Eastern Canada pulp and paper workers decide pattern for industry bargaining

OTTAWA, May 14 /CNW Telbec/ - The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union Eastern Canadian Pulp and Paper caucus has determined the terms of a five-year pattern agreement for the eastern industry that interprets the AbitibiBowater agreement for the rest of the industry.

Delegates determined that the AbitibiBowater agreement, concluded earlier this month, was extraordinary because it is part of a Companies' Creditors Arrangements Act (CCAA) restructuring, but the term and wage increases in the agreement will be standard for the eastern Canadian industry.

For companies under CCAA or companies that can prove they are in serious difficulty, the pattern will include a number of cost reduction items negotiated with AbitibiBowater.

About 200 delegates from pulp and paper local unions across Eastern Canada met in Montreal Friday.

"CEP members remain committed to pattern bargaining and this declaration of our pattern for the industry is our best effort to negotiate a fair and balanced standard for this industry," said CEP President Dave Coles.

For further information: Dave Coles, [phone]