Talks between Tembec and the United Steelworkers Union regarding the 260 locked out workers at the Pine Falls, Manitoba mill broke down after just 1 day.

"We were scheduled to meet in the city last week on Monday and Tuesday, but the talks were over the first day as the company refused to move on any of the big ticket items, and only moved on zero cost or fluff items that probably never or seldom happen," said Cam Sokoloski, president of United Steelworkers Local 3-1375.

The province of Manitoba recently appointed a mediator to try and bring an end to the labour dispute, which began Sept. 1 after Tembec locked out the unionized employees.

Sokoloski said the union is now waiting for the mediator's report.

"We told the mediator that we are not going to waste any more money given the fact Tembec has not moved on the big ticket items," Sokoloski said. He added that Tembec only moved on 18 of the 51 items at issue, and nine of these were of no cost to the company.

Concessions the company is asking for — which add up to 35 per cent of the union's compensation package — include cuts to wages and the employee benefits package.

There is significant concern that the mill will not be heated this winter. At this time, Tembec is not allowing any workers into the steam plant to operate the heat.

Source:
Tembec talks break down (Lac du Bonnet Leader)