WFP and USW Reach Tentative Agreement to End Prolonged Strike

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Western Forest Products, Inc. (WFP) and the striking United Steelworkers (USW) union leaders have reached an agreement on a tentative collective agreement, aimed at ending the seven-month old that has already damaged the forestry and related sectors in the region.

According to press release issued by WFP, the company and the USW Local 1-1937 have agreed to the terms of the agreement. The tentative agreement now needs to be ratified by USW members. Meantime, the USW bargaining committee noted that its members will be advised to accept the terms of the agreement. The details of the agreement will be made public upon ratification by union members.

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Commenting on the agreement Don Demens, President and CEO, WFP noted that the reached agreement is fair and equitable. Further, it balances the needs of the company and its employees. He thanked the efforts of all involved, especially the special mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers, for helping both sides in finding a common ground.

Earlier, the negotiations had come to a standstill following the unexpected withdrawal of the independent mediators. The talks took a new turn after Labour Minister Harry Bains re-appointing them with additional powers.