Mill workers union reaches tentative deal with Interfor

The union representing 100 workers at a mill in Sault Ste. Marie says it has reached a tentative agreement with its employer that will be sent to members for a ratification vote.

Unifor Local 1359 reached a new tentative deal with Interfor on Wednesday.

The deal covers 100 maintenance and production workers at Interfor's I-joist mill in the Sault, the union said in a news release.

"We are pleased to confirm a solid, long-term tentative agreement has now been reached which includes a number of key language and monetary gains,” said Stephen Boon, Unifor national representative.

“I commend the hard work of the bargaining committee in achieving this new deal and major gains for our Local 1359 members at Interfor.”

Said Mary Casola, vice-president of Local 1359, and president Cathy Humalamaki: “We are pleased to have achieved a solid, long-term deal that provides long-term stability for both Interfor and our membership. But most importantly it addresses the high cost of living facing our members and their families. We will be holding an information meeting to go over the details of the new contract and the bargaining committee will be unanimously recommending acceptance.”

The last collective agreement at the Sault Ste. Marie mill expired in May.

The union said no further details on the new contract would be released until a union local membership meeting takes place, followed by a ratification vote Nov. 25 at the Grand Gardens North.