Steelworkers Private Criminal Prosecution to Begin Process Hearing on Tuesday

BURNABY, BC, Oct. 25 /CNW/ - On Tuesday a process hearing will begin in the United Steelworkers' (USW) private prosecution of Weyerhaeuser Company Ltd. in connection with the death of millworker Lyle Hewer.

Criminal lawyer Glen Orris will call over 20 witnesses to testify in the case before a provincial court judge in New Westminster, who will determine whether the union's private action case, under the so-called Westray amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada will proceed further.

USW Western Canada Director Stephen Hunt says the case is moving along as the union hoped.

"We believe the evidence will show that Weyerhaeuser is criminally responsible for this terrible tragedy that could have been avoided," says Hunt.

Hewer died on 17 November 2004 as a result of injuries incurred while clearing a wood waste hog at the Weyerhaeuser New Westminster sawmill.

"After investigating, the New Westminster Police recommended that a charge of criminal negligence was warranted against the company," adds Hunt.

WorkSafe BC fined Weyerhaeuser $297,000 for Hewer's death in March 2007 - the highest fine in its history - saying that management ignored safety concerns and condoned a culture where "complacency in the face of danger became the norm."

The in-camera process hearing will include testimony from Hewer's fellow workers, management employees, WorkSafe BC officials and the New Westminster Police.

In 2007 WorkSafe BC cited the high risk of Weyerhaeuser's violations and the fact that violations were committed willfully or with reckless disregard.

For further information:

Stephen Hunt 604-683-1117 or 604-816-2554

Glen Orris 604-669-6711