Some turbulent labour times in the Kamloops area forest industry.
The president of the Kamloops Local of the United Steelworkers Union Marty Gibbons says a strike vote for nearly 3,000 workers will be held this weekend.
The union is not interested in a six year agreement with tiny pay hikes.
“We believe forestry has a very bright future. The last couple of years have seen record profits,” said Gibbons, adding they’re at loggerheads with employers.
“Those profits are only possible because of the workers, and those workers need to be in a position to share in those profits.”
Results of the vote will be calculated in two weeks, but Gibbons stresses even if they get a strong strike mandate, there are no immediate plans to serve a 72 strike hour notice.
The most recent contract expired July 1, 2018.