Skip to content

Western, union reach agreement for Value Added Division

Contract covers about 70 employees at Chemainus operation
26601270_web1_210930-CHC-Value-Added-agreement-reached_2
Salary increases are built into a new contract for employees at Western Forest Products’ Chemainus Value Added Division for each of the next eight years. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Western Forest Products Inc. and the Public and Private Workers of Canada Local 8 have reached a new collective agreement for Western’s Value Added Division in Chemainus.

The eight-year agreement covers approximately 70 hourly employees and commences Oct. 15, 2021.

It provides wage increases of three per cent in the first two years, 2.5 per cent in the third year and two per cent per year for the remainder of the contract.

“We are pleased to have collaboratively addressed employee and business needs,” said Don Demens, president and chief executive officer of Western Forest Products. “The new collective agreement provides market competitive wages and benefits to attract, retain and recognize our employees at the Value Added Division, who are a critical part of supplying high-value coastal wood products to our customers around the world.”

“This is a fair agreement that reflects the constructive relationship between Western and PPWC,” said Rod Gallant, president of PPWC Local 8. “Our members are looking forward to moving forward under the terms of the new agreement, which provides security and certainty for our members as we continue to contribute to a strong coastal forest industry.”

26601270_web1_210930-CHC-Value-Added-agreement-reached_3
Company, union reach eight-year agreement at Chemainus operation. (Photo by Don Bodger)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
Read more