West Fraser Union Agreement

West Fraser Union Agreement: What You Need to Know

On October 29, 2021, West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced that it had reached a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers (USW) union for its mills in the United States. The agreement covers approximately 1,500 hourly employees at five mills in Arkansas, Florida, and Georgia.

If you`re not familiar with West Fraser, it is one of the world`s largest producers of lumber, panels, and pulp. The company has operations in Canada, the United States, and Europe and employs more than 9,000 people.

The new West Fraser union agreement is significant for several reasons. Here`s what you need to know:

Wages and Benefits

Under the new agreement, West Fraser employees will receive wage increases of 3% per year, starting in 2022 and running through 2024. The agreement also includes increases in pension contributions and improved healthcare benefits.

„The wages and benefits included in this agreement provide important financial support for our employees,“ said Brian Balkwill, West Fraser`s senior vice president of human resources.

Safety and Training

The agreement also includes provisions for safety and training. West Fraser and the USW have agreed to create a joint safety committee to identify and address safety concerns at the mills. The company will also provide additional training for employees on safety and other job-related skills.

„We take the safety of our employees very seriously,“ said Balkwill. „This agreement reflects our commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment.“

Contract Length

The new agreement is for four years, running from November 1, 2021, through October 31, 2025. This provides stability for both the company and its employees, ensuring that wages and benefits are secured for the next four years.

„We`re pleased to have reached a new agreement with the USW for our mills in the United States,“ said Balkwill. „This agreement reflects our commitment to our employees and to the communities where we operate.“

Conclusion

The new West Fraser union agreement is good news for both the company and its employees. With wage increases, improved benefits, and a focus on safety and training, the agreement provides stability and support for the next four years.

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