Whistler’s Answers: December 4, 1986Whistler’s Answers: December 4, 1986
In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1986. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: The IWA (International Woodworkers of America-Canada) began job actions on June 19, 1986 after negotiations between the union and employers at that year’s Wages and Contract Conference deteriorated, largely over employers’ use of non-union contractors. The strike grew over the following months and many loggers and others in the forestry industry worked only a few days during a period of selective strikes. The strike ended on December 5 and was settled on the IWA’s terms.
Question: How is the IWA strike affecting you?
John Fryer – Potter/Merchant – Britannia Beach
I own a little gift and pottery shop, and it’s definitely showing up on my take. It’s way down, about 30 per cent. And I estimated I would be up about 20 per cent this year, so I’m down about 50 per cent from my projections. I guess it’s because people are spending what little they have on essentials.
Brian Head – Boom Boat Driver – Squamish
I worked three days back in August, driving piles for a new log dump. Right now I’m trying to find out where I’m going to get money from to pay the Hydro, telephone and rent. I sold my house, just before I lost it. It was like a fire sale, I didn’t get anything for it. I can’t afford insurance or repairs for my truck, and I couldn’t afford gas anyways, so I’m just walking. You tread water as fast as you can, but you just keep going down.
Lou Mckay – Faller/Cafe Owner – Squamish
I’m a logger and my four sons are loggers. The five of us had just got a contract together with MacMillan Bloedel when they had to shut down. I would have been working 2 1/2 months, instead of the six days we did work. I have this business. My sons have been working for a contractor in the Pemberton area. They’re lucky.