Talks are expected to resume next week in the labour dispute between Western Forest Products (WFP) and its workers, according to WFP.
WFP announced in a news release late Wednesday afternoon that mediation between the company and members of United Steel Workers will begin Sept. 13.
Independent-mediator Vince Ready will handle the mediation, WFP said.
About 3,000 coastal B.C. forestry workers walked out on July 1 after contract talks broke down.
The two sides have been unable to come to an agreement on issues such as wages and benefits, shifting and a new drug and alcohol policy.
“We look forward to resuming discussions with the USW to negotiate a collective agreement that creates certainty for our employees, while maintaining Western’s competitive position during this particularly challenging time for the forest industry,” WFP President and CEO Don Demens said in a statement.
“It is important that we resume operations to supply our customers who, through their purchases, create thousands of jobs in BC.”
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