Unifor and the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) have chosen Kruger Inc.’s Kamloops, B.C., mill as the target employer to establish a pattern agreement for collective bargaining in Western Canada’s forestry sector.
Pattern bargaining involves negotiating a contract with one employer that sets a precedent for subsequent agreements industry-wide, influencing wages, benefits and working conditions across the sector.
“We believe workers are stronger when we work together, strategically, to build and protect good jobs and advocate for the workers’ vision of a brighter future for the Canadian forestry sector,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Members and leaders from Unifor and PPWC met in Vancouver last month to finalize their plans for collective bargaining, set to begin in early 2025. Payne shared some of the union’s vision for industry-wide collaboration on Dec. 2 when she appeared before the House of Commons Committee on International Trade regarding the softwood lumber dispute.
“Forestry workers are prepared to negotiate a strong pattern agreement that will position workers well in the years ahead,” said PPWC President Geoff Dawe. “We are proud to continue the PPWC and Unifor partnership of strategic pattern bargaining for forestry members in B.C. and Alberta.”
The upcoming bargaining round will affect 5,500 members from 13 Unifor and five PPWC local unions in British Columbia and Alberta. The forestry sector is crucial to Canada’s economy, and the negotiations could have significant implications for employers and stakeholders across the industry.
PPWC represents thousands of workers in forestry and other sectors throughout British Columbia. Unifor represents 320,000 workers in various sectors and advocates for workers’ rights and social justice.
