The union representing Kamloops-area forest workers will be back at the bargaining table next week looking for a new contract.

The United Steelworkers Union bargaining committee and the Interior Forest Labour Relations Assocation will meet in Kelowna for three days beginning on Tuesday.

Local union president Marty Gibbons says the IFLRA came to them to resume talks.

“It’s our goal as always to return to the table and get a fair agreement for our members that reflects industry profits. Hopefully the IFLRA has a new proposal for us and is ready to start opening discussion to get to that fair agreement.”

Gibbons adds its been about two months since the two sides last met.

“Any discussions are better than no discussions. We’re going in with a goal of getting a fair agreement, and hopefully the ILFRA brings us a proposal that can get us there.”

The union began rotating strikes in late-November and last month had one-day strikes in Heffley Creek on Dec. 5, and in Vavenby on Dec. 7.

The most recent contract between the two sides expired on July 1 of last year.