The United Steelworkers Wood Council, out of Burnaby, BC, today publicly released a notice urging members to voice support for their bargaining committee to operational management at
Western Forest Products Inc. (
TSX: T.WEF,
Stock Forum).
The USW cites sticking points of health care provisions and “important” contract changes as responsible for stalled talks.
Lead negotiator for the USW Wood Council, Bob Matters, replied to an email from Madison’s today indicating that it is “not yet" time to start worrying about job action.
The union also mentions ongoing efforts by its membership to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity for Western during the economic downturn and into this burgeoning financial recovery for the coastal forest products industry on the BC coast.
Negotiators for the Wood Council have in recent months settled collective agreements for members in British Columbia’s Northern Interior, with employers including
Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd. (
TSX: T.ANS,
Stock Forum),
Conifex Timber Inc. (
TSX: V.CFF,
Stock Forum), Hampton Affiliates, Stella-Jones, and West Fraser Mills, and in the Southern Interior with Tolko and
Weyerhaeuser Co. (
NYSE: WY,
Stock Forum).
Western Forest Products shares rose 4% to $2.14 Wednesday, leaving a market cap of $838.6 million, based on 391.8 million shares outstanding. The 52-week range is $2.68 and $1.24.
LINK TO NOTICE:
https://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=8337ded598641bcde54aa646f&id=86301dfd1c&e=e56084348e