Aug 09, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Longview Fibre Company announced on August 8 the ratification of a new four-year labor agreement for the company’s Longview, Washington, mill by members of Local 153, Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers. The approval of the agreement culminates some 3 months of contract negotiations between the union bargaining committee and the company. “The company looks forward to continuing our long, good working relationship with AWPPW Local 153,” said Rick Parker, senior vice president-production and mill manager. “With the renewal of the agreement, the company will be working closely with Local 153 in the overall team effort needed to successfully implement the operating plan in our pulp-paper and related facilities at Longview. Major elements of that plan include maximizing productivity and safety.” The new agreement is effective June 1, 2006 through May 31, 2010. AWPPW Local 153 represents approximately 1 200 employees of Longview Fibre Company. Longview Fibre is a major manufacturer of value-added corrugated and solid-fiber containers, and other paper products. The company operates one of the largest pulp-paper mills in the world at Longview, Washington; 15 converting plants in 12 states; a lumber plant; is a leader in recycled-content paper packaging; and owns approximately 585 000 acres of timberlands managed for Sustainable Forestry in the Pacific Northwest.