Last Major Pact in Place for Western Canadian Paperworkers

The last big pulp and paper employer in Canada’s Western region agreed to the pattern labour agreement, as set by ICEM North American affiliate Communications, Energy, Paperworkers (CEP) Union. Some 2,000 workers of Catalyst Paper, the continent’s second largest newsprint producer, are expected to agree to terms shortly in balloting at four worksites.

That gives some 12,000 paperworkers in Canada’s industry-battered West renewal labour agreements. The CEP still has to negotiate with some smaller pulp and paper employers in the West. The pattern was set when the region’s largest pulp and papermaker – employment wise – Canfor Pulp Ltd. came to terms for total 10% wage increases over the four-year term of the pattern in early July.

That was followed by agreement at multiple mills by Howe Sound Pulp and Paper, Domtar Corp., Kruger Products, and West Fraser Timber Co. The pattern accord also contains significant benefit increases, craft trades allowances, and job security provisions, including good severance packages.

“During the tough economic times we are facing, maintaining this pattern across the Canadian West is an important victory,” said CEP president Dave Coles.

The CEP covers seven branch unions at Catalyst’s four mill sites, Crofton, Powell River, Campbell River, and Port Alberni, all in the province of British Colombia. The agreement for pulp and paper firms operating in the West expired on 1 April 2008. A separate agreement covering 20,000 workers in Canada’s East region expires on 1 April 2009.