The members of one of Canfor's unions has voted to strike.
Members of the United Steelworkers (USW) union employed by Canadian Forest Products (Canfor) in northern B.C. have voted 97 per cent in favour of taking strike action. The strike vote was conducted by USW Local 1-424.
"The results provide negotiators with a strong mandate as they work towards achieving a fair contract when they return to bargaining with Canfor this week," said local president Frank Everitt.
Without a contract since June 30, the USW B.C. Interior Bargaining Committee has been focusing on negotiating a three-year deal for their northern B.C. union members until an impasse was reached in the latter days of August, Everitt said.
"Canfor is refusing to address key issues, including fair wage increases, a competitive trades wage increase, and funding needs of the forest industry pension plan," he contended. "Our trades rates have been falling behind and are becoming uncompetitive with other industry sectors. We're seeking a fair agreement that allows the industry to attract and retain skilled workers."
The agreement would apply to about 1,500 members at 10 Canfor locations. It is expected to be a model deal for other wood manufacturing companies and their workers.
