Labor Agreement Positions Domtar’s Kamloops Mill for Future

An agreement between Unifor Local 10B, Canada's largest union in the private sector, and Domtar Corp., Montreal, Que., Canada, sets the stage for an expanded commitment to apprenticeship training that will help to keep good jobs in Kamloops, B.C., Canada. The agreement resolves outstanding issues related to the closure of Domtar’s A-Line at the Kamloops mill in 2013. It recognizes the valuable contribution made by senior employees and sets a framework for apprenticeship training at the mill. It also establishes scholarships and bursaries that Unifor and Domtar will administer in pursuit of supporting local trades training schools in Kamloops.

"Unifor believes in partnerships that can have long-lasting positive effects not just for the worksite, but for the communities we live in," said Jerry Dias, Unifor national president. "I want to praise the committee for their perseverance and their progressive action."

"This is a deal where we can put the past behind us and concentrate on the future of the mill and our union," said Bob Stephens, 1st vice of Unifor Local 10B.

"We are pleased to have reached this agreement that we believe fosters a new working relationship between Domtar and Unifor and recognizes and builds on our common interests," said Nels Goddard, Domtar human resources manager. "We look forward to working together to implement the aspects of this agreement."

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers. It was formed on Labor Day weekend, 2013, when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy, and Paperworkers unions merged.

Domtar designs, produces, markets, and distributes a variety of fiber-based products including communication papers, specialty and packaging papers, and absorbent hygiene products. It is the largest integrated marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America. In 2013, the company, which employs approximately 10,000 people, had sales of $5.4 billion from some 50 countries.