Forestry workers on north Island ratify deal after eight-month strike

About 100 unionized forestry workers north of Campbell River ratified a new collective agreement and are set to return to work after an eight-and-a-half-month strike; the deal includes 19% and 22% wage increases over a six-year term.

About 100 unionized forestry workers who log north of Campbell River ratified a new collective agreement and are set to return to work. Members of United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 voted 67% in favour. The workers had been on strike for eight and a half months after disputes including the use of non-union contractors. A tentative deal was reached in January with assistance from the B.C. Labour Relations Board. Key facts: - Union members voted 67% to ratify the new agreement. - The agreement includes wage increases of 19% and 22% over a six-year term and other industry-aligned improvements. - The strike began on June 6 and lasted eight and a half months, with one central issue being work done by non-union contractors. - The B.C. Labour Relations Board helped the parties return to negotiations and reach a tentative deal in January. Summary: The ratification ends an extended labour dispute for workers at La-kwa sa muqw Forestry LP and the workers are set to return to work. Further operational scheduling and detailed next steps were not stated.