WFP Strike Mediators Re-appointed with Added Powers

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The two independent negotiators appointed for a possible deal between Western Forest Products (WFP) management and the striking United Steelworkers (USW) union members have been re-appointed with power to draft a proposed contract. It must be noted that Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers had withdrawn from negotiation citing remote possibility of reaching a deal on the dispute.

According to media reports, Labour Minister Harry Bains announced Thursday morning that Ready and Rogers have been re-appointed as special mediators in the collective bargaining dispute. The mediators have been appointed with additional powers under the Labour Relations Code. Accordingly, the mediators will have power to recommend the terms of settlement, in case the parties fail to reach a settlement. Also, the terms of the settlement could be made public. The parties will be given five days time to either accept or reject the terms of the settlement proposed by the mediators.

ALSO READ: USW Strike and Weak Markets Impact WFP Q3 Results

The re-appointment indicates the government’s resolve in offering all possible support to help the two parties reach an agreement at the earliest. The Labour Ministry noted that the dispute has had an impact not only on the striking workers and their families, but also on the entire coastal forestry community.