Western Forest Products and its striking workforce are heading back to mediated talks. According to the company, Western and United Steelworkers Local 1-1937, will be back at the bargaining table working with mediator Vince Ready on Friday. The strike, which started on Canada Day, affects all of Western’s six Island manufacturing plants and timberland operations, effectively sidelining nearly 3,000 Western employees and contracted workers. The labour dispute was expected to last a long time after both sides appeared deeply entrenched two weeks ago when the company sent notice it would no longer fund premiums to ensure the continuation of benefits for striking workers. The union said the company wants concessions on pension plans, security and a two-tiered wage structure, which it calls non-starters.
