Unifor has joined the movement to grow diversity, equity, and inclusion in forestry. By participating, the union will support the work of provincial governments, corporations and communities to make forestry an industry where everyone feels welcome.
The 200 members of Unifor Locals 222Q and 216 at Kruger Wayagamack, a paper mill in Trois-Rivières, Que. ratified a new agreement by 92.3% (222Q) and 93.4% (216) on June 19, ending a three-week strike.
“The members of the negotiating committees are very happy with the result,” said Joël Vigeant, National Representative and Forestry Coordinator for Unifor Québec. “It's not easy to decide to go out on strike, but battles are worth fighting. We had clear expectations, and those expectations were met.”
Workers at Kruger Wayagamack began their strike on June 1.
Unifor members working at Produits Forestiers Résolu in Quebec ratified tentative agreements the week of May 26, 2023, covering 10 contracts.
Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier, who was present throughout the negotiations, said this new contract is a major step for workers in the forestry industry.
"Unifor members can now look to the future with confidence, knowing that their rights and professional interests are protected by strong and fair agreements," he said.
TROIS-RIVIERES, QUE. – Unifor members working for Kruger Wayagamac Inc. paper mill went on strike beginning June 1, at 12 p.m.
Unifor began negotiations with the employer on May 23 over a 10-day period, but union rejected the company’s latest offer.
The workers are demanding better working conditions, particularly improved wages.
"We have reached the salary negotiation phase, and the employer is failing to meet our demands and priorities,” said Joël Vigeant, Unifor National Representative and Forestry Coordinator for the union.
Groupe de Scieries (GDS) declared a lockout at four eastern Quebec mill locations, following a 24-hour strike at the company’s Matane plant on May 18.
Workers at the Matane plant have been working without a contract since 2022 and during negotiations decided to escalate pressure on the employer by declaring a 24-hour strike. The decision came after the employer submitted its offer.
More than 1,000 people gathered on March 18, 2023, in Saint-Félicien, Que., for a rally organized by Unifor to raise questions to the provincial government on the upcoming strategy to stop the decline of woodland and mountain caribou populations.
"We are marching today because there is a lot of uncertainty about the plan that the government wants to put in place,” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director.
CROFTON, B.C.—The combined investments of the David Eby government, the federal government and Paper Excellence will help recall more than 100 workers at the pulp and paper mill in Crofton.
Workers at Port Hawkesbury Paper have signed their first agreement in 10 years, making long-overdue gains for members of Local 972.
“I want to thank the bargaining committee for all of their hard work. We are very happy for our members at Port Hawkesbury Paper who have waited so long to see well-deserved wage increases,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “This group will now be aligned with the timing of negotiations across the Eastern pulp and paper Locals and we hope to see members of Local 972 benefit from future pattern negotiations.”
Members of the Forestry Council Executive met in person for the first time in more than two years to prepare for upcoming sector challenges and opportunities and planning the upcoming Forestry Council ahead of Convention in August.
“Unifor represents forestry workers from coast to coast, and each environment and region has its own unique challenges,” said Yves Guérette, Chair of the Unifor Forestry Council. “From invasive species and increasing wildfires to protecting wildlife and habitats, forestry can be part of many solutions if implemented and practiced wisely.”
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