On Tuesday, October 29, the Truck Loggers Association (TLA) held one of its regular board meetings in Powell River, where its 17-member board spent much of the day discussing the current Western Forest Products and United Steelworkers strike, and forest policies that are impacting local timber harvesting contractors and the entire forest industry.
Later that evening, approximately 80 Powell River timber harvesting contractors, workers and suppliers turned out for the TLA-hosted member networking event. As an advocacy organization that lobbies government for fair policy for contractors, the TLA hosts events for their members across the province to hear directly from them about the issues that are impacting their businesses.
City of Powell River is a TLA community member, along with 20 other member companies in Powell River.
According to a news release from the TLA, the topic of greatest concern discussed at the evening’s event was the Western Forest Products and United Steelworkers strike, which is having a “devastating effect on the already-struggling forest industry on the coast.”
On strike since July 1, contractors are feeling that their hands are tied, with no option to have a voice at the bargaining table, the media release stated.
Contractors shared their worries and struggles, concerned that if the strike goes on much longer, it could potentially put many of them out of business.
After four months of not working, they are feeling the pinch and need the strike to end. They need WFP and USW to resume negotiations and get back to the table, the news release concluded.
