From February 18th to 20th, a special “Wage Policy” conference of CEP pulp & paper locals was held in Montreal.  The purpose of this historically important meeting was to consider opening “pattern” negotiations for the Eastern Canada pulp & paper locals, one year early, and to develop a bargaining agenda which would strike the right balance between the needs of our members and eastern forest sector employers.   Many locals expressed strong reservations about exploring early negotiations for a new “pattern” but, following a long and often emotional debate, delegates gave their approval to proceed with extreme caution.  AbitibiBowater has been selected as the “target” employer for negotiations and work has already begun to develop a protocol and to establish meeting dates with the employer.

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