On Thursday June 28th, Oregon and Washington Weyerhaeuser Co. employees voted, paving the path forward for bringing work to a halt if negotiators in a union strike continue to disagree on the terms of a new labor contract, according to news reports. Approximately 1,200 workers voted, with more than 90% in favor of strike authority according to International Aerospace and Machinists/Woodworkers Local District W24 Lodge district business representative Wayne Thompson.
Negotiations have been going on for quite some time as the two sides work to reach an agreement regarding wages, vacation time, health care, mandatory overtime, pension contributions and logging commitment levels at the Longview mill, which employs nearly 400 workers.
IAM union Local 536 posted on its Facebook page that while some progress had been made on wages, the union still didn’t agree with Weyerhaeuser’s position on remaining issues. The post also said, “We are hopeful that the company will come to the table and offer the crew a contract that recognizes our members’ dedication and hard work, which has resulted in Weyerhaeuser’s success as the industry leader during this time of unprecedented market conditions and economic gains.”
As of June 30th no strike date had been determined, with further talks set for July 10th and 11th according to an official at Woodworkers Local 24. News reports indicate the bargaining between negotiators for both sides has been going on for three months.
Over the last 30 years the company has gradually moved toward using independent contract loggers over company-run logging crews. Weyerhaeuser reportedly proposed to reduce regional logging commitment levels by 30%, however Thompson says this is a proposal employees cannot agree to as a reduction in workforce impacts job security.