According to United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1-1937, which is the union representing Western Forest Products (WFP) workers, the company has squandered an opportunity to reach a collective agreement.
In a news release from USW Local 1-1937 president Brian Butler, he called the company’s process “unreasonable, unwarranted,” with “unacceptable conditions, which has stalled the mediation process again.”
Butler said the parties met for four days from October 16 to 20, during which time progress was made, but only on issues that had no cost implications for WFP.
The union proposed seven reductions in its wage and benefits proposals, as well as withdrawing two other monetary positions, according to Butler. The union also removed a “contentious” drug and alcohol position and made a major move in the area of contracting out, he said.
“The union also agrees to strike subcommittees to review local agreements and practices in good faith to see if amendments, cancellations or continuation of those agreements and practices were the right course,” said Butler. “WFP’s response to the union’s significant movement was to table exactly the same positions they had on all issues. They did not move on one single issue. They have not moved off their skinny monetary and long-term duration offer since bargaining ended in June.”
Butler said WFP continues to push for five concessions the union and its membership will not agree to.
“Our members’ mandate is very clear, that we do not accept any concessions in this round of bargaining, especially since there is no market evidence on the coast and no company performance that demonstrates that cost-cutting is needed,” said Butler. “It appears WFP has not learned that no deal will be reached with their concessions on the table. It also suggests that WFP has no real interest in reaching a deal as they have publicly stated.”
Butler said the ball is clearly in WFP’s court as they refused to make any changes to their proposal, while the local union made significant moves.
“This isn’t something you do in bargaining if you truly want to make progress in getting an agreement,” said Butler. “The mediators agree there was no point in continuing with mediation at this time. We know this will frustrate our members but we cannot bargain with ourselves. The bargaining committee is open to further mediation with WFP if they are prepared to make changes in their position that will move the process forward.”
Following a request for a statement from WFP, Babita Khunkhun, WFP senior director, communications, stated that: “Western believes that the best place for these discussions to occur is at the bargaining table and we remain available for mediation.”
