Unifor and PPWC ratify western pattern agreement with Canfor

Unifor and PPWC ratify western pattern agreement with Canfor (CNW Group/Unifor)

PRINCE GEORGE — Two of the country’s pulp and paper unions, Unifor and the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC), have ratified a new collective agreement for 900 workers at Canfor.

“Forestry workers at Canfor should be proud of the work done by their bargaining committee to set a pattern agreement with strong gains, particularly for mental health support,” said Scott Doherty, Unifor Executive Assistant to the President and lead forestry negotiator in a statement.

“This is a positive step forward for workers and sets the standard for other forestry agreements across the western region.”

The four-year deal includes a lump sum of $5,000 in the first year followed by annual wage increases of 2.5 per cent, then 2.5 per cent and 3 per cent. Unifor says there are improvements to the temporary and indefinite curtailment language. Also, there are improvements to the benefits package, including an increase in the annual clinical psychologist benefit.

Unifor and PPWC agreed to collaborate on the development of standards for pulp and paper workers through this round of collective bargaining. This agreement with Canfor covers 900 members at Unifor Locals 603 and 1133, and PPWC Local 9 in Prince George, B.C.

“This deal delivers strong wage increases and benefit improvements for our members,” said Gary Fiege, PPWC President in a statement.

“We are proud this collaborative effort will deliver a concession-free agreement for Canfor workers and offer added mental health support.”

This round of bargaining sets the pattern for 5,500 members from 13 Unifor and five PPWC local unions in B.C. and Alberta.

PPWC is a union that represents thousands of forestry workers throughout British Columbia.