BURNABY, British Columbia, Nov. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The United Steelworkers (USW) hopes today's forestry summit between the federal and provincial governments will serve as a critical step toward the coordinated action needed to address the forestry emergency in British Columbia. USW sees the government's recognition of the scale and urgency of the crisis as a positive development, but warns that only swift and concrete action will protect communities from devastation.
“We are in a crisis,” said Scott Lunney, director of USW Western Canada. “This is not a market downturn, but rather an unfair attack on forestry workers and the communities that depend on them. More than 1,500 USW members have already been affected, and more will follow. Workers need action and support today.”
Nearly half the value of British Columbia's lumber exports is lost to U.S. tariffs and tariffs, destroying jobs and devastating rural economies. USW is encouraged that Ottawa and Victoria recognize forestry as a foundational industry and pledge to give it the same relevance as other sectors.
“Workers, industry, First Nations and government are united in calling for urgent action,” said Geoff Bromley, Chair of the USW Forestry Council. “We need immediate additional support to keep companies open and paid. We also need to ensure a stable and affordable supply of fiber and work together to create new markets and value-added production in the long term. Without this, we will lose a generation of forestry jobs.”
Prime Minister Eby invited Scott Lunney to speak directly with provincial ministers, as well as federal Domestic Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and other federal representatives at today's summit. This was an important signal that Labour's voice had been heard. USW is encouraged by the shared understanding that the situation is urgent, that forestry jobs are worth fighting for, and that now is the time to act.
“We've been encouraged by the province's attraction to the workforce,” Lunney said. “Everyone understands the stakes and there is a commitment to protect the forestry sector and the people who depend on it across Canada.”
The union is calling on the federal government to quickly deliver promised funding and is seeking Supplemental Employment Benefits (SEB) for workers affected by layoffs and closures, as well as other income support to help families stay afloat during this period of uncertainty.
“In the near future, we will be able to put people to work through wildfire rescue, road building and fiber restoration projects supported by combined federal and provincial funding,” Bromley said. “Additionally, BC’s forestry sector must receive its fair share of federal investment.”
USW is calling for the creation of a one-stop shop for all forestry-related government support and the creation of a BC Forestry Regulatory Authority to ensure federal money gets to impacted communities quickly and efficiently.
USW also supports continued work to include a fair, long-term softwood lumber agreement in any trade negotiations. This, coupled with stable and economic access to fiber and strong partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, will enable the sector to stabilize, grow and continue to support jobs, communities and economies.
“Forestry built our province,” Lunny said. “We need to come together and act to save the industry, and then continue to work together to build, diversify and strengthen British Columbia and Canada's forestry industry.”
The USW represents more than 14,000 members of the Canadian forest industry, including more than 9,000 in British Columbia.
About the United Steelworkers Union
The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every sector of the Canadian economy and is the largest private sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.
Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the union's track record of creating healthier, safer, and more respectful workplaces, as well as negotiating for better working conditions and fairer compensation, including good wages, benefits, and pensions.
Media contacts:
Scott Lunney, USW Western Canada Director, 604-329-5308 [email protected]
Jeff Bromley, USW Forestry Council Chairman, 250-426-9870 [email protected]
Brett Barden, USW Communications, 604-445-6956 [email protected]
The photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/59aeec3d-fa70-49be-aba1-c68627c4fe19
