Boniferro Mill Works reaches agreement with Steelworkers

JOINT NEWS RELEASE

BONIFERRO MILL WORKS

UNITED STEELWORKERS

********************** Boniferro Mill Works and United Steelworkers Local 1-1000 ratify a five-year agreement

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - (December 17) - Jim Boniferro, president and CEO of Boniferro Mill Works and John Goldthorp, first vice-president, United Steelworkers Local 1-1000 Wood Council announced today that the workers of Boniferro Mill Works in Sault Ste. Marie voted 82 percent in favour of a new collective agreement.

The current agreement was due to expire at midnight on Friday, December 31.

The new agreement runs from January 1 to December 31, 2015.

"This agreement is another step in developing a strong hardwood production team in Northern Ontario. Survival in the forest industry over the past few years has required building key partnerships with our customers, suppliers, logging contractors and of course, our employees. The management team at Boniferro Mill Works have excelled at delivering that and this agreement secures much-needed long-term stability which will allow us the best opportunities for success," stated Jim Boniferro, president and CEO of Boniferro Mill Works.

John Goldthorp added: "Our members recognize the challenges Jim and his team have faced over the last few years. This agreement is a sign of confidence of the mill and a commitment from our members to contribute to the recovery through these tough economic times."

The five-year contract offers workers improved wages, work benefits and pension provisions.

The agreement also offers increased security and clear senority rights.

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