B.C. forest industry grasps for hope amid seven-month strike, shutdowns, changes

VICTORIA — The crisis facing British Columbia’s forest industry is intensifying as markets decline, mills shut and a strike involving 3,000 forestry workers enters its seventh month.

“Many people are saying this is worse than 2008. Back in 2008, the industry was in rough shape but so was the rest of the world in tough shape with the global financial crisis.” Other factors hitting B.C.’s forest industry now include low timber prices, less demand from Asian markets, U.S. tariffs, high cost structures, government fees or stumpage rates, timber supply shortages, mill closures in B.C.’s Interior and the strike on Vancouver Island, he said.

Elstone said he heard from many forest industry contractors at the recent Truck Loggers Association annual convention who are struggling to make ends meet, especially from those on Vancouver Island where the strike has hit hard. Horgan mentioned the challenges facing B.C.’s forest industry, including U.S. duties on B.C. softwood exports, mill closures in the Interior, two consecutive wildfire seasons and ongoing structural changes in the industry. But he said the strike remains deeply concerning.

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Worse than 2008? B.C. forest industry facing unprecedented struggleThe crisis facing British Columbia's forest industry is intensifying as markets decline, mills shut and a strike involving 3,000 forestry workers enters its seventh month. Meanwhile the lumber store charges $4 for a 2x4 that's only fit for firewood. This is great news for liberalism , good for the environment! Another factor that plays on profitability and that is the high cost of union wages/benefits. Seen the gradual decline of the forest and pulp industry for decades. There comes a point with wages that make business unprofitable, exception government workers.
Source: CTVNews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Worse than 2008? B.C. forest industry facing unprecedented struggleThe crisis facing British Columbia's forest industry is intensifying as markets decline, mills shut and a strike involving 3,000 forestry workers enters its seventh month. Meanwhile the lumber store charges $4 for a 2x4 that's only fit for firewood. This is great news for liberalism , good for the environment! Another factor that plays on profitability and that is the high cost of union wages/benefits. Seen the gradual decline of the forest and pulp industry for decades. There comes a point with wages that make business unprofitable, exception government workers.
Source: CTVNews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »