In a press release issued on September 17, the United Steelworkers (USW) announced that British Columbia's forestry workers are uniting to fight for their future at the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) conference.
Concerned about the industry's contraction and the resulting job losses, three major forestry unions – Unifor, United Steelworkers, and the Public and Private Workers of Canada – are urging municipal leaders to join their cause.
Since 2001, the forestry industry in B.C. has experienced a significant decline, with employment dropping by 45%. This downturn has led to the loss of nearly 35,000 jobs, with 3,750 positions disappearing last year alone.
Earlier this year, the three unions came together to discuss the challenges facing the forestry sector and the need for a more sustainable approach. They co-published a research paper that examined the industry's history, the human cost of policy failures, and proposed solutions for B.C.'s forestry future.
"The recent closure of two sawmills in Fort St. John and Plateau by Canfor due to insufficient sustainable access to fibre is a devastating blow to communities and families," said Scott Lunny, USW District 3 Director. "This is a clear indication that something needs to change. We hear words, but there's no clear direction and mills keep shutting down. It's time for stronger action to maintain forest jobs and protect communities."
The forestry sector in B.C. is a vital economic driver, supporting 44,000 direct jobs and close to 100,000 more indirect jobs. The three unions represent more than half of all forestry workers in the province.
PPWC National President Geoff Dawe emphasized the importance of local governments playing a more active role in restoring B.C.'s forestry jobs. The City of Kamloops has already submitted a motion to the UBCM conference calling for greater support for the forestry industry.
