Employees facing layoffs at the Canfor Canal Flats Mill are being informed by the United Steel Workers Local 1-405 Kootenays union (USW) office that a preliminary plan is in place to help them.

“In this very troublesome time for our brothers and sisters at the Canal Flats operation, USW 1-405 Officers along with the Canal Flats Plant Committee are doing all that is possible in order to mitigate the impact on our members. With an impact of 81 jobs, this task will not be easy; however, there is a preliminary plan in place to address many of members concerns,” states a Feb. 6 Local 1-405 bulletin issued to workers at the mill.

Canfor announced last week that it was dropping from two to one shift at the Canal Flats Mill, a move that will impact 81 employees.

The Local 1-405 bulletin notes that the union is working to ensure the best severance package possible for workers.

“At this time the collective agreement does not allow for severance in a layoff situation. However, it is our belief that this is not a usual layoff situation in that it is permanent and as close to a permanent partial closure as it can get. We are putting pressure on Canfor to ‘do the right thing’ and offer severance packages to those who would retire in order to free up some positions for younger workers,” the bulletin states.

“There is the ability to transfer to Radium and Elko and the company will come out next week with the actual number of positions. For anyone considering this move they will have options under the Job Posting and Application of Seniority supplement. We are urging all of those who may be interested to put their transfer into the company by February 20. The availability is as per company seniority within the Kootenay Division.”

Local 1-405 also notes there is the possibility for workers to accept positions with the company’s partner contractors, as they have indicated a need to fill positions both within the bush and in log truck driving positions. Anyone interested in this possibility should indicate as such with the company.

Company-wide transfers are also expected to be available for employees.

“Canfor has indicated that there are positions for all affected for those who want to with their mills throughout B.C. and Alberta. USW Local 1-405 is working to obtain moving allowances for those who may be interested in accepting positions with Canfor’s other operations. Those interested should indicate as such with the company,” the USW stated.

USW Local 1-405 is in negotiations with Canfor to provide an education allowance similar to the amount that was made available to other operations experiencing an event such as this (Quesnel Sawmill closure) to provide an allowance for those affected if they have the opportunity to upgrade a skill or their education. “More details will be provided if we are successful in negotiating this provision,” the USW assured.

Additionally, Canfor has provided a Transition Office that will provide information for Canal Flats members at the Canal Flats Field Office. This office will be staffed by Canfor human resources personnel along with two USW Canal Flats Committee members.

The hours of availability will be provided early next week. A number of services will be provided such as:
Questions and options;
Resume Update/Development/Cover Letter;
Job availability throughout Canfor and other industry operations;
We are working on getting E.I. to also provide some resources to this office to help our members going through this very difficult time.
 EFAP – Counselors have been notified and are available, the USW outlined.

Pension Options

Doug Singer, President of USW Local 1-405 and the IWA Forest Industry Pension Plan Trustee for our region, will be available to answer questions concerning those affected and what that means to their pension. The IWA Forest Industry Pension Plan office is also available and the contact number will be provided.

During this time any members with questions can rely on the USW Local 1-405 Officers for help and answers during this difficult time.

Doug Singer – President – 250-489-8996 or [email protected]


Doug Wood – 1st Vice President – 250-919-1635 or [email protected]

Jeff Bromley – Financial Secretary – 250-489-8995 [email protected]

Important websites

www.steelworkers1-405.ca/canalflats.htm

www.canfor.com/careers/current-opportunities

www.iwafibp.ca/

e-KNOW

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