Western Forest Products said in a statement that the new five-year collective agreement was concluded retroactively to June 15, 2019. The workers have been out of contract since June 14, 2019. The agreement provides for a 12.5% increase in wages, an increase of 2% and 3% over five years, higher first aid bonuses, a security bonus and changes in shift work. There are also zero concessions. After more than seven months of strike action, an interim agreement was reached between Western Forest Products and the United Steelworkers Local 1-1937. “The mediators indicated that the USW was refusing to negotiate some aspects of the current proposal that have been discussed over the past two months, including how best to support a healthy contracting community,” Khunkhun said. “We hope that the USW will agree on the resumption of collective bargaining on all points, so that we can conclude a package that recognizes the contributions of our employees while ensuring a sustainable coastal forest industry.” The message that our negotiating committee received from membership was strong and clear,” said Brian Butler, President of ETC Local 1-1937. “After six months of strike action, members want their union to continue to fight for safe jobs, secure jobs and dignity in the workplace. The local federation remains very proud of the collective strength and solidarity of the members during this struggle. Their unity and sense of intent are inspiring. “With the support of Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers, we have reached a fair and equitable agreement that balances the needs of our employees and our business,” said Don Demens, President and CEO of Western. “This was a particularly difficult time, and I am pleased that the efforts of all stakeholders have allowed us to find common ground.” Western Forest Products Inc.

announced that its hourly employees, represented by United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 (ETC), have voted in favour of the interim agreement to replace the collective agreement that expires on June 14, 2019. The new five-year collective agreement will enter into force on June 15, 2019 and expire on June 14, 2024 and provides for general wage increases as follows: United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 (ETC) has ratified its agreement with Western Forest Products, with employees voting 81.9 percent for adoption. According to the WFP statement, the CTE negotiating committee indicated that it would advise members to accept the agreement. According to a USW press release, USW members working for contractors representing forest industrial relations have ratified the agreement at 93%. An interim agreement has been reached. United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 held a rally on September 26, 2019 at the Western Forest Products office in Campbell River. WFP workers have been on strike since July 1. Photo by Marissa Tiel/Campbell River Mirror WFP and union representatives reach the interim collective agreement: WFP The new agreement also provides for improvements in health and social security and clarifies the application of Western alcohol and drug policy. Western maintained its management rights to operate other layers, while accepting a strengthened position verification process. The agreement also provides the company with additional operational flexibility in its logging operation by allowing the introduction of SUPPLÉMENTAIRES contractors to ensure that it meets its annual reduction requirements.