IFLRA Disappointed the USW has Chosen to End Mediation and Strike Member Companies

KELOWNA, BC, Nov. 26, 2018 /CNW/ - On November 16, the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1-405, 1-417, 1-423 asked the BC Labour Relations Board (LRB) mediator, Dave Schaub, to "report out" of the mediation process. This allowed the USW to strike member companies effective November 21 at 8:00 am.

"It is unfortunate that the USW did not see value in continuing discussions," said Jeff Roos, President of the Interior Forest Labour Relations Association (IFLRA). "We were encouraged that the union appeared to be willing to engage in a mediation process in an effort to reach a fair, renewed contract. Prior to the USW ending the mediation process, we had been making progress towards that goal."

The IFLRA and the USW have been engaged in collective bargaining since September 6^th, 2018. The parties have spent 12 days in negotiations, culminating with three full days of mediation with Dave Schaub from November 14 to 16. 

"Although we are disappointed the USW has broken off talks and started job action, we would be open to returning to the table at any time to bargain a fair deal for our employees and the industry," added Roos.

The IFLRA represents 10 member Companies, with a total of 17 operating divisions across southern BC with approximately 2,800 employees.

SOURCE Interior Forest Labour Relations Association

Media Contact: Jeff Roos, 250-860-3592, [email protected]