Steelworkers, FIR Reach Tentative Deal in Coastal Forest Industry

BURNABY, BC, Sept. 20 /CNW/ - The United Steelworkers (USW) has reached a tentative, four-year collective agreement with Forest Industrial Relations (FIR), an association whose member companies employ some 400 USW members.

The agreement, which covers members of USW Locals 1-1937 and 1-85 who work in logging operations, is retroactive to June 15 and is based on a pattern settlement reached with Western Forest Products in August.

The USW-FIR deal provides two-per-cent wage increases in each of the third and fourth years, enhanced job security and benefit improvements. It includes new severance pay provisions to protect members in the event of permanent partial closures and works to stabilize the Long Term Disability Plan.

The agreement's full details will be provided to union members during coming ratification votes.

For further information:

Bob Matters, USW, 604-683-1117, 604-996-4476