STANDING STRONG
THROUGH THE SOFTWOOD STORM
Brothers and Sisters,
I want to take a moment to update everyone on the ongoing softwood lumber trade dispute and how it continues to affect our forestry-based membership across Northwestern Ontario. Once again, the United States has raised duties on Canadian softwood lumber, putting even more pressure on our mills, contractors, and communities. The Canadian government is actively challenging these unfair trade measures through legal channels, while both Canada and Ontario have announced financial supports aimed at keeping our forest sector working. These measures help, but they don’t erase the uncertainty we’re all feeling on the ground.
The recent curtailments across Northern Ontario have been deeply concerning for our members. While a week or two of downtime might not seem catastrophic, the real worry is what lies ahead if this trade dispute drags on without resolution. Will the curtailments grow longer and more frequent? That remains unknown, but what is certain is that we cannot stand by quietly.
Our Local will continue to fight for our members and our industry. We are pressing both provincial and federal governments to take meaningful action. At the end of November, we will join other forestry Locals in Ottawa to lobby government officials directly, demanding real, lasting solutions to protect forestry jobs and communities across the North.
Together, we are stronger and together, we will make our voices heard.
Our Local represents a strong and proud network of forestry workers, those harvesting, hauling, and operating within the mills. This includes our Domtar woodland contractors:
New Gen Harvesting, Ricci Trucking, Rezneck Diesel Crew, Multi TM, Kiezebrink Logging, Jason Rouillard Logging, The Wood, RPMG Harvesting, Firesteel Contracting, Shuniah Forest Products, Renewable Forest Products, Remar Trucking, and several smaller contractors who keep the fibre moving every day.
We also represent the mobile equipment operators at the Domtar Sawmill and the outside operators at the Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Mill. These groups are at the core of the fibre flow, from logs to chips to finished product. Therefore, any disruption in export markets has a direct impact on all of us.
While all of this continues in the background, I want to highlight the remarkable solidarity shown by our members at Dallan Pulp and the Dallan Sawmill. Over the past six months, these two worksites have stood out as some of the most unified and determined units I’ve seen in quite some time.
Unfortunately, Dallan Trucking has dissolved, displacing the eight members we had there. However, through the Union’s efforts, all those members were successfully transitioned into other agreements and remain part of our union family. Four of the log forwarding positions were absorbed under the Dallan FW Agreement, while the other four highway hauling positions, hauling chips and lumber, were placed under the Dallan LP Pulp Mill Agreement.
Meanwhile, the ongoing issue surrounding driver facing cameras at Renewable Forest Products and Remar Trucking is nearing resolution. The Union filed a grievance against the company’s original camera policy, arguing that it violated both the collective agreement and privacy legislation.
Through strong advocacy and a focus on collaboration rather than confrontation, we’ve moved toward a joint-policy solution. Together with the employer, we developed a new camera policy that protects members’ privacy, clearly limits data retention and access, defines recording triggers, and removes all audio recording capabilities. This approach secured meaningful, enforceable protections for our members. It’s a solid win for safety, accountability, and worker rights.
Turning to Wanson Lumber and Unitized Manufacturing, Thunder Bay has seen a major surge in construction activity this year. Building permits have hit $123 million in 2025, a 75% increase over last year. This boom has driven higher demand for lumber and truss manufacturing, with local suppliers ramping up production in line with national growth trends. This positive momentum comes as our Wanson Lumber Inc. agreement approaches expiry early in the new year, good timing for meaningful discussions at the bargaining table.
As we move into the colder months, let’s continue to look out for one another and keep our workplaces safe.
Work Safe. Play Safe. Stay United.
In Solidarity;
Jason Lacko
4th National Gathering for Indigenous Steelworkers, July 7th & 8th, 2025
Local 1-2010 sent 4 delegates, Jason Lacko, Blair DeCorte, Dawson Baxter and Bryan Lands, to attend the National Gathering for Indigenous Steelworkers to Winnipeg Manitoba in July of this year. Under the theme “Growing our circle,” the gathering was a place for Indigenous Steelworkers to share their experiences and contribute to the union’s ongoing strategy for advancing the rights of Indigenous workers and communities. Growing our circle also signified the USW’s commitment to the continued engagement of Indigenous Steelworkers in various workplaces across Turtle Island.
ROUGH TIMES
IN THE FORESTRY SECTOR
Greetings Brothers And Sisters!
I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the summer and spend time with friends and loved ones. In the next month or so I will be holding membership meetings for each of the units I represent. In June, the Local held its Sawmill Wage Conference in Hearst. Delegates from Domtar Ignace Sawmill, Domtar Atikokan Sawmill and Nakina Lumber Inc were some of those in attendance. The forestry sector is facing serious challenges. Margins were already fairly thin with the countervailing duties. In August the countervailing duties on Canadian lumber rose from an average of 17%. Current rates for most producers now sit at 35%, plus a recently added 10% tariff from the U.S. administration. We have already seen some curtailments in some of the Local’s sawmills. Until a trade deal that includes Canadian lumber, there is going to be a lot of uncertainty in the sector.
Domtar Atikokan Sawmill
The sawmill in Atikokan continues to be a major producer for Domtar. There are plans to add a fourth shift in January if things continue to move forward. New members have also been added in the past year or so and more will be added if the fourth shift becomes a reality. Since the summer edition of the bulletin an additional 10 members have been added. Neil Richard, the steward at the Atikokan sawmill, is now a part of the Executive Board for the Local. Neil will now be a part of the decision making for the entire Local. Neil also attended the Local’s sawmill wage conference in Hearst in June. I have a membership meeting planned for the sawmill in October.
Domtar Ignace Sawmill
The Ignace mill continues to run with one shift. Maybe at some point the company will decide to add another shift, time will tell. Other than that, the mill continues to produce well for its size. The company is planning on investing $600,000 in the expansion of the water inlet to the fire suppression for the sawmill. This is welcomed news for the mill considering what has happened this year. Any new investment is good news. Other than that, things are moving forward considering the situation. I have a membership meeting planned for October.
Dallan Atikokan & Dallan Ignace
The Dallan operations in Atikokan continue to be busy and have added additional members. There are now an additional 10 members or so since my last report. For the most part, as the sawmill expands its operations Dallan probably will as well. All of that is positive news for everyone. With the potential to add a fourth shift at the mill, Dallan may add additional members to support that shift. In other news, I have posted for a new steward at Dallan Atikokan. The former steward Cory Peterson has resigned as steward after many years. Thank you for stepping up, Cory!
The Dallan Ignace operations continue to support the needs at the Ignace sawmill. The operators continue to make the best of a not-so-great situation after the mill went down to one shift. Half of the operators are still laid off since January. Hopefully at some point the mill adds the second shift back. That in turn would potentially bring back additional Dallan operators. Gary Lindal, the steward for Dallan Ignace, attended the Local’s sawmill wage conference in June. I have membership meetings planned for both units in October and November.
Nakina Lumber Inc
The Nakina mill continues to produce good lumber at a high rate. Staffing challenges and absenteeism are still problematic, as is the same with many workplaces. Sister Candace Koenders has joined the H&S Committee and Grievance Committee, thank you for stepping up Candace! The company has set up a new camp for members that live outside of Nakina and Geraldton. There has been some growing pains with that but things seem to be improving. I have membership meetings planned for the Nakina Lumber members in October.
Gateway Casino
The members of the Thunder Bay Gateway Casino are settling into their newly ratified 3-year agreement. There is also new language that supports a grievance committee. Shayne Savor is the steward at the casino. The new grievance committee is comprised of Mike DiTomaso, Scott Baker, Chris Boire, Ray-Ann Mikkola, April Johson and Craig Portelance. Thank you everyone for your involvement. A recent fire outside of the casino caused quite a stir recently. Someone who was caught lit a car on fire outside of the casino. The car was there to be given away in a draw at the casino. Luckily no one was injured, but some damage was caused to the outside of the building.
In June the clerical unit at the casino ratified a new 3-year deal. The new agreement entails increases that total 18% over the term, and 9% in the first year. There were also other improvements, essentially similar to what the floor unit achieved.
With the Christmas season approaching, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Please don’t drink and drive, and take care of yourselves.
In Solidarity;
Wesley Ridler
KAP PAPER MILL FACES FINANCIAL CHALLENGES
NEW AGREEMENT FOR NORTH COCHRANE ADDICTION SERVICES
Brothers and Sisters, I hope you all had a great summer. Since our last Union Echo edition, we’ve been busy in arbitration, dealing with grievances, negotiations and holding membership meetings.
North Cochrane Addiction Services
On September 28th, 2025, our members working for North Cochrane Addiction Services ratified a new 4-year Collective Agreement. This 4-year agreement brings a 4.5% to 6% wage increase over the term of the agreement with a $2,000.00 signing bonus for active full-time employees and $1,000.00 for casual and temporary employees. An increase in the meal allowance for when away from residence due to agency business, an additional vacation day per year of service to a maximum of 5 additional days for employees with 20 years plus 1 day of completed services for the agency, a 11% of their base salary pay in lieu for vacation and all benefits for temporary and casual employees, a 7% of their base salary in lieu of the Welfare plan for Permanent part-time employees, summer hours starting June 21st to the following Friday after the long weekend of September instead of July to the long weekend of September, a $500.00 per year coverage for all paramedical expenses, Long Term benefits paid at 100% by the employer, and language clarifying the various employee status. (Permanent Full-Time employees, Permanent Part-Time employees, Temporary employees, and Casual employees)
Rockshield EWP in Cochrane
Members working at the Rockshield EWP plywood plant in Cochrane are still laid off since March of 2025. After damage to the green end of the mill caused by the major fire that took place in August 2024, the company attempted to operate only the dry end of the mill. But because of many factors and challenges, the Company decided to shut the plant down. At the time of this report, not much information has been given to the Local about the future of the mill. The employees and the community are hopeful that the plant will start back up in 2026. Rockshield is one of the largest employer in Cochrane.
KAP PAPER MILL in Kapuskasing
On September 29th, 2025, without any previous warning from the company, members working for KAP PAPER were informed that the paper mill was being idled effective immediately and that everyone was laid off indefinitely. Fortunately, with the announcement of strong backing from both levels of government to protect good jobs, stabilizing the Northern Ontario Foresty sector, and securing a long-term future for Kapuskasing mill, the mill started back up on October 20th, 2025. KAP PAPER plans to continue working closely with both levels of government, union partners, First Nations and municipal leaders to finalize details of the modernization plan. The plan is to secure the mill’s long-term competitiveness.
Wishing everyone Happy Holidays. Be kind to one another. Stay safe.
In Solidarity;
Eric Carroll
Health & Safety Report
On September 18th, 2025, at the Legion in Hearst, 30 Health and Safety Co-Chairs from many different working environments from across the Local’s territory participated in our annual Health and Safety meeting. During the morning session, Brother Pierre Filion from the Workers Health and Safety Centre gave training on Psychosocial Hazards and Workplace Mental Health. In the afternoon session, Brothers and Sisters gave their reports on Health and Safety issues and concerns from each of their workplace. There was great participation from all Co-Chairs. It was suggested that next year’s Health and Safety meeting be in September in Thunder Bay. Once we confirm the time and place, all Co-Chairs will receive an invitation to attend.
Brother and Sisters, remember, working safely is our right and our obligation. Don’t turn a blind eye. Protect one another. If you see a co-worker working in an unsafe manner, inform them of the situation.
Make Health and Safety your priority.
In Solidarity;
Eric CarrollHealth & Safety Director
Health & Safety Meeting, September 18th & 19th, 2025
SOME NEGOTIATIONS STARTED
MANY MORE TO COME