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Unifor, PPWC establish pattern agreement with Canfor for Western Canada forestry workers

Unifor and the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC), two of the largest pulp and paper unions in Canada, reached a tentative deal with Canfor, establishing the pattern for Western Canadian forestry.

“This deal establishes a strong pattern agreement for forestry workers in Western Canada, giving some additional security in what has been a tumultuous few years,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor national president. “This deal should provide some certainty to employers as we work to navigate fibre access and other issues facing the forestry sector across the region.”

In this round of collective bargaining, Unifor and PPWC agreed to work together to set strong standards for pulp and paper workers.

This agreement with Canfor covers 900 members at Unifor Local 603 and 1133 and PPWC Local 9 in Prince George, B.C. The details of the deal will not be released until it is presented to members at ratification meetings. The four-year deal covers wage increases, benefit improvements and provides workers with no concessions from their current agreement.

“We are happy with this effort and believe this deal sets a positive and fair path forward for pulp and paper workers,” said Gary Fiege, PPWC president.

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