WFP strike was long but necessary fight
Regarding Joe Sawchuk’s letter about WFP employee greed:
Joe Sawchuk’s letter was big on opinion and short on fact, reason and perspective. The lengthy Western Forest Products strike had little to do with money. In fact, the percentage of yearly increases were rarely brought up on the picket line. The main issues of discussion were the many ridiculous and unwarranted concessions demanded by the company as well as the alternate shifting that was being used in some divisions. Of course if you give in to concessions on one contract, the company will be back to pick your pocket the next time.
Joe’s implication that it would be wise to work without a contract is backwards. Doing so would take away any leverage that the union might have in negotiations. The two sides were at a stalemate. Why would the company budge if every day of continued operation results in more profits? The strategy by the union was excellent and well thought out. It was a long but totally necessary battle. For WFP it was nothing but a deserved defeat.
So much misinformation surrounded this strike. The lovers of gossip and third-hand information were out in full force. Unfortunate, because the facts aren’t all that hard to find. I think it’s best to ignore those that cry the loudest. They usually do too much talking and not enough thinking.
Ryan Devoe
Duncan