Forestry News

The United Steelworkers has successfully resolved the long-standing random drug and alcohol testing issue at Teck Coal mines in southeastern British Columbia, winning a landmark decision that forced Teck to stop its testing program.

The USW Bargaining Committee, representing the USW Locals 1-417 (Kamloops), 1-423 (Kelowna), 1-405 (Cranbrook) and 1-2017 (Prince George), including 2600 members in the south region and 2000 members in the north region, booked out provincial mediator Dave Schaub late Friday night after talks broke down between the two parties.

Unfortunately, due to complications involving necessary documents not being issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in a timely manner, the Union is unable to say exactly when distribution of funds will be made to former Wolverine Mine (Walter Energy) employees.

The USW Bargaining Committee, representing the USW Locals 1-417 (Kamloops), 1-423 (Kelowna), 1-405 (Cranbrook) and 1-2017 (Prince George) and the IFLRA, representing southern interior forestry employers, have agreed to mediation through the B.C. Labour Relations Board following the inability to agree to a new collective agreement after the groups’ 4th bargaining session that ended last week on Thursday, November 1st.