Index
Page numbers in italics refer to figures.
ACEW. See All-Canadian Electrical Workers
AFL. See American Federation of Labor
AFL-CIO. See American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
African Americans, 46; enslaved, 238–39; membership for, 22
alcoholism, 215, 316n158, 326n58
All-Canadian Electrical Workers (ACEW), 115, 282n12
Allison, Fred, 47–48, 149, 166–68, 170, 192, 289n98
Alta Lake Sports Club, 219
American Federation of Labor (AFL), 255n4, 256n5, 327n61
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), 206, 324n45; Canadian union autonomy and, 133, 199; Vermont rank-and-file insurgency, 325n54; working-class conservatism impacts, 248–49
Angus, George, 176, 185, 188, 277n91, 280n113, 301n123; in BCFL convention 1965 delegation, 82, 83; O’Keeffe suspension and, 167–68
anti-Communism, 282n17, 327n61; balloting and, 263n13; in Canadian postwar leadership, 33, 42; in Europe contrasted with US, 99–100; IBEW International Office, 23, 42–46, 224; IUE and, 24; Ladyman expressions of, 91, 309n84; legislation, 125; Lenkurt Electric strike and, 147; Live Wire and, 76, 275n67; as Local 213 obstacle, 134–35, 249; pressures in Local 213, 42–44, 84, 274n58; red-baiting of UE and, 23; of Ross, 48–50, 77; social unionism impacted by, 247; undercover police surveillance and, 277n92. See also McCarthyism; red-baiting
anti-trust violations, 20; Sherman Antitrust Act on, 256n8, 258n18
autonomy, for Canadian unions. See Canadian union autonomy
Bachewich, Marion, 149, 194, 305n27
balloting. See elections and balloting, union
Barnett, Loreen, 219, 317n168, 325n50
Barrio, Henri (“Coucou”), 99, 282n15
BC. See British Columbia; specific locations and organizations
BC District Telegraph Company (BCDT), 85–87, 152, 153, 278n104
BC Electric, 266nn37–38; gas workers, 50, 51, 71, 73, 82, 184; George Gee targeted by, 50–51, 266n36; IBEW International Office relations with, 56–58; Jack time with, 50, 266n36; Malcolm Morrison and relations with, 62–63; strike in 1958, 64–68, 270n17; wage increase negotiations with, 64–65, 270n16, 271n25; work stoppages, 68, 270n17
BC Federation of Labour (BCFL), 254n3, 300n109; Kinnaird rise in influence within, 193; Lenkurt strike and, 148–49, 153, 163, 164, 226, 297n76; Les McDonald resolutions approved by, 125–27; 1965 delegation and resolutions at convention of, 82, 83, 288n84, 289n90, 289n98, 324n45; oil workers strike and, 122, 123; social democratic left transition from, 39–40
BC Hydro, 170, 178, 195, 276n80; Collins Radio dispute, 90–91, 280n122; compulsory arbitration and, 134, 271n27; Local 258 for, 194, 277n91, 316n158
BC Power Corporation, 56–58, 62, 64–65, 266n36, 268n57
BC Telephone Company, 30, 159, 254n3, 288n85
Beijing Olympics, 325n50
Bengough, Percy, 133
Bennett, W. A. C., 37, 122, 124, 150, 181–82, 305n26
Bethel, Brian, 139, 144–46, 157, 175, 243, 298n84, 298n87
Bjarnason, Emil, 109
Boilermakers’ union. See Marine Workers’ and Boilermakers’ Union
Bonner, Robert, 119, 163, 226, 287n64
boycott campaigns, 20, 256n8, 258n19
Bridges, Harry, 237
Britain: Communist Party in, 3, 98–99, 100, 283n17; Labour Party in, 75, 93, 283n18; Les McDonald early years in, 3, 93–94, 98–99, 253n3, 281n1
Britannia Beach Copper Mine strike (1964), 112
British Columbia (BC): economic hardships in 1950s, 106–7; labour politics transition in, 39–40; left- and right-wing politics history in, 25–38; Liberal/Conservative coalition in, 26, 27, 29; Les McDonald moving to, 95, 223, 281n3; strikes in prewar, 40, 260n3; union movement relation to rest of Canada, 27; wobbles statistics comparison, 121; working-class militancy spread across, 121–23. See also specific locations and organizations
British Columbia Labour Relations Act (1954), 143, 149
Brown, George, 293n15, 294n37; CEWU leadership of, 13, 188; Constable relationship with, 140, 293n19; Lenkurt strike and suspension of, 176; Lenkurt strike beginnings and, 143–44, 242–43, 245, 294n36; as Lenkurt Strike Committee chair, 170–71; Lenkurt working conditions and, 138–39, 140; O’Keeffe suspension opposition from, 167; Trotskyist background of, 139, 187; UE rejection by, 189
Bugniazet, G. M. (“Gus”), 23
Building Trades Councils, 82, 123, 135, 199, 201, 206
Burns and Dutton Construction wobble (1965): Les McDonald photography at, 112–13, 113, 116, 118, 120, 287n62; Les McDonald role in, 112–20, 143, 223; RCMP at, 117–19
Burns Detective Agency, 115, 118
Burrard Dry Dock, 43, 115, 125; Communist Party activism and, 101; Les McDonald first job at, 97–98, 103
bus drivers, 66–67
Business Manager’s News Letter. See Live Wire
business unionism, 67, 225, 248–49; defined, 15, 255n1; growth and importance of, 16, 23–24; of IBEW, 15–16; Local 3 hybrid approach to, 19–22; responses to, 7; under Rundgren, 214; UE approach to, 22
CAIMAW. See Canadian Association of Mechanical and Allied Workers
California, 284n34
Canada: anti-Communism in postwar leadership in, 33, 42; Building Trades Councils, 82, 123, 135, 199, 201, 206; class relations historically in, 25–26; home ownership in, 247–48; immigrants from 2016 to 2021 in, 326n59; labour threats, 254n2; labour violence in, 320n19; left- and right-wing politics history in, 25–38; McCarthyism impacts in, 33, 39, 42, 100, 184–85, 261n22; 1950s economics in, 99; 1960s social and cultural developments in, 11; Soviet Union politics impact in, 58–59; War Measures’ Act impact for union membership in, 27. See also specific locations and organizations
Canadian Alpine Ski Association, 219
Canadian Association of Mechanical and Allied Workers (CAIMAW), 14, 192
Canadian Auto Workers (CAW), 6, 192, 322n37
Canadian Congress of Labour (CCL), 39, 74–75, 133, 263n1, 274n61
Canadian Electrical Contractors Association, 257n12
Canadian Electrical Workers’ Union (CEWU), 308n75; Angus as first president of, 277n91; Communist Party of Canada on, 196, 241; IBEW criticism from, 309n88; impacts for other nationalist unions, 199; manufacturing focus of, 191; members leaving IBEW for, 189–92; origins, 13–14, 188–89, 231, 232; paper, 265n28; Phillips Cables and, 191, 196, 280n117; political composition of, 189, 230; on Scheer suspension, 197–98
Canadian Federation of Labour (CFL), 206–7, 313n118
Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), 30, 127, 227, 291n122; Canadian union autonomy and, 198, 312n115, 312n117; FIPOE and, 206; Jodoin pro-worker stand as president of, 135, 228; Ladyman as chair for committee of, 134–35; local unions leaving, 206–7; Les McDonald as delegate to, 130, 132–34; 1974 convention, 313n121
Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, 220
Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), 319nn4–5
Canadian union autonomy, 132–33, 230–31, 290n113; CLC and, 198, 312n115, 312n117; Communist Party of Canada and, 186–87, 232, 291n117, 312n115, 323n38; Fedewa suspension and, 213–14; IBEW committees to address, 198–99; Kinnaird on, 199–200, 309n87; for Local 213, 73–75, 195, 199, 236, 273n52, 273n56, 309n84; Les McDonald fight for, 186–91, 192, 211, 232; Mine-Mill declaring, 56; Québec labour and, 204–6; struggles for, 257n12, 306n37; trend, 322n37; union splintering impact on, 207. See also Canadian Electrical Workers’ Union
capitalism, 3, 18, 326n55; business unionism growth and, 16; democratic, 263n13; endurance of, 29; global working-class revolts and, 239; worker insecurities under, 37–38
card-called meetings, 110, 266n37
carpenters unions, 123, 150, 154, 291n122, 312n115, 318n1
Carrall Street gang, 82, 131, 170
Carson, John, 62–63, 67, 71, 78
Castlegar, 107–8, 127, 207–8, 223, 285n37
Catholicism, 19, 41, 78, 99, 239, 320n8
CAW. See Canadian Auto Workers
CCF. See Co-operative Commonwealth Federation
CCL. See Canadian Congress of Labour
CCU. See Council of Canadian Unions
Celgar construction site, 107
CEWU. See Canadian Electrical Workers’ Union
CFL. See Canadian Federation of Labour
China, 325n50
“Chinese Wall” (tactic), 20, 258n16
CIO. See Congress of Industrial Unions
CIR. See Council on Industrial Relations
Clark, Dave, 46
Clarke, Tom, 154, 157, 158, 182, 182–83
CLC. See Canadian Labour Congress
Clements, William, 158, 171, 295n40
climbing, of Les McDonald, 94–95, 217–18, 218, 281n2, 324n43
CLRA. See Construction Labour Relations Association
coal mining, 100, 306n42; in McDonald family background, 3, 4, 93; strikes in prewar BC, 40, 260n3; UMWA and, 261n19, 263n13
Cody, Jack (formerly John Wilson), 51, 275n67; Communist Party of Canada affiliations of, 82, 277n88; 1958 electoral success, 71–73; 1960 electoral defeat, 75–76; 1966 election of, 192; reputation and character, 74, 273n55, 319n3; resignation threat to IBEW International Office, 73–74; on Rundgren as business manager, 200; suspension in 1962, 76–77
Cold War, 6, 32–33, 103, 234. See also Soviet Union
collective agreements: BCDT case and, 86, 87; card-called meetings and, 110, 266n37; IBEW constitution on, 167; Lenkurt, 140–43, 171–72, 302n146, 303nn148–49; in lockout of 1958, 69–70, 272n42; master contracts and, 28–29; negotiating more than, 21; resolution to allow strikes during, 124–27, 289n90; strikes outlawed during, 28; union dues and, 34; on work week length, 110
collective bargaining, 327n63; CIR establishment relation to, 17–18; compulsory dues and, 34; laws governing, 143; Lenkurt, 142–43; master contracts impact for, 27–28; postwar, 29–30, 257n12; strikes as sign of failure in, 21
Collerton, Joe and Alec, 281n2
Collins, Doug, 65, 71, 270n21, 300n119
Collins Radio dispute, 90–91, 280n122
Communist Party, 224, 306n41, 314n137, 315n153, 323n40; in Britain, 3, 98–99, 100, 283n17; election rigging in Britain and, 100; in France, 59, 100, 283n19; “homegrown radicalism” and, 3, 253n1; IBEW stance on membership and, 17; in Italy, 59; Hugh McDonald in, 3, 98–99; Les McDonald and Van Arsdale views compared on, 238–40; Les McDonald roots in, 3, 98–99, 253n3; 1960s rivals of, 11; UE activism and, 23, 259n31; wage and employment insecurity approach of, 31. See also anti-Communism; red-baiting
Communist Party of Canada, 324nn43–44; BCFL controlled by, 39–40; Burrard Dry Dock and, 101; Canadian union autonomy and, 186–87, 232, 291n117, 312n115, 323n38; challenges and factions, 123–24, 314n134; Cody affiliations with, 82, 277n88; dues requirements, 284n28; educational camp in 1964, 111–12; Gagnon and, 205; George Gee joining, 40; Lenkurt Electric strike and, 25, 138, 156; Local 213 role of, 47–48, 234–38, 241–47, 282n12, 289n100, 318n2; Les McDonald activities in, 105–6, 251; Les McDonald break with, 3–4, 209–12, 314n138; Les McDonald debates within, 132; Les McDonald identity relation to, 5, 244, 322n28; Les McDonald joining, 98–99; Les McDonald reputation within, 110–12, 126–27; Les McDonald toeing party line for, 187–88, 241; 1970s decline of, 208–12; post-Lenkurt and, 184–85; postwar denials of affiliation with, 42–43; RCMP mole and, 209–10; Ross joining, 48; Scott leaving, 191; socialism and, 139, 234, 236–37, 324n44; Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia impact on, 208, 241; Soviet politics and fragmentation of, 58–59, 306n42; Soviet Union loyalty in, 3, 8, 31–32, 234–35, 306nn41–42, 314n134; strikes during World War II organized by, 32, 261n19; trade unionists evolution and, 33–34; Trotskyists conflicts with, 139–40; unions retaining leadership allied with, 35–36; utilities nationalization position of, 124–25; World War II impact and shifts for, 31–33, 261n19. See also left faction
compulsory arbitration, 30, 133–34, 271n27
Congress of Industrial Unions (CIO), 22, 33, 127, 250; bargaining tactics of left-wing, 23; trade union democracy support, 244–45. See also American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
“conservative,” as term, 25
Constable, Tom, 167, 224; in BCFL convention 1965 delegation, 82, 83; Brown relationship with, 140, 293n19; as Burnaby mayor, 277n91; as business manager, 90, 140, 141; Lenkurt strike and suspension of, 176; Lenkurt strike beginnings and, 143–45, 295n42; at Lenkurt strike picket line, 154, 158–59; Lenkurt working conditions and, 141
construction industry, 318n1; Celgar work stoppage and, 107; dam, 260n12; lockout of 1958 in, 68–71, 77, 272n42, 319n3; 1958 record-long work stoppages in, 68–70, 77; Québec unionization model for, 312n117; wobbles dynamics in, 127; work week length negotiations in, 109–10, 111, 200
Construction Labour Relations Association (CLRA), 200–201, 204, 310n90
Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), 260n2; NDP relationship with, 30–31, 127, 288n85; 1940s rise in popularity of, 25–26, 27
Council of Canadian Unions (CCU), 14
Council on Industrial Relations (CIR), 17–19
Crabtree, Herb, 117, 117, 286n54
craft-oriented business unions, 16
craft unions, 15–16, 19–20, 51, 82, 138, 249, 263n1
criminal conspiracies, unions viewed as, 17, 256n8
cross-country skiing. See skiing
CSIS. See Canadian Security Intelligence Service
Czechoslovakia, 212; Les McDonald as Local 213 delegate in, 3–4, 210–11; Soviet invasion of, 208, 241
Daley, Bill, 53
Daley, Declan, 108
Davidson, Margaret, 93–94
death: of Les McDonald, 251; in Peterson Electric hydro lines accident, 79–81, 276n78
Debs, Eugene, 250
dispatching (spare-board) system, 77, 202–4, 233, 275n69
dues, union: auto-withdrawal of, 34; increase in 1961, 76–77, 275n68; Rand formula of 1946 and, 34, 35
Dunsmuir Street union hall, 49, 104; expenses management, 77; IBEW selling, 208; Lenkurt Strike Committee barred from, 170–71; Lenkurt strike occupation of, 165–66, 169–70, 301n122; Lenkurt strike special meeting at, 161–62; Lenkurt strike violence at, 160–61, 299nn99–100; monthly general meetings at, 82; opening of, 277n89
economy/economics, 17; in 1950s, 99, 106–7, 108; postwar, 36–37, 64; in Trail, BC, 262n30; in US, 247–48, 326nn57–58
Edmonton Power Association, 321n21
elections and balloting, union, 275n64; anti-Communist affidavits and, 263n13; ETU trial in 1961 on rigging, 100; Gompers on, 274n60; misleading results of, 82; in 1958, 71–73; 1960, 74–76, 274n59; 1966, 192–93, 195, 290n108; 1979, 213; shift to mail-in, 316n161
Electrical Club. See left faction; specific members
Electrical Trade Union (ETU) trial (1961), 100
Evans, Arthur “Slim,” 40, 318n1
ex parte injunctions: applications historically for, 286n52; battles and opposition with, 135, 228, 231, 249, 292n126, 305n31, 320n11, 320n15; BC Supreme Court on, 12; employer reliance on, 165, 228, 229, 305n31; Lenkurt strike and, 145, 149, 151, 155, 156, 305n31; O’Keeffe trial for defying, 181; success of employer-initiated, 229; Trades Union Act on, 115, 143
False Creek condominium development, 216
Fedewa, W. Lloyd, 213–14, 315n151
Ferarro, George, 77
Finn, Ed, 227–28, 319n6, 320n8
FIPOE. See Fraternité interprovinciale des ouvriers en électricité
Fisher, Al, 107–8, 219, 314n138
FMC chemical plant, Squamish. See Burns and Dutton Construction wobble
Forkin, Tom, 43, 318n1; in BCFL convention 1965 delegation, 82, 83; on George Gee ousting, 55; as left faction representative, 82; Lenkurt strike and, 166; as Live Wire editor, 46–47, 277n91; as Local 258 president, 277n91; post-Lenkurt Trial Board led by, 194
France: Communist Party in, 59, 100, 283n19; McDonald family stay in, 108–9
Fraternité interprovinciale des ouvriers en électricité (FIPOE), 205–7, 231, 311n111, 312n114, 323n38
Freeman, Gordon, 74, 87, 107, 188, 273n43, 288n78
Fulton, Ernie, 316n157; at Burns and Dutton Construction wobble, 117, 117–18; on left faction, 185; Lenkurt picket line and, 157, 159; on O’Keeffe, 131–32; on splitting Local 213 into three entities, 195; on “Electrical Bill” Stewart, 103–4
Gagnon, Henri, 205, 236, 311nn110–11
gas workers, 50, 51, 71, 73, 82, 184
Gee, George, 61, 138, 182, 209–10, 319n3; background, 40; Communist Party activism promotion by, 44–45, 48, 322n39; Communist Party of Canada pressures on, 44; Communist Party of Canada resignation from, 42–43; cultural events established by, 46, 47; Dunsmuir Street union hall project under, 277n89; gas workers unit added under, 50, 51; Goldenberg Commission and, 69–70, 319n3; leadership and influence of, 40–46, 48, 49–52, 125, 234, 266nn38–39, 276n80; LPP resignation of, 42; Murphy relationship with, 46, 49, 265n27; ousting from IBEW, 50–57, 57, 63–64, 72, 148, 209, 235, 266n35, 269n11, 301n129, 301n132; Purdy criticism of, 50–51; red-baiting of, 49–50, 266nn36–37; reinstatement fight, 58, 63–64; reputation for negotiation, 41–42, 51–52; on Wilson TLC convention speech, 44–45
General Telephone and Electronics Corporation (GTE), 137, 159
Goldenberg Commission, 69–70, 319n3
Gompers, Samuel, 255n4, 256n5, 257n9, 274n60
Gouzenko, Igor, 33
Gow, Ian, 77
Goy, Art, 53, 55, 74, 192, 273n56, 274n59
Grauer, A. E. (“Dal”), 56–58, 62, 65, 266n36, 268n57
Gray, Stephen, 34–35
Great Depression, 3, 21, 29, 88, 235, 238; George Gee experience in, 42, 49; postwar standard of living contrasted with, 36; Ross background and, 48–49; socialist ideals after, 25
Gregory, G. F. (“George”), 86–87, 152
Griffin, Betty and Harold (“Hal”), 3
GTE. See General Telephone and Electronics Corporation
Hard Man to Beat, A (White, H.), 43, 282n12
Hardy, Bill, 202
helicopter accident, 79–80
Hiebert, John, 160, 167, 168–69, 170, 192
hiring policies, 77. See also dispatching (spare-board) system
histories: instigators left out of, ix; provocative, 8
Hobsbawm, Eric, 283n17
hockey, 209
Hodgson, Derek, 281n2
Hogan, Frank, 159, 167, 169, 192
Hohlachoff, Bill, 168
“homegrown radicalism,” 3, 253n1
home ownership, 247–48, 326n58
Houston, Stuart, 192
Hume, Fred, 209, 260n10, 271n29
Hume and Rumble Electrical Contractors, 62, 81, 106, 260n10, 271n29, 276n80; hockey team, 209; lockouts by, 69
Hunter, Charles, 142, 226; on fired Lenkurt employees, 150; Lenkurt strikers threat from, 145–46; Lenkurt walkout intentions of, 243; on picket line, 155; reputation of, 137
Huston, Alfred (“Alfie”), 203–4, 212–13, 216–17, 310nn101–2, 315n145, 315n153
hybrid union model, 19–22, 41, 52, 82
IBEW. See International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; specific topics
IBEW International Office, 5; anti-Communism in, 23, 42–46, 224; anti-Communist postwar pressures from, 23, 42–46, 224; BC Electric relations with, 56–58; Cody threat of resignation, 73–74; interventions and interference by, 11, 12, 71, 79–80, 86, 232–33, 273n45, 279n106, 301n129, 317n163; on left faction changes, 56–58; Lenkurt Electric strike response from, 12–14, 230; Local 213 disharmony with, 12, 13, 87–88; Local 213 trusteeship from, 6; Marxism and, 17; Milne role in, 50, 52, 55, 57, 266n35, 301n132; 1967 splitting of Local 213 by, 194–96, 233; O’Keeffe suspension order from, 160, 161; red-baiting by, 23, 44, 49–50, 66–67; representatives, 7, 41, 48–50, 53–54, 61, 77, 86–88, 91, 279n106, 301n129; representatives duties, 256n7; on unions and capital co-existing, 18
ILWU. See International Longshore and Warehouse Union
Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration (ICA) Act, 26–30, 32, 143, 260n6, 261n15
Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), 127, 282n7
Ingles, Ernest, 267n50
International Associations of Machinists, 34
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW): Canada members in 1964, 280n11; CEWU criticism of, 309n88; CIR establishment and, 17–18; Commission on Constitution and Structure, 198–99; constitution, 22–23, 49, 52, 54, 56, 63, 65, 89, 167, 176, 225, 278n94; dam construction contracts with, 260n12; downsizing protocol in, 315n146; ex-Communists treatment at, 315n153; George Gee expulsion from, 50–57, 57, 63–64, 72, 148, 209, 235, 266n35, 269n11, 301n129, 301n132; Local 213 autonomy from, 73–75, 195, 199, 236, 273n52, 273n56, 309n84; Local 568 leaving, 204–5; locals failed attempts at leaving, 321n21; McCuish blacklisted from, 284n29; Les McDonald 1980s reputation within, 216–17; nickname for, 270n24; Phillips Cables leaving, 191, 280n117; on political neutrality policy, 128, 274nn61–62; power and innovative locals of, 19; profit sharing and, 257n9; push for independent union break from, 185–89; UE conflicts and rivalry with, 22–23, 259n24, 259n29; unskilled labourers treatment historically by, 22–23; Western Progress Meeting, 85, 129, 130. See also IBEW International Office; Local 213; specific topics
International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), 52, 175, 237, 320n15; autonomy for, 291n117; ex parte injunctions and, 228, 320n11; Lenkurt strike support from, 154; longevity of, 245
International Triathlon Union (ITU), 219–21, 317n168, 325n50
International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers (IUE), 24
International Union of Mine-Mill and Smelter Workers (Mine-Mill), 262n31, 266n33, 291n117, 318n1; Canadian members autonomy in, 56; constitution clauses, 16–17; Murphy leadership in, 35, 36, 49, 215, 234; strike in 1964, 35–36; United Steelworkers merger, 189
International Woodworkers’ of America (IWA), 134, 260n3, 260n5; Local 213 members from, 43; Morgan leadership in, 26; Harold Pritchett leadership in, 262n28, 307n53; strike during World War II, 32, 35; white bloc faction, 39, 133, 275n64; WIUC split from, 184, 186
Isitt, Benjamin, 6, 29, 127, 228–29, 318n2
Italy, 59
ITU. See International Triathlon Union
IUE. See International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers
IWA. See International Woodworkers’ of America
IWW. See Industrial Workers of the World
Jackson, C. S. (“Jack”), 22, 43, 138, 264n16
JIB. See Joint Industry Board of the Electrical Industry
Johnson, Andrew, 53–56, 57, 301n129
Joint Industry Board of the Electrical Industry (JIB), 20, 21, 239, 258n16
journeymen, 41
jurisdiction, job, 82–84, 207–8, 278n94
jurisdiction, labor dispute, 215–16
Kapalka, John, 81, 274n59; background, 275n63; job safety and, 301n130; as left faction representative, 82; Lenkurt strike and, 146, 166–67, 176; as Local 213 board member, 72, 74; 1960 election contest and, 75; O’Keeffe suspension and, 166–68
Kelowna electrical workers’ strike (1967), 197–98
King, William Lyon Mackenzie, 28, 215–16, 261n22
Kinnaird, Jim, 235–36, 290n100, 310n90; in BCFL convention 1965 delegation, 82, 83, 289n98; as BCFL president, 277n91; on Canadian union autonomy, 199–200, 309n87; CEWU criticisms of, 196; Les McDonald relationship with, 128–29; rise in influence, 193, 198
Kitimat–Kemano project (early 1950s), 83, 277n92
Laberge, Louis, 206, 231, 313n1221
Labor-Progressive Party (LPP), 41, 42, 55, 59, 63, 322n30. See also Communist Party of Canada
labourism, as ideology, 34, 262n24
Labour Party (Britain), 75, 93, 283n18
Labour Relations Board, 29, 216
Ladyman, Bill, 79, 299n92; anti-Communist expressions by, 91, 309n84; as CLC committee chair, 134–35; criticisms aimed at, 179, 199, 300n109, 304n21; IBEW Canadian vice-president appointment of, 84; job jurisdiction meeting led by, 84; Lenkurt strike response from, 162, 169; 1966 elections delay by, 192; O’Keeffe public criticisms of, 179; O’Keeffe suspension telegram from, 160, 161, 166–67; splitting of Local 213 by, 194–95; successor of, 199; on unsanctioned strikes, 288n78
Laffling, Jack, 142, 143, 149, 294n30
Landrum-Griffin Act (1959). See Trade Union Act
Larsen, Diane, 149
League for Socialist Action (LSA), 139, 293n15
Lebourdais, Jerry, 121–22, 143, 164, 300n117
“left,” as term, 25
left faction (in Local 213): at BCFL Convention, 82, 83; Communist Party role in decline of, 241; demise of, 214–15; George Gee ousting and, 51–57, 57, 63; George Gee role in, 43–46, 48; IBEW International Office on, 56–58; impact of, 6–7, 242; influence increasing for, 132; initiatives, 124–25; key members of, 6, 71, 81–82, 115; leadership turmoil in 1950s, 61–66; Lenkurt employees and, 138; Lenkurt strike impacts for, 183–86, 193–95, 208, 241–44; Leslie contributions in, 128–29; MacDonald obstacle for, 74–75; MacDonald on infiltration of, 165; Les McDonald leadership in, 3, 103–5, 223–24, 323n39; mission of, 7, 236–38, 243–45; 1960 elections and, 75–76, 274n59; 1975 suspensions and, 212–13, 315n145; oil workers strike success noted by, 123–24; on O’Keeffe, 131–32; Rundgren and isolation of, 208; “Electrical Bill” Stewart and, 103–5, 223, 245–46, 273n56, 323n39; union suspensions in 1962 for, 77–78; viewed as dangerous, 227, 249. See also specific topics and individuals
left-wing politics: history of BC right- and, 25–38; 1967 conflicts within, 196–97; trade union institutionalization and, 34
legislation: anti-Communism, 125; British Columbia Labour Relations Act, 143, 149; ICA Act, 26–30, 32, 143, 260n6, 261n15; National Emergency Transitional Powers Act, 27; PC 1003, 27–28; postwar, 29–30; Sherman Antitrust Act, 256n8, 258n18; Taft-Hartley Act, 20, 42, 125, 256n8, 258n19, 263n13; Trade Union Act, 115, 143, 171, 256n8; from US impacting Canada, 42; War Measures’ Act, 27
Leier, Mark, 34–35
Lenin, Vladimir, 3, 23, 31, 186, 237, 306n41, 322n28
Lenkurt Electric: collective agreements, 140–43, 171–72, 302n146, 303nn148–49; fired employees treatment by, 148–53, 168, 169, 175; overtime ban negotiations, 142–43; overtime demands at, 141–43, 294n30, 295n40; women workers at, 7, 12, 13, 138, 140, 141–42, 149, 230–31, 292n6; worker membership in Local 213, 137–38, 292n4, 295n44; workplace conditions, 138–42
Lenkurt Electric strike (1966), 19, 327n63; anti-Communism and, 147; arrests in, 157–59, 158, 298n88; BCFL and, 148–49, 153, 163, 164, 226, 297n76; BC Supreme Court injunction on, 169–70, 181; BC Supreme Court trials and convictions, 181–83, 182; beginning of, 135, 143–46, 242–43, 245, 294n36, 295n40, 298n85, 320n15; circumstances leading up to, 12, 39, 91–92, 138–42; collective agreement after, 171–72, 302n146, 303nn148–49; fired employees and, 148–53, 168, 169; government response to, 163; Hunter threat to workers in, 145–46; labour movement leaders at, 154–55; labour organizations supporting, 11–12, 154, 162, 168–69; legality of, 149–50, 152–53, 162; Local 213 divisions in, 143–44, 153, 159, 172–73; Local 213 members at, 154, 157–58, 183–84, 295nn44–54; Local 213 Strike Committee banned in, 170–71; Local 213 supporters on IBEW trial after, 175–77; Local 213 suspensions due to, 1, 160–64, 166–68, 175–78, 178, 194, 304nn12–17, 305n27; MacDonald public request for cessation of, 163–64; Les McDonald strategies and tactics for, 155–57, 165–66, 223; negotiations, 151–53, 156, 159–61, 168–72, 297n76; occupation at Dunsmuir Street union hall during, 165–66, 169–70, 301n122; physical conflict at Dunsmuir Street union hall during, 160–61, 299nn99–100; picket line numbers, 300nn117–18; picket line suppression tactics, 155–57; picket line violence, 12, 153–54, 154, 157, 160, 177, 226, 298n91; PWM at, 164–65, 187, 300nn117–18; reflections on outcomes of, 226–27, 230–34; repercussions/aftermath of, 7, 8–9, 12–13, 171–73, 175–220, 232–34; scab labour and, 151, 153, 156–57, 159, 226; Scott on, 294nn36–37; steering committee for, 153, 170; strike pay issues with, 151; Trial Board review after, 194; trials and sentences of members involved in, 158, 182, 182–83, 303n7, 304nn12–17, 305n27; VDLC and, 148, 150, 153, 164; walkouts at start of, 12–13, 143–44, 152, 162, 227, 230, 243, 295n40; women in, 7, 12, 13, 149, 170, 305n27
Leslie, John, 111, 128–29, 149, 192, 193, 197–98
Lessing, Doris, ix
Lewis, John L., 263n13
Liberal/Conservative coalition, 26, 27, 29
Live Wire (Business Manager’s News Letter), 265n28; anti-communist editorial control of, 76, 275n67; first issue, 46; Forkin as editor of, 46–47, 277n91; names and iterations of, 73; Towle as editor of, 273n55
Local 3 (New York City), 41, 109, 232, 238, 258nn15–16, 259n24; arrest and charges for leaders in, 257n14; boycott campaigns, 20, 256n8, 258n19; factors for success of, 21–22; hybrid union model, 19–22; Taft-Hartley Act impact for, 20
Local 46 (Seattle), 107, 282n7
Local 213 (Vancouver): anti-Communist pressures in, 42–44, 84, 274n58; autonomy for, 73–75, 195, 199, 236, 273n52, 273n56, 309n84; Carrall Street gang, 82, 131, 170; CCF-NDP oriented trade unionists resistance in, 31; charter revoked, 13; Communist Party of Canada role in, 47–48, 234–38, 241–47, 282n12; Communists caution within, 33; cultural and political events, 46, 47; dispatching system, 77, 202–4, 233, 275n69; dues increase in 1961, 76–77, 275n68; gas workers brought into, 50, 51, 71, 73; George Gee influence and leadership in, 40–46, 48, 49–52; George Gee ousting from, 50–57, 57, 63–64, 72, 148, 209, 235, 266n35, 269n11, 301n129, 301n132; George Gee ousting response from, 54–56; hybrid union model for, 20, 41, 52, 82; internal strife dynamic in, 225; Lenkurt strike suspensions for, 1, 160–64, 166–68, 175–78, 178, 194, 304nn12–17, 305n27; Lenkurt workers membership in, 137–38, 292n4, 295n44; McCarthyism impact on, 52–53, 76, 125, 234; Les McDonald as delegate for, 3–4, 82, 83, 129–30, 132–34, 210–11, 216–17, 288n84, 289n98; membership increase in 1965/1966, 88; “militant minority” generations within, 323n39; 1919 altercation in, 267n50; 1919 president of, 277n90; 1958 elections, 71–73; 1960 elections, 74–75, 274n59; 1965 BCFL convention delegation and resolutions from, 82, 83, 88n84, 289n90, 289n98, 324n45; 1966 elections, 192–93, 195, 290n108; 1967 split into three distinct entities, 194–96, 233; 1969 jurisdiction reduction for, 207–8; 1975 suspensions in, 212–13; 1979 elections, 213; oil worker struggles supported by, 123, 288n77; rebuild in 1950s and 1960s, 61–92; red trade unionism and, 39–59; reputation of, 12; resolutions, 124–27, 132–34, 289n90, 292n124, 317n164; suspensions in 1955, 63–65, 268n51; telephone workers in, 30, 44, 264n21; trusteeship, 6; “21 Club” suspensions, 56, 117; units in early, 263n8; verbal contracts shift to written, 27–28; war chest of, 161–62; work day/work week length reduction victories for, 109–10, 111, 200, 223, 241; working in California, 284n34; work rotation measure in, 45, 265n23. See also specific individuals and topics
Local 258 (Vancouver), 194, 277n91, 316n158
Local 310 (Vancouver), 13, 254n3
Local 344 (Prince Rupert), 49, 70, 83
Local 353 (Toronto), 202, 274n61, 310n102
Local 568 (Montréal), 204–5, 217, 311nn110–11, 317n163
local unions, comparisons and contrasts, 6
Locke, Chris, 243
lockouts: CLRA instigated, 201–2; of 1958, 68–71, 77, 272n42, 319n3
longshoremen. See International Longshore and Warehouse Union
LPP. See Labor-Progressive Party
LSA. See League for Socialist Action
MacDonald, Angus, 7, 123, 277n88, 300n119, 304n21; Cody electoral success role of, 72–73; on George Gee leadership, 41; on George Gee ousting, 52–53; on left faction infiltration, 165; on Lenkurt strike, 179, 181; Lenkurt strike and, 147, 149, 160–61, 163–64; Lenkurt strike impacts role of, 172–73; Lenkurt strike negotiations and, 151–53, 156, 161, 168, 170, 297n76; Local 213 anger aimed at, 160–62, 178, 299n99; Local 213 roles of, 71, 75–76, 163–64, 302n146; 1966 election defeat of, 192; O’Keeffe strained relationship with, 79, 147, 152; suspension after Lenkurt strike, 176
MacFarlan, Jim, 132, 133, 187, 211, 243–44
MacGill, Gerard, 96, 97, 281n2
Mackenzie-Papineau battalion, 3–4, 71, 73
manufacturing sector: IBEW treatment historically of, 22–23; IUE founding and, 24; master contracts and, 29; union-industry boycott for, 20
Maoists, 11, 122, 164–65, 187, 189, 230, 307n50
Marine Workers’ and Boilermakers’ Union, 43, 101, 125, 182, 282n12
Marxism, 16–17, 23, 106, 211, 244, 255n1, 322n28
McCarthyism, 224, 225, 283n17; impacts in Canada, 33, 39, 42, 100, 184–85, 261n22; Local 213 impacted by, 52–53, 76, 125, 234
McCuish, John, 43, 101, 105, 284n29
McCullough, Ramsay, 65–66
McDonald, Hugh, 3, 93, 98–99, 281n1
McDonald, Ian, birth of, 95
McDonald, Les, 95, 201; Alta Lake Sports Club founding by, 219; with Alzheimer’s disease, 1; in BCFL convention 1965 delegation, 82, 83, 288n84, 289n98; Brown relationship with, 139; Burns and Dutton Construction wobble in 1965 and, 112–20, 143, 223; Burns and Dutton Construction wobble photography of, 112–13, 113, 116, 118, 120, 287n62; Canadian union autonomy aims of, 185–92, 211, 232; character and reputation, 2, 4, 96–97, 110–12, 125–26, 132, 155–56, 186, 187–88, 210, 214, 216–17, 220–21, 250–51, 253n4, 299n98, 324n43; childhood, 3, 93–94, 98–99, 253n3, 281n1; children of, 95; climbing, 94–95, 217–18, 218, 281n2, 324n43; Communist Party in identity of, 5, 244, 322n28; Communist Party life for, 105–6, 251; Communist Party of Canada debates from, 132; Communist Party of Canada departure for, 3–4, 209–12, 314n138; Communist Party of Canada joined by, 98–99; Communist Party of Canada loyalty from, 187–88, 241; Communist Party roots for, 3, 98–99, 253n3; Czechoslovakia trip for, 3–4, 210–11; death of, 251; as delegate for Local 213, 3–4, 82, 83, 129–30, 132–34, 210–11, 216–17, 288n84, 289n98; early career contributions overview, 223–24; early electrician jobs for, 97–98, 103; economic downturn impact on, 107; education for, 3; on ex parte injunctions, 229; as father, 96, 121; as fierce and fearless, 96, 97, 281n2, 325n50; Fisher friendship with, 107–8, 219, 314n138; in France, 108–9; Fulton relationship with, 316n157; on gender equality in sports, 317n168; Hume and, 209; as IBEW 1986 convention delegate, 216–17; IBEW tenure of, 313n121; on internal splintering of unions, 207; Irish ethnicity, 113–14, 114; ITU leadership of, 219–21, 324n43; journeyman beginning, 109; Kinnaird relationship with, 128–29; large industrial jobs, 112; left faction leadership of, 3, 103–5, 223–24, 323n39; left faction mission and, 7, 236–38, 243–45; left-syndicalist approach and, 236–37; Lenin and, 3, 237, 322n28; Lenkurt strike beginning and, 298n85; Lenkurt strike eviction of, 170; Lenkurt strike occupation at Dunsmuir Street union hall led by, 165–66, 169–70; at Lenkurt strike picket line, 154, 159; Lenkurt strike role of, 5, 146–48, 154, 155–57, 159, 165–66, 223; Lenkurt strike suspension for, 1, 176–78, 178, 194, 304n12; move to BC, 95, 223, 281n3; news consumption of, 250, 328n66; 1975 suspension, 212, 315n145; 1980s support of picket lines, 216; 1981 reintegration into Local 213, 215; Novikov and, 314n138; OCAW strike support of, 288n84; on O’Keeffe leadership, 123–24; O’Keeffe relationship with, 147–48; Olympic sport administration, 2, 8, 219–20, 324n43, 325n50; Order of Canada investiture of, 220, 220; Pacific Centre construction site wobble and, 212–13; Pender Auditorium speech, 184, 190–91, 192, 306n33, 307n55; physical appearance, 95–96; post-Lenkurt forum speech by, 183–84; public speaking skills, 130–31; on Québec union autonomy, 313n121; RCMP mole on, 209–10, 226; “Red Baron” nickname for, 215; red flag incident, 316n157; resolutions presented by, 124–27, 132–34, 317n164; on rival unions, 189; Rundgren relationship with, 200; in running competitions, 1, 2; skiing, 108–9, 120; skiing coaching and leadership of, 218–19; Soviet Union views shift for, 5, 210–11, 212; on spontaneity, 127, 155, 186; sport leadership accolades in 2000s, 220; sports as passion for, 1–2, 94, 108–9, 217–19, 240, 251; sports focus after suspension, 217–19; “Electrical Bill” Stewart relationship with, 100–104, 106, 129, 212, 245–46, 298n85, 325n53; “Terrible Troika” term origins with, 179, 304n21; in triathlon competitions, 1, 2, 4, 219; triathlon organization and leadership of, 1–2, 219–21; Trotskyists and, 139–40, 189, 293n16, 307n50; unemployment after Lenkurt, 208–9; Van Arsdale views compared with, 238–40; Vietnam War and, 324n45; wife, meeting and marriage to, 95; women influence in early life of, 93, 281n1; work week reductions role of, 109–10, 223, 241
McDonald, Monique (née Richer), 95, 281n3; hometown in France, 108–9; on husband character, 96–97, 250–51; on husband Communist Party membership, 99, 240; Les McDonald meeting and marriage to, 95; 1980s support of picket lines, 216
McDougall, Dan, 277n90
McEwen, Cec, 54
McEwen, Tom, 270n24
McLachlan, J. B., 306n42
McSorley, Jack, 53, 72, 301n132
Meany, George, 324n45
metal shop workers, 138–39, 142, 293n17
Milne, J. Scott, 50, 52, 55, 57, 266n35, 301n132
Milner, J. P., 132, 161, 166–67, 171, 192, 274n59
Mine-Mill. See International Union of Mine-Mill and Smelter Workers
mining. See coal mining; International Union of Mine-Mill and Smelter Workers
Montréal, Local 568 in, 204–5, 217, 311nn110–11, 317n163
Morris, Joe, 133
Morrison, Frank, 34
Morrison, John, 90–91, 140, 148, 168, 281n124
Morrison, Malcolm, 61–64, 66, 269n9, 271n25, 302n146
Morrison, Teddy, 48, 61, 263n8
Murphy, Harvey, 53, 189; George Gee relationship with, 46, 49, 265n27; on ICA Act amendments, 29–30, 261n15; Peace Arch Park concerts and, 46, 234, 265n27; reputation, 36, 234; union leadership of, 35–36, 49, 215, 234, 262n27
mystery pickets, 112, 115, 116, 120, 151
narrow trade/craft outlook, 15
National Emergency Transitional Powers Act, 27
nationalization, 30, 236–37; of BC Electric, 124; of BC Telephone Company, 288n85; Bennett efforts towards, 37, 124; Communist Party of Canada view of utilities, 124–25; of infrastructure projects, 37–38
National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), 42, 258n19
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), 42
Neale, Paddy, 153–55, 168, 169, 182, 182
New Democratic Party (NDP), 129, 139, 183, 322n30; CCF and, 30–31, 127, 288n85; Communist Party opposition from, 128; ex parte injunctions and, 229; founding of, 75, 127; labour dispute jurisdictions removed by, 215–16; Les McDonald as nominee for, 4; Les McDonald joining, 4, 211–12; nationalization efforts, 124–25; 1973, 200; O’Keeffe and alliance with, 128
New York City: JIB in, 20, 21, 239, 258n16; union-industry boycott in, 20. See also Local 3
NLRA. See National Labor Relations Act
NLRB. See National Labor Relations Board
Novikov, Igor, 314n138
OBU. See One Big Union
occupation (resistance tactic): during Lenkurt strike, 165–66, 169–70, 301n122; 1935, 301n124
Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers’ Union (OCAW), 121–22, 123, 288n78, 288n84
oil workers, 121–24, 147, 150, 153, 227, 288n77, 291n122
O’Keeffe, Art, 7, 180, 224, 229, 288n78, 290n109; background, 78; BCDT case and, 85–87, 153, 278n104; on BC Electric wage increase negotiations, 64–65; on BC Hydro negotiations, 91; BC Supreme Court Lenkurt strike injunction refused by, 169–70, 181; business manager election win and tenure for, 75–76, 78–79; George Gee ousting role of, 53, 148; IBEW charges against, 176; leadership and activism style of, 123–24, 178–79, 225–26, 235–36, 275n69; left faction on, 131–32; Lenkurt strike and, 146–47, 149; Lenkurt strike and suspension of, 160–64, 166–68, 178, 304n14, 304n17; Lenkurt strike negotiations and, 151–52, 153, 159–60, 297n76; at Lenkurt strike picket line, 154, 155, 157–58, 162; on linemen working in California, 284n34; MacDonald strained relationship with, 79, 147, 152; Les McDonald on, 123–24; Les McDonald relationship with, 147–48; NDP alliance supported by, 128; 1958 electoral defeat to Cody, 71, 72–73; on 1966 elections, 192–93; Peterson Electric safety issues addressed by, 80, 81; on police presence at wobble settlement, 119; public diatribes after Lenkurt aftermath of, 179, 181; reputation and character, 78–79, 178–79, 225–26; Succamore on leadership of, 178–79; Supreme Court trial and conviction of, 181–82, 182; work week length negotiations of, 110, 111
Olympics: Beijing Olympics, 325n50; Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, 220; Les McDonald administration for, 2, 8, 219–20, 324n43, 325n50; in Sydney, 2, 219, 324n43
One Big Union (OBU), 13, 133, 166, 254n3, 267n50, 307n51, 323n39
Ontario, 138
Operation Solidarity, 216, 233
overtime: ban under Bennett, 181–82, 305n26; Lenkurt Electric and, 141–43, 294n30, 295n40
Pacific Centre construction site wobble (1975), 212–13
Palmer, Bryan D., 12, 244, 253n1
Parkin, Al, 43–44
PC 1003 (1944 order-in-council), 27–28
Peace Arch Park concerts, 46, 234, 265n27
Pearson, George, 26
Pender Auditorium, 170, 181–83; Les McDonald speech at, 184, 190–91, 192, 306n33, 307n55
pension plans, 138, 152, 243, 313n121; Lenkurt suspensions and, 1, 175; Local 568 dispute on, 204–5; membership relation to level of, 259n26; Van Arsdale negotiations for, 259n20
Peterson Electric accident (1963), 79–81, 276n78
Phillips Cables, 89, 119–20, 191, 196, 280n117
picket lines, 216; Lenkurt strike, 12, 149–51, 153–57, 154, 160, 164–65, 177, 187, 226, 298n91, 300nn117–18; police dog attack at, 117–18; RCMP as instigators of conflict at, 159, 199n92, 226; recriminalization trend, 228–29. See also mystery pickets
Plumbers and Pipefitters’ union, 68–69, 272n33, 272n42, 319n3
Podovinikoff, Nick, 150
police. See Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Pooghkay, Donna, 166, 188, 293n20, 295n43, 305n27
Pooghkay, Walter, 293n20, 298n88
Power, Jeff, 182, 182, 298n88, 305n31
Prince Rupert, Local 344 in, 49, 70, 83
Prince Rupert Fishermen’s Co-op strike (1967), 228
Princeton, BC, 40
Pritchett, Craig, 154
Pritchett, Harold, 262n28, 307n53
“progressive,” as term, 25
Progressive Workers’ Movement (PWM), 191, 309n84; Lebourdais in, 121–22; Lenkurt strike role of, 164–65, 187, 300nn117–18
pulp and paper workers, 150, 185, 191, 212, 306n36
Purdy, H. L. (“Henry”), 50–51
Québec, 313n118; building trade construction councils in, 312n117; FIPOE in, 205–7, 231, 311n111, 312n114, 323n38; Les McDonald on union autonomy in, 313n121
Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL), 205–6, 311n111
Raymond, John, 44, 269n6; CLC delegation led by, 75, 274n61; George Gee ousting role of, 63–64; Peterson Electric accident in 1963 and, 79, 80–81; resignation, 81, 84, 88
RCMP. See Royal Canadian Mounted Police
red-baiting: George Gee and, 49–50, 266nn36–37; by IBEW International Office, 23, 44; by IWA, 84; in Local 213 1960 elections, 75–76; Murphy and, 36; by Ross, 191; of UE, 23; Verzuh on impacts of, 249–50
red trade unionism, 235; denials of Communist Party of Canada affiliation and, 42–43; Local 213 and, 39–59; political shifts and pressures in, 39–47; Ross opposing, 48–50
Rhodes, W. A. (“Dusty”), 111, 213
Richer, Monique. See McDonald, Monique
right-wing politics, 30, 224; history of BC left- and, 25–38; Local 213 rebuild and, 67–68, 70–71
Robeson, Paul, 46, 234, 265n27
Robson, Lorne, 123, 154, 312n115
rock climbing. See climbing, of Les McDonald
Rose, Ken, 181, 195, 213, 315n151, 317n163; CFL founding led by, 206–7, 313n118; as IBEW vice-president, 179, 199, 202, 206–7, 255n2; Kinnaird targeted by, 199–200; on Lenkurt dispute, 179
Rosenberg, Julius and Ethel, 45, 257n14
Rosenberg, Max, 257n14
Ross, Jack, 7, 45, 175, 229, 315n153; anti-Communist support and pressures from, 48–50, 77; background, 48–49; BCDT dealings with, 85–86, 152; BC Hydro dispute and, 90; Burns and Dutton Construction wobble and, 112–13, 119; dislike for, 112–13, 304n21; as IBEW International Office representative, 48–50, 77, 86–88, 91, 279n106; on job jurisdiction, 82–83; Lenkurt strike negotiations and, 151–52, 156, 161, 168, 169, 170; as Local 213 business manager, 40–41, 48–49, 263n8; on Local 213 politics, 242; Local 213 violence aimed at, 160–61, 176, 178; John Morrison suspension and, 140, 148, 281n124; O’Keeffe suspension and, 162–63; red-baiting by, 191; removal attempts within Local 213, 87–88, 91, 162–63, 168, 280n113, 281n124; on Soviet politics influence, 58
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), 296n54; anti-Communism and, 277n92; Burns and Dutton Construction wobble and, 117–19; Kitimat–Kemano workers surveillance by, 83, 277n92; Lenkurt picket line and, 153–54, 154, 156–57, 177, 298n91; Lenkurt strike arrests by, 157–59, 158, 298n88; Lenkurt strike monitoring by, 147, 148, 151, 159, 164, 177, 319n4; mole in Communist Party of Canada, 209–10; moles within Local 213, 209–10, 226, 319n4; “Six-Pact” alliance raided by, 201; as strike violence instigators, 159, 199n92, 226, 298n91
Rundgren, Cliff, 213, 235–36, 290n100, 309n89, 310n90, 310n102; dispatching system under, 203–4, 233; leadership style of, 201–3, 214, 310n101, 315n153; Lenkurt strike and, 166; on Local 213 jurisdiction reduction, 207–8; on Les McDonald as IBEW delegate, 217; work week reductions under, 200
running (sport), 1, 2, 219. See also triathlons
Russell, Jason, 6
Russian Revolution (1917), 17, 25
salaries, for union officials, 15, 131, 237, 255n2
Salt of the Earth (film), 234
Saran, Jagdish (“Jack”), 204
scab labour: Lenkurt strike and, 151, 153, 156–57, 159, 226; Scheer assault charge and, 197
Scheer, Mike, 197–98
Schmidt, Walter, 277n92
Scott, Jack, 59, 121, 191, 294nn36–37, 308n75
Seymour, Edward, 199, 202, 274n61
SFU. See Simon Fraser University
Shannon, Sam, 82, 83, 84, 111, 176, 277n91
Sharpe, George, 77, 176, 298n88, 305n27
Sheard, Edna, 298n88
Sheard, Sid, 53, 115, 117, 118, 235
Shellburn oil refinery wobble, 121–22
Sherman Antitrust Act (1890), 256n8, 258n18
Shirkie, Jack, 175
Simon Fraser University (SFU), 1, 7, 112
Simpson, Terry, 58, 208; on Cody, 74; on Les McDonald public speaking skill, 130–31; on O’Keeffe, 78; on “Electrical Bill” Stewart, 101–2; suspensions for, 213, 214, 315n145
“Six-Pact” alliance, 201
Smith, Roy, 228
Social Credit Party and government, 29, 37–38, 163, 216
socialism, 3, 13, 31, 98, 192, 246, 326n55; CCF and, 25–26, 99, 127–28; Communist Party of Canada and, 139, 234, 236–37, 324n44; Gompers and, 255n4, 256n5, 257n9, 274n60; of Les McDonald, 212, 238, 240, 250, 253n3, 325n50; Harold Pritchett on, 262n28; UE founding and, 22; wariness of and opposition to, 33, 37, 56, 124. See also New Democratic Party
Soviet Union, 4; Communist Party of Canada loyalty to, 3, 8, 31–32, 234–35, 306nn41–42, 314n134; Czechoslovakia invasion by, 208, 241; Khrushchev revelations about Stalin and, 58–59, 99; Les McDonald shift in view of, 5, 210–11, 212; politics influence in Canada, 58–59, 306n42; postwar sentiment against, 33
spare-board. See dispatching (spare-board) system
sports: Eastern-bloc athletes and, 105–6; gender equality in, 317n168; Les McDonald passion for, 1–2, 94, 108–9, 217–19, 240, 251; running, 1, 2, 219; skiing, 108–9, 120, 218–19; triathlons, 1–2, 2, 4, 219–21, 317n168, 325n50. See also Olympics
Squamish, wobble in. See Burns and Dutton Construction wobble
Stalinist regime, 5, 23, 58–59, 99, 209, 244
steelworkers, 36, 43; United Steelworkers, 6, 189, 215, 264n16, 314n128; wildcat strike in 1966, 309n82; World War II strikes by, 28
St. Eloi, R. J. (“Russ”), 68–70, 73, 224, 272n42, 319n3
Stevens, Homer, 211, 228, 233–34, 240, 312n115, 323n40
Stewart, Charles, 66–67, 150, 153, 168, 184
Stewart, Dora, 3, 104, 212, 298n85
Stewart, William Angus (“Boilermaker Bill”), 101, 125, 126, 154, 284n20
Stewart, William Evans (“Electrical Bill”), 3, 284n20; background, 101; Communist reputation, 101–2, 102, 103; left faction leadership of, 103–5, 223, 245–46, 323n39; Local 213 autonomy and, 73, 273n56; Local 213 joined by, 101, 104; Les McDonald relationship with, 100–104, 106, 129, 212, 245–46, 298n85, 325n53
St-Jean, Bernard, 220–21, 318n170
strikes, 318n2; allowance during collective agreements, 124–27; BC Electric 1958, 64–68; bias in settling of, 67–68; Britannia Beach Copper Mine, 112; capitalism and global, 239; by City of Vancouver electrical workers, 68–70, 271n29; collective agreements and right to, 124–27, 289n90; Kelowna electrical workers, 197–98; Ladyman on unsanctioned, 288n78; legality of, 29; Les McDonald leading early, 97–98; Les McDonald photography of, 112–13, 113, 116, 118, 120, 287n62; 1960s wave of, 11; in Nova Scotia, 287n69; OCAW 1965, 121–22, 123, 288n78, 288n84; oil workers 1965, 121–24; petitioning for right to, 133–34; Phillips Cables 1958, 280n117; Phillips Cables 1962, 89, 119; in prewar BC, 40, 260n3; Prince Rupert Fishermen’s Co-op, 228; Ten-Pact, 201; in US compared with Canada, 279n106; Van Arsdale on necessity of, 21; Winnipeg General Strike, 271n29; during World War II, 28, 32, 35, 261n19. See also Lenkurt Electric strike; walkouts; wobbles/wildcat strikes
Succamore, Jess: background, 88–89; Canadian union autonomy efforts of, 192, 232; CEWU and, 13–14, 188, 189, 191, 192, 232; as Lenkurt picket captain, 160–61; Lenkurt strike and suspension of, 176; on Lenkurt strike beginning, 144, 146, 295n40; Lenkurt strike conflict at Dunsmuir union hall and, 160–61, 299n100; on Lenkurt strike impacts, 233–34; Lenkurt working conditions and, 138–39, 140, 141–42; on Local 213 leadership, 89–90; on Les McDonald leadership, 187–88, 192; on Les McDonald Pender Auditorium speech, 192, 306n33, 307n55; on McSorley, 301n132; on O’Keeffe leadership, 178–79; Phillips Cables 1962 strike and, 89; post-Lenkurt opportunities for, 196
Supreme Court, BC, 12, 214; BCDT case, 85–86, 152; George Gee reinstatement case in, 63–64, 66; Lenkurt strike and, 150–51, 169–70, 181–82, 303n7; pickets banned by, 115, 118
Supreme Court, US, 20, 125, 256n8
Sydney Olympics (2000), 2, 219, 324n43
syndicalist approach, 126, 236–37
Taft-Hartley Act (1947), 20, 42, 125, 256n8, 258n19, 263n13
Tate, Ernie, 293nn15–16
telephone workers, 30, 44, 159, 254n3, 264n21, 288n85, 299n92
Ten-Pact strike (1974), 201
“Terrible Troika” (in IBEW leadership), 179, 304n21
Terry, Alfred, 53–56, 57, 301n129
Thompson, Syd, 168–69
Toronto, Local 353 in, 202, 274n61, 310n102
Towle, Bob, 115, 117, 129, 188, 273n55
Trades and Labour Congress (TLC), 41–42, 44–45, 133, 263n1
Trade Union Act (1959), 115, 143, 171, 256n8
trade union movement and politics, 27, 323n40; business unionism and locals in, 16; CIR establishment and, 17–18; local unions comparisons in, 6; long-term effects of, 320n7; McCarthyism impact on, 33, 39, 42, 100, 184–85, 261n22; Les McDonald turn from, 1; 1960s developments in, 11–12; rank-and-file insurgencies in, 325n54; US economic decline relation to, 247–48, 326n57; violence and, 320n19; working-class leaders and, 323n41. See also specific topics
Trail, BC, 262nn30–31; Cominco in, 36, 262n27, 318n1; Mine-Mill strike in, 35–36; Murphy union leadership in, 30, 35–36, 262n27
triathlons, 1–2, 4, 219–21, 317n168, 325n50
Trotskyists, 11; Brown background and, 139, 187; CEWU and, 189, 230; LSA and, 139, 293n15; Les McDonald and, 139–40, 189, 293n16, 307n50
Tulameen coal miners’ strike (1932–33), 40, 260n3
Turner, Bill, 55
“21 Club” (suspended members in 1955), 56, 117
UAW. See United Auto Workers
UE. See United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America
UFAWU. See United Fishermen and Allied Workers’ Union
UMWA. See United Mine Workers of America
Under My Skin (Lessing), ix
unemployment, 106, 112, 200; anti-labour actions creating, 216; after Lenkurt strike, 208–9
Unger, Dave, 188, 189, 196, 308n75, 309n84
Unifor, 322n37
union-industry collaborations, 20
Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne, 253n4, 314n138
United Auto Workers (UAW), 6, 322n37
United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America (UE), 138, 188–89, 259n31, 291n117; IBEW rivalry and conflicts with, 22–23, 259n24, 259n29; origins, 22
United Fishermen and Allied Workers’ Union (UFAWU), 45, 211, 233, 260n6, 312n115, 320n15; ex parte injunctions opposition from, 228; longevity of, 245
United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), 261n19, 263n13
United States (US): anti-Communism in Europe compared with, 99–100; economy/economics in, 247–48, 326nn57–58; legislation impacting Canada, 42; strikes legality in Canada compared with, 279n106; Supreme Court, 20, 125, 256n8. See also Canadian union autonomy; specific locations and organizations
United States v. Brown, 125
United Steelworkers, 6, 189, 215, 264n16, 314n128
unskilled labourers, IBEW early treatment of, 22–23
Van Arsdale, Harry, Jr.: accomplishments of, 20, 259n20; arrest and charges against, 257n14; background, 19; factors for success of, 21–22; hybrid union model of, 19–20; Les McDonald views compared with, 238–40
Vancouver, BC. See specific locations and organizations
Vancouver and District Labour Council (VDLC), 148, 150, 153, 164
Vancouver Trades and Labour Council (VTLC), 34–35, 263n1
Vermont, 325n54
Verzuh, Ron, 249–50
wages, 285n46, 293n17; BC Electric negotiations on, 64–65, 270n16, 271n25; Communist Party approach to, 31; for Lenkurt women workers, 230, 293n6
walkouts, 269n5, 272n33; employer-baited, 243; Lenkurt, 12–13, 143–44, 152, 162, 227, 230, 243, 295n40; mid-contract, 30, 34, 127, 224–25; Succamore on significance of, 233; wobble term relation to, 282n7
Waplington, John (“Jack”), 61; BC Electric strike of 1958 and, 66–67, 271n25, 273n43; George Gee ousting role of, 53, 54, 56, 57, 63, 72, 269n11
War Measures’ Act, 27
Washington (state), 40, 178; Local 46 in, 107, 282n7
Werlin, Dave, 261n22
West Coast Longshoremen. See International Longshore and Warehouse Union
Western Progress Meeting, IBEW, 85, 129, 130
Whistler Mountain, 218–19, 317n167
white bloc (IWA faction), 39, 133, 275n64
Whiting, Jack, 278n104
wildcat strikes. See wobbles/wildcat strikes
Wilson, Don, 267n45; Communist Party affiliation of, 44, 52–54, 264n20, 266n31; George Gee on orders to fire, 63–64; on left faction, 58; Local 213 suspension, 54; on Ross, 48–49; TLC convention speech of, 44–45
Wilson, John. See Cody, Jack
Winch, Ernie, 99
Winnipeg General Strike (1919), 271n29
WIUC. See Woodworkers’ Industrial Union of Canada
wobbles/wildcat strikes, 11–12; in Castlegar, 107–8, 223, 285n37; internal dynamic of, 127; Les McDonald first, 97–98; Les McDonald role in Celgar, 107–8; mid-contract, 127; in Nova Scotia, 287n69; O’Keeffe views on, 224; policy of sparking, 127; Shellburn oil refinery, 121–22; statistics in BC comparison, 121; of steelworkers in 1966, 309n82; tactics employed in, 113, 115; term origins, 282n7; volunteers at, 115, 116. See also Burns and Dutton Construction wobble; Lenkurt Electric strike; walkouts
women workers: in Lenkurt Electric strike, 7, 12, 13, 149, 170, 305n27; Lenkurt Electric treatment of, 7, 12, 13, 138, 140, 141–42, 149, 230–31, 292n6; pay discrimination for, 22; union participation issues for, 149
Wood, John, 188, 189, 298n88, 300n117, 305n27, 308n75, 309n84
woodworkers. See International Woodworkers’ of America
Woodworkers’ Industrial Union of Canada (WIUC), 184, 186
work day/work week length: Local 213 wins for shortened, 109–10, 111, 200, 223, 241; O’Keeffe negotiations for, 110, 111; Van Arsdale breakthrough on, 20
Workers’ Unity League (WUL), 306n42
working-class militancy, spread of, 121–23
working-class officialdom, 34–35
work stoppages, 35–36, 121, 127, 143, 191; BC Electric late 1950s, 68, 270n17; Celgar construction site, 107; IWA, 150; in Kelowna in 1967, 197–98; record-long 1958 construction, 68–70, 77; as sign of collective bargaining failures, 21. See also Lenkurt Electric strike; lockouts; strikes; wobbles/wildcat strikes
World War II, 235; Communist Party of Canada control of BCFL during, 39; Communist Party of Canada impacted by, 31–33, 261n19; government support for business after, 261n13; “long boom” for workers after, 21, 238; Ross and, 40; strikes during, 28, 32, 35, 261n19; trade union recognition and, 26
WUL. See Workers’ Unity League
Yorke, Bruce, 3