Domtar workers approve new collective agreement

KAMLOOPS, BC, Sept. 25, 2017 /CNW/ - Members of Unifor Local 10-B voted 80 per cent in favour of a new four-year contract that helps secure the future of the pulp mill with significant investments over the next two years.

"Our new collective agreement is good for workers and good for the community," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "We're proud to work with Domtar to ensure a future for this mill and hundreds of good jobs that Kamloops can rely on."

The new collective agreement commits the parties to finding solutions on retiree health benefits, it also works on retention and training of trade workers, and streamlines administration while improving benefits. Unifor says that these gains will be important for the next generation of mill workers as a wave of retirements creates openings. "The collaborative working relationship we have with the union is something that I'm very proud of" stated Jean-Claude Allaire, General Manager of the Domtar Kamloops Mill. "It's our commitment to finding innovative solutions that resulted in a meaningful agreement for both parties". The framework of the new contract is built on Unifor's Western Canada pulp and paper pattern agreement.

"The partnership between our union and Domtar can be a model for other industrial workplaces," said Rene Pellerin, Local 10-B President. "By maintaining a respectful working relationship, we have been able to secure gains for workers, stability for the company, and opportunities for the community."

In 2015, Unifor partnered with Domtar and Thompson Rivers University to enhance the quality of trades training in the region.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy, including nearly 23,000 forestry workers. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor