(Canada) Union rep sees hope in Surrey sawmill contract

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.ladysmithchronicle.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=18&cat=23&id=1043625&more=0

Union rep sees hope in Surrey sawmill contract

By Michelle Thompson
The Chronicle

Aug 14 2007

Going into its third week, there could be a “glimmer of hope” for a United Steelworkers strike, according to one source.

About 1,000 Cowichan Valley logging workers remain on the picket lines, where they’ve been since July 21, while their union bargains a contract with four groups.

Meanwhile, employees at a Surrey sawmill accepted a two-year contract last week, leaving USW Local 1-80 president Bill Routley with vestiges of optimism.

“It has a lot of elements that are necessary to get a collective agreement,” he said. “I am interested in the middle ground that has been found in (that) agreement. If there is a glimmer of hope at this point, that is it.”

Indeed, some have said the MacKenzie sawmill agreement could lead to ending the strike.

Bob Matters, Steelworkers Wood Council chair, is among the optimists.

FULL story at link.