Forestry News

Monday June 18th was a busy day at the Bootjack FSR picket line. Our membership turned out in force to welcome President of the BC Federation of Labour (the Fed), Irene Lanzinger. Although it was not planned, it turned out the Sands Bulk Fuel truck arrived just before Irene’s presentation. Due to the very large number of people who were onsite, an escort from the minesite was requested (for safety reasons).

We would like to ask all available/able members to attend the Bootjack picket line on:

Monday, JUNE 18 at 9:00 a.m.

That’s when we will be welcoming the President of the BC Federation of Labour, Irene Lanzinger, as well as representatives from our Union Executive.

Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour, will be attending the Mount Polley Mine Picket Line in support of USW Local 1-2017 miners currently involved in a lockout/strike.

As our members are no doubt aware, the unionized workforce at Mount Polley Mine continues to maintain picket lines at entry points into the minesite. Unfortunately we have had little choice in this action as the Company started the labour dispute with a lockout at 3 a.m. on the morning of May 23rd.

As most are aware the USW has successfully pattern bargained in BC for more than 60 years.  USW members from sites across the southern interior and northern BC submitted resolutions to the wage and contract conference to be reviewed and democratically endorsed as bargaining proposals. After proposals are exchanged your committee meets to decide which employer appears prepared to negotiate a new agreement which will be taken to all employer groups.