A four year collective agreement for the region’s woodworkers expired back in mid June, and negotiations aimed at hammering out a new deal are now getting underway. That from Rick Wangler in Courtenay, First Vice President of Steelworkers Union local 1-1937, representing North Island and Sunshine Coast woodworkers.
Meanwhile Wangler says union officials are pleased to see lumber markets on a steady upswing…
Wangler says there are significant labour issues confronting the forest sector, after a major exodus of woodworkers from the industry in recent years, in large part due to older workers deciding to retire.
As for the preferred duration of a new collective agreement, Wangler says a three to four year contract would fit the bill.
– Contributed by Marc Mulvaney
