Unifor reaches deal on model contract for forestry industry

“We are convinced we have reached the best possible deal in the circumstances,” the union says of the deal it reached with Resolute Forest Products.

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Unifor announced Sunday it has reached a deal in principle with Resolute Forest Products on a new model collective agreement for the forestry industry.

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The details of the deal were not revealed. The proposal will be submitted to Resolute workers for approval next week, with a decision to be announced May 20.

“In the current context of a labor shortage and galloping inflation, we had to ensure competitive and attractive working conditions,” said Renaud Gagné, Quebec director for Unifor, in a statement. “We are convinced we have reached the best possible deal in the circumstances.”

Resolute confirmed the agreement in principle, saying it was “satisfied” with the deal covering seven pulp and paper factories, in Dolbeau, Kénogami, St-Félicien, Gatineau, Amos and Baie-Comeau.

“It underscores the important contribution of our employees to the company’s success, as well as the collaborative nature of the relationship between the two parties,” CEO Rémi G. Lalonde said in a statement.

The model agreement settles monetary matters, including salaries, benefits and pensions. Once negotiated, it serves as a basis for all other employers in the industry.

Unifor designated Resolute to negotiate the model agreement in March for eastern Canada, affecting 15,000 members.