Oct 18, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. The United Steelworkers (USW) has concluded a series of tentative agreements with West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. in British Columbia's northern interior. Members of USW Locals 1-424 and 1-425 members will vote on the agreements over the next 2-3 weeks, as ForestTalk reported. USW Wood Council Chair Bob Matters says full details of the tentative agreements will be provided by the local unions. In general, terms of the four-year contract, expiring on June 30, 2013, enhance job security, improve health and welfare Benefits, stabilize the long-term-disability plan and improve contract language regarding permanent and partial closures of manufacturing operations. In addition to a $250 signing bonus and general wage increases in the third and fourth years, a trades rate adjustment has been negotiated. As well, a profit pay plan may provide workers additional compensation as the forest industry recovers. USW Local 1-417 members employed at West Fraser's Chasm sawmill are covered by negotiations with the IFLRA (Interior Forest Labour Relations Association) that will resume on October 26.