Unifor forestry delegates from across Eastern Canada have selected Domtar as the target company for the upcoming round of pattern bargaining, marking the formal launch of negotiations in the region’s forestry sector.
The decision was announced during the Unifor Eastern Forestry Wage Policy Conference, held February 4–6, 2026, in Montreal. Delegates representing workers from paper mills, sawmills, and forestry operations met to establish common bargaining priorities and define a unified approach ahead of negotiations.
“This is a critical moment for our forestry sector and for the members we represent across Eastern Canada,” said Lana Payne, National President of Unifor. She pointed to ongoing economic and trade pressures while expressing confidence in local leadership to secure agreements that deliver tangible gains for workers.
Conference discussions focused on key issues including wage improvements, pension security, benefit coverage, Employment Insurance protections, and measures aimed at strengthening workforce stability and ensuring the long-term sustainability of forestry operations.
Unifor also reiterated calls for stronger government action to support the sector. Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier emphasized the need for a national industrial strategy that prioritizes value-added manufacturing, rebuilds domestic supply chains, and protects Canadian forestry jobs. The union continues to urge Ottawa to stimulate domestic demand, notably through initiatives such as Canada’s Housing Plan, which could help stabilize markets for Canadian wood and paper products amid ongoing U.S. trade tariffs.
The pattern agreement negotiated with Domtar will serve as the benchmark for talks with all other employers in Eastern Canada’s forestry sector. In total, approximately 14,000 Unifor members are expected to be covered by the resulting eastern pattern agreement.
Unifor is Canada’s largest private-sector union, representing more than 320,000 workers nationwide across a wide range of industries.
Source: Unifor
