The USW says they can't believe Western Forest Products wouldn't want respected mediator Vince Ready working on their dispute. (USW 1-1937)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

strike action

Strike negotiations between union, Western Forest Products slow with disputes over mediators

Jul 12, 2019 | 3:41 AM

NANAIMO — A further roadblock was erected on the path towards the end of strike action between the United Steelworkers Union and Western Forest Products.

USW 1-1937 president Brian Butler announced Friday, July 12 their offer of hiring renowned mediator Vince Ready was rejected.

“It flies in the face of what (Western Forest Products) has been saying…that they want mediation and they’re prepared to bargain with the union. They have done the exact opposite.”

However, WFP vice-president of corporate affairs Susan Dolinksi told NanaimoNewsNOW they applied to the BC Labour Relations Board on June 25 to have a mediator appointed and are still willing to sit at the table with the union.

“As typical in this process, both parties have expressed preferences regarding the appointment of a mediator. This should in no way be interpreted as Western Forest Products refusing mediation.”

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In British Columbia, either party involved in a contract dispute can apply the BC Labour Relations Board.

In this case, the mediator alleged to have been retained by USW 1-1937 is under consideration by the board to mediate this matter.

Vince Ready is one of several identified by WFP as a possible mediator, given his lengthy career working with unions and governments of all levels for the last three decades.

It’s unknown when a mediator will be chosen by the BC Labour Relations Board.

Roughly 3,500 workers are on strike starting Monday, July 1 over alleged concessions involving pensions and job security.

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