August 1, 1952 Morning James November 1, 1950 of Electrifying Progress Lawrenson Alan August 1, 1950 Morris Harold October 11, 1951 Lee Frank October 9, 1952 Mowat W. LeeBody James January 17, 1949 Munroe Kenneth September 26, 1951 Leonard Thomas May 14, 1947 Murray John July 1, 1952 Loran Steve April 10, 1951 Neal Ronald March 15, 1948 Loranger Paul January 21, 1952 Noble Jack Lummiss James April 22, 1943 Norris Fred February 9, 1951 Lyman Leslie December 17, 1947 Nutland Jack Lynn Clayton July 13, 1951 O’Brien John November 1, 1947 Maddocks Roy February 17, 1947 O’Hara Francis June 1, 1950 Madeley Fred November 1, 1948 Oostdyk James July 1, 1952 Mapes John April 12, 1948 Oostdyk Leonardus July 1, 1952 Marans Sheldon May 11, 1950 Palmer Austin September 1, 1951 Marcus Rubin June 6, 1951 Paraschuk Joe February 9, 1950 Marshall Jack September 1, 1948 Parsons Ronald July 1, 1952 Martin Hubert April 1, 1952 Paterson William July 13, 1948 Matson Reg December 12, 1931 Paton Ronald October 1, 1947 Matthews Arthur May 23, 1940 Patterson Roy August 1, 1950 Maxwell Stanley October 24, 1951 Paul Joseph October 9, 1952 McAskin Thomas October 16, 1946 Peers Donald December 1, 1950 McClelland Kenneth March 1, 1952 Pendock Gerald September 1, 1950 McCoy Robert December 17, 1951 Perrin Bruce July 12, 1949 McCaldon D Petherick Douglas November 3, 1949 McCrudden James September 3, 1947 Pfeiffer Fred June 8, 1950 McCrudden Edwin October 1, 1948 Pfeiffer John August 23, 1949 McGeachie Arthur May 15, 1947 Phillips Fred McGee Rod March 28, 1951 Phillips William July 15, 1951 McGuigan J Poole Lawrence December 1, 1945 McIlveen Gordon May 13, 1946 Porter Forrest December 17, 1947 McLeod Neil Postello Carl May 1, 1951 McKay Henry April 10, 1952 Priest George March 1, 1950 McKeag Hugh September 14, 1950 Prychitko Walter November 1, 1947 McMullen Reginald January 20, 1948 Putsey Donald November 18, 1946 Mead William July 11, 1951 Putsey Albert Jr. September 1, 1941 Meilach Archie May 22, 1952 Quesnel Marc December 1, 1947 Miller Roy September 12, 1947 Quick William March 1, 1948 Milligan James November 18, 1947 Quigley Allan October 1, 1951 Milton James May 1, 1950 Ralph Robert December 1, 1945 Mitchell Robert October 1, 1951 Ramsey Leonard September 6, 1949 Moore Kenneth May 11, 1950 Reiter Jack March 8, 1951 Moore Denton November 1, 1949 Reynolds John May 12, 1941

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 239 Last Name First Name Initiation Date Last Name First Name Initiation Date

Ridout Carl August 15, 1947 Thomson Harry November 1, 1949 1903 2003 Rigley George April 18, 1949 Todd William May 1, 1951

YEARS of Electrifying Progress Robbin Cormac October 12, 1948 Tombs Russell October 1, 1947 Robinson Edward September 14, 1950 Troughton Henry March 11, 1949 Rose Kenneth June 11, 1946 Trude Willis November 1, 1950 Ross James January 1, 1951 Vigus Eric September 1, 1951 Ross Campbell November 8, 1951 Wallace Ralph November 1, 1950 Ross Stanley January 1, 1951 Wallace James December 1, 1949 Rothwell Herbert October 11, 1949 Wands William May 1, 1947 Rotstein Meyer February 1, 1949 Ward Norman May 1, 1950 Saban George October 1, 1951 Webb Jack November 1, 1946 Salter Harry May 1, 1951 Whimsett C.J. Sanders Frank April 25, 1929 Wignall Alfred February 1, 1947 Selke Frank Jr. Williams F. Sellon George March 1, 1947 Williams John February 14, 1952 Semple Martin November 18, 1947 Wilson Alan November 1, 1952 Shamanski Howard November 1, 1946 Wood Glen November 1, 1952 Shaw James March 9, 1939 Wood George February 1, 1952 Sims T.G. Woodhead Frank May 1, 1948 Simpson Albert November 1, 1950 Woolnough Sydney December 17, 1947 Simpson John August 1, 1950 Work William December 17, 1947 Singleton Arthur May 1, 1950 Wray Walter June 11, 1946 Smith William January 1, 1952 Wright Robert September 12, 1947 Smith Thomas June 1, 1946 Yeomans St. Clair December 17, 1947 Smithers Chris December 17, 1947 Young Jack September 1, 1947 Smyth Norman December 1, 1949 Youngberg Dennis April 1, 1952 Southam George Speers Herbie February 1, 1952 Spence Alfred February 1, 1950 * We have given our absolute best effort Spencer Jack August 1, 1949 to ensure that every member who has Spendiff Howard March 1, 1950 achieved 50 years of membership in Spragge Robert April 1, 1949 Local 353 is recorded here. Spratt Donald September 1, 1952 We apologize for any omissions. St. John Allan December 13, 1949 Stanley Michael September 1, 1943 Steiner Louis November 1, 1951 Sullivan Edward June 1, 1947 Sutton Warren June 1, 1952 Swailes Frank(Red) Swankie Robert November 1, 1951 Taylor William November 1, 1952 Taylor Frank March 1, 1947 Thompson Gordon June 11, 1946 Thompson Philip November 1, 1952

Page 240 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Photograph Credits:

1903 2003

IBEW National Office (Washington) Files: Page 28 – City of Toronto Archives, YEARS of Electrifying Progress Fonds 1231, Item 2092 Page 1 and Page 2 Page 30 – City of Toronto Archives, IBEW Local 353 Files: Fonds 1231, Item 2220

Pages 3, 45, 46, 47, 71, 73, 74, 76, 79, Page 32 – City of Toronto Archives, 80, 82, 83, 89, 92, 94, 95, 97, 101, 103, Fonds 1244, Item 4511 108, 109, 113, 115, 123, 124, 125, 126, 128, 148, 156, 158, 162, 167, 168, 169, Page 33 – City of Toronto Archives, 170, 173, 184, 185, 188, 189, 190, 191, Fonds 1244, Item 7171 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 208, 209, 210, Page 34 – City of Toronto Archives, 211, 213, 217, 218, 219, 220, 222, 223, Fonds 1244, Item 1220 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229. Page 35 – City of Toronto Archives, Miscellaneous: Fonds 1244, Item 2597

Page 51 – Courtesy of Cliff Hoy Page 36 – City of Toronto Archives, Page 55 – Courtesy of Mike Yarkony Fonds 1231, Item 12

Page 102 – Courtesy of Mike Leebody Page 37 – City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 8054 Page 105 – Courtesy of Frank Hedges Page 107 – Courtesy of Wayne Lawrence Page 39 – City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 1199 Page 138 – Courtesy of Gary Majesky Page 48 – City of Toronto Archives, Page 157 – Courtesy of Robert Rynyk Fonds 1231, Item 81 Page 160 – Courtesy of Robert Rynyk Page 49 – City of Toronto Archives, Page 162 – Courtesy of Robert Rynyk Fonds 1231, Item 2008 Toronto Archives: Page 52 – City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 1507 Page 21 – City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1231, Item 848 Page 53 – City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244 Page 22 – City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 683 Page 57 – City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1231, Item 2153 Page 25 – City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 323L Page 59 – City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub-Series 76, Item 67 Page 26 – City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 664

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 241 1903 2003 Notes

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

Page 242 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Notes 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 243 1903 2003 Notes

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

Page 244 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE Notes 1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

1903 2003

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 Page 245 1903 2003 Notes

YEARS of Electrifying Progress

Page 246 ILLUMINATING THE PAST • BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE 1903 –2003 By Edward E. Seymour • Local Union 353 • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Local Union 353 • 1903 –2003 By Edward E. Seymour 1903 2003 ILLUMINATING THE PAST

YEARS of Electrifying Progress BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE

BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 353 1903 –2003 ILLUMINATING THE PAST By Edward E. Seymour