You deserve better at WFP Value Added Division!
We have heard from many of you at WFP Value Added Division and what is clear is that you deserve better. Better from your employer and better from your union.
Yes, it’s true. Back in the 1990’s workers at your operation changed unions on a fairly close vote when they joined the PPWC after being promised the world. Well, that never materialized and now many of you have indicated you want better. It’s time, and together with the United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 (USW), we will work to make positive changes for you and your co-workers at WFP Value Added Division. You have the legal right to change unions.
YOU CAN CHANGE UNIONS!
In British Columbia, the Labour Relations Code sets out specific times when workers can leave or change unions. Your eligible period is May & June, 2026, but you can sign your USW membership card now. During this period, workers have the right to decide whether they want to remain with their current union or choose a different one. This is often called an open period or raiding period, and you have one coming up. Your co-workers are telling us they are ready to change unions.
HERE IS HOW YOU MEASURE UP
Take a look at this quick comparison with the PPWC represented WFP Value Added Division collective agreement and the USW represented WFP collective agreement. You will see the difference. Don’t you deserve better? We believe you do.
| Wages, benefits & vacations | PPWC Value Added | USW–WFP | USW Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Wage | $25.98 (Current Rate)
$27.57 (End of Term) 2% each year |
$36.34 (Current Rate)
$40.90 (End of Term) 3% each year |
42.5% now and 51% upon the expiry of the collective agreement. |
| Forklift Operator Wage | $30.50 (Current Rate)
$XX.XX (End of Term) 2% each year |
$36.34 (Current Rate)
$40.90 (End of Term) 3% each year |
42.5% now and 51% upon the expiry of the collective agreement. |
| Trades Wage | $51.27–$54.41 | $52.80–$59.90 | 3% now and 9% upon expiry of the collective agreement |
| Shift Differential | $0.60/hour | $1/hour | $0.40/hour more |
| Pension/RRSP (employer) | $2.50/employer | $3.675/hour | $1.175/hour more |
| Pension/RRSP (member) | $2.225 | USW Pension plan pays $115 per month per year of service for life. | |
| LTD | $1,800/month | $3,000/month | $1,200 more |
| Life & AD&D | $140,000 each | $150,000 each | $10,000 more |
| Vision | $400 | $800 | $400 more |
| Short-Term Disability | E.I. + $100 | E.I. +$150 | $50 more |
| Physio/Massage | $550 | $750 | $200 more |
| Chiropractor/Naturopath | $700 | $800 | $100 more |
| Hearing Aid | $550 | $1,500 | $950 more |
| Dental | USW higher lifetime maximums and $2,500 for each implant | ||
| Vacation | 4-11%
2-5 weeks |
4-15%
2-7 weeks |
4% 2 weeks more |
| F/A Ticket | $1.00 | $2.00 | $1 more |
| Chargehand Trades | 10% of daily pay | 15% of daily pay | 5% more |
| Chargehand Production
(Based on 8/hr day and $30.50 rate) |
$1.00 per hr
($8/day) |
15% of daily pay
($36.60/day) |
$28.60/day more |
| Stat Holidays | 11 plus floater | 12 plus floater | 1 extra day |
| Safety/Boot Allowance | $150 | $175/$200 | $25–$50 more |
| Bereavement Leave | 3 days paid | 5 days paid for immediate family 3 days paid for all others | 2 extra paid days for immediate family |
| Severance Pay for Tech Change | Max 14 weeks paid | Max 30 weeks paid | Extra 16 weeks paid |
| Dues | 2.8% x base rate | ||
| PLUS: | |||
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WE ARE FORESTRY WORKERS FIGHTING FOR FORESTRY WORKERS.
Your health and safety, wages, benefits and working conditions don’t reflect the demands that are being made on forestry workers every day.
You deserve respect on the job, a safe environment and decent wages that correspond to your work.
You can make changes for the better by joining the USW. Thousands of workers every year, across North America choose to join USW and enjoy the benefits of a negotiated, legally binding contract.
ABOUT USW LOCAL 1-1937
USW Local 1-1937 is the forestry union on Vancouver Island, representing 5,000 workers across all areas and sectors of coastal British Columbia. Our jurisdiction spans all of Vancouver Island, all coastal islands including Haida Gwaii and the entire mainland coast from the Alaskan state border in the north to the Washington state border in the south.
With deep roots in coastal forestry and related industries, USW Local 1-1937 proudly represents workers in mills, logging operations, value-added manufacturing as well as members working in other industries such as mining, casinos, aquaculture, trucking and in the public sector throughout the coast. We are committed to strong collective agreements, safer workplaces and a better future for forestry workers and their families – wherever coastal forestry work is done in British Columbia.
Learn more about USW Local 1-1937 here.
THE USW CAN HELP
The USW is a powerful force when it comes to pushing for better working conditions in the forestry sector, government support for the sector and job security. Our unions moniker “Unity and Strength for Workers” is proven every day and it shows in what USW members achieve.
By joining the USW, you will become part of the strongest forestry union in Canada.
In 2004, the Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers of Canada (IWA) merged with the USW to represent and coordinate the interests of forestry workers in the areas of safety and health, collective bargaining, organizing and political action. A critical part of the merger agreement was the creation of the USW Wood Council bringing together forestry workers from across Canada.
With the USW, you will get a union that will work closely with you right from the start. The union will negotiate on your behalf, with your participation and in your best interests. We are a workers’ union with local representation in your community.
Today, The USW has some of the best collective agreements, paying among the highest wages and benefits for forestry workers. We negotiate comprehensive benefits packages for individuals and families, including pension agreements and increased vacation pay and leave provisions.
When you compare USW and PPWC contracts, the difference is clear. USW contracts deliver higher wage increases, better benefits, stronger working conditions and better protections. Our union and its members have the size, strength and solidarity to ensure workers achieve the best possible outcomes.
Don’t you deserve better now? Join the USW today!
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
If you are a wood or forestry worker and want to discuss how USW can help improve conditions for you and your co-workers contact us today. All calls and texts are 100% confidential.