The union representing over 1500 forestry workers in north-central BC is taking a strike vote as it seeks a new deal with owners.
The United Steel Workers announced the vote in a statement issued Tuesday as talks with owners represented by the Council on Northern Interior Forest Employment Relations (Conifer) bogged down.
Steelworkers Wood Council Chair Bob Matters says employees are looking for improvements to working conditions.
The union argues that with a strong lumber market, workers should share in some of the companies’ good fortune.
Companies represented by Conifer include Tolko and West Fraser operations in Williams Lake and Quesnel, Hampton Affiliates’ Babine operation at Burns Lake, Conifex in Fort St. James and Mackenzie, and Prince George operations, including Lakeland, CANFOR and Dunkley Lumber located south of the city.
