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The USW will also have a voice on theStora Enso European Work Council, whichlooks at company issues ranging fromfinance to long-term strategic planning.There also will be a USW representative atdivision cooperation meetings.Members mobilizedMobilization of the membership plays a majorrole in the national paper bargaining program, andnegotiations for the Stora Enso contract was no exception.“The approach of the representatives was measured,thoughtful and helpful,” said Local 1306 memberJohn Loomis. “They kept us informed and up-todate.”“There were more information meetings andwritten notices put out on the contract this time,”said Steve Orlikowski, a Local 359 member.“Because people were so informed, we got a bettercontract.”Every Tuesday Local 359 members wore theirblue USW T-shirts to mobilize for a good contract. “Westuck together as a team,” said Local 359 member BrianItzen. “The Whiting mill was pretty blue on Tuesdays. Itbrought us all together and it made management realizethe people were thinking about the contract.”Orlikowski’s local used a network of members toget the word out. He said the national paper bargainingprogram also influenced the negotiations.“It unified people,” Orlikowski said. “Throughnational paper bargaining and the efforts to getinformation out, members were a lot clearer aboutwhat was involved in negotiations. They got the biggerpicture.”Itzen said he did not think the local would havegotten as much without the national paper bargainingprogram. He said the new contract builds a base forfuture negotiations.“In three years when we next negotiate we’ll have alot more people to put their foot down and secure thefuture for everybody,” he said.Photos bt Stora Enso.USW@Work • winter 2007 15