'Wrecking ball' hangs over coastal mills, forest companies say By Gordon Hamilton
The LRB has told both sides it will rule before Thursday on FIR's application for a cease-and-desist order against the union. FIR, which represents 61 coastal employers, asked the board to prohibit the strike notice until it has had a chance to hear a company charge that the union has bargained in bad faith.
FIR is basing its claim on an LRB requirement that all parties consider economic viability. FIR walked away from negotiations last month but says it wants to return with an agenda that considers the troubled state of the coastal industry.
Alberta premier Klein pessimistic softwood deal will ever be found CanWest News
EDMONTON - It's likely there will never be a long-term softwood trade agreement with the United States, Premier Ralph Klein told Alberta forestry executives Monday.