Item AAAB2215 - Tom and Vera Parkin interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Tom and Vera Parkin RECORDED: Richmond (B.C.), 1976-01-28 SUMMARY: Tom was born in Vancouver and entered the fishing industry prior to WWII. Following War he became the organizer for the U.F.A.W.U. Spent 7 years in the north as North Representative for the Union. Returned to Vancouver in the late 1950s as Public Relations Director to campaign against dams on the Fraser. Union improved income, vacation with pay, etc. as well as dealt with the racial inequalities felt by the Japanese, Chinese and First Nations. In 1945 the U.F.A.W.U. emerged from the amalgamation of the previous unions. 1946 passed resolutions allowing Japanese back into the Union. Canneries all up and down the coast have disappeared. Only Sunnyside and Port Edwards up the coast remained in 1976. Originally agreements were reached with each company on an individual basis. He used to carry a binder of agreements in 1950. Later the companies formed the Fisheries Association of B.C. and there was one contract for the whole industry. Vera was one of the representatives on a trip to the Soviet Union to help organize international regulations concerning fishing in the North Pacific. She worked in fresh fish operation in Prince Rupert in 1951. Soviets are (1976) far more advanced and mechanized -- no independent fishermen, but mother-ship trawlers and traps. Union organization history. Discusses the future of the industry, and how important it is to the economy of the province.