Resolute Forest Products Inc. reached an agreement-in-principle for a four-year labor agreement with the Unifor union, representing most of the hourly employees in the company's Canadian pulp and paper operations. The agreement-in-principle is subject to member ratification. The collective agreement covers approximately 700 employees.
The master agreement covers seven of Resolute's pulp and paper mills in Canada: the Dolbeau; Gatineau; Kénogami; Saint-Félicien and currently indefinitely idled Amos and Baie-Comeau facilities in Quebec; and the Thunder Bay operation in Ontario.
"In the current context of labour shortages and soaring inflation, it was necessary to ensure competitive and attractive working conditions, which was our main challenge," said Renaud Gagné, Quebec Director of Unifor and union spokesperson at the bargaining table. "We are confident we have reached the best possible agreement under the circumstances. It's now up to the members."
During the coming week, meetings will be held to present the new contract to workers in Resolute's mills. The final result will be known Friday, May 20.
Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy, including 24,000 in the forestry sector.
