Forestry contract talks resume

The search for a new contract for workers in BC’s struggling forest industry, resumes today.

The workers are represented by the United Steelworkers Union and the forest companies by an umbrella group, known as Conifer.  Bob Matters is the Union’s wood council chair and in an interview with CHNL’S Jim Harrison, he has confirmed rumors the companies are seeking contract concessions.  

However, he also indicated the union is reluctant to give them what they want… [asset|aid=1713|format=mp3player|formatter=asset_bonus|title=189f9eedb9d411b75e8e6b77c7a58df2-Matters_2_Pub.mp3]

This will be the third session of talks between the two groups and its expected to last three days.

While neither side will confirm it, the concession rumors suggest, the key issue centres on wage rollbacks that could run into double digits.