Fletcher Strike Closes Three Mills

Fletcher Challenge Canada Ltd.’s three pulp and paper mills in British Columbia closed Monday as the company’s 2,400 union workers went on strike.

The strike was expected after talks between the company and unions representing the workers collapsed last week.

“It’s all quiet on the western front. The mills are down and the pickets up,” said Brian Payne, western vice president of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada.

Payne said no talks are scheduled between union and company officials.

Union negotiators walked away from bargaining last week, citing Fletcher Canada’s unwillingness to compromise on its demand for the right to assign a range of tasks to workers. The company is seeking that as part of a plan to reduce its costs by improving plant efficiency and cutting its workforce.

Union workers are looking for improved job security, higher wages and the hiring of more workers.