Report on Cosmopolis Mill - School of Environmental and Forest ...

LDN, 711 112006
Labor Relations
Historically, the relations between Weyerhaeuser and the AWPPW, in general, and Local
211 in particular, could be described as mixed. Strikes, involving all Weyerhaeuser
AWPPW mills, occurred in 1971,1978,1983 and 2002. All of these strikes occurred at
times of contract renegotiation. All ratified and signed labor agreements for the mill have
called for no strikes during the contract term (binding arbitration to settle disputes) but,
on a few rare occasions, workers have briefly refused to cross a picket line established by
another union. Arbitrations generally have arisen from disputes over work rule
implementation or from the use of contractors for maintenance and capital improvement
work. These disputes have obviously been time-consuming for managers and disruptive
to mill operations. The AWPPW historically sought to restrict maintenance to craft lines
and that, at times (according to Truman Seely), also led to less than desired mill
efficiencies. With the negotiation of 'multi-craft' and with the increased recognition by
the union of the need for greater mill competitiveness, these problems were (once again,
according to Truman) greatly diminished.
The above said, Truman believes that Local 211 has in many ways been a willing partner
in the mill's previous successes. They have always recognized the importance of
customer service, product quality and operational effectiveness. They have not resisted
technological developments that have led to work force reductions nor have they felt
compelled to zealously defend the jobs of people who have behaved irresponsibly. They
have willingly united with mill management in the past on issues important to the millfrom
customer relations to environmental regulation.
Apparent Process/Product Opportunities
o 'New' Grade Production opportunities:
Relatively high or intermediate viscosity, high R-10 grades would be
seem to be insulated from haft grades in the market, to some degree.
1. Ethers
2. MCC
3. Nitration()
Cosmopolis Pulpmill Project- Process
Page No.4