Unifor members make big gains at Canadian Forest Products

GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB, Dec. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Nearly 150 Unifor members at Canadian Forest Products achieved significant wage and benefit increases in the newest collective agreement, ratified this week.

"This deal brings us to the forefront of the industry in Alberta," said Phil Brinson, Unifor Local 446 President. "I would like to thank the bargaining committee for their work on this collective agreement."

The collective agreement includes wage increases between 9% and 16% over the next three years. The contract also includes a two-fold increase to benefits available under short- and long-term disability programs, should a worker become disabled.

"Unifor has incredible bargaining power and we are committed to making strong economic gains for our members," said Scott Doherty, Unifor's Assistant to the President overseeing the forestry sector.

Unifor Local 446 members include millwrights and electricians at the Grande Prairie mill.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged. Unifor works to protect its members and play a leadership role in building thriving, safe workplaces and a strong economy so all workers in Canada have a good job, a decent standard of living and greater equality.

SOURCE: Unifor

please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at 778-903-6549 (cell) or [email protected]