:: rawblogXport ::

:: Sunday, February 01, 2004 ::

Lots unknown as B.C. embarks on market-based timber pricing, industry says By STEVE MERTL , CP
Major coastal producers logged only about half their allowable cut last year and as many as two-thirds of the coastal work force was unemployed at times.

"The previous stumpage system, combined with high operating costs and the softwood duties, resulted in a significant under-harvest and chronic downtime on the Coast," says Sarah Goodman, spokeswoman for Weyerhaeuser Canada.

"So we believe this new system's going to help put some people back to work as we start to address the other challenges."

Logger seeks bargaining rights for woods workers By JERRY HARKAVY, MaineToday
Although precise figures are rare, an estimated 2,500 loggers work in the Maine woods, according to a state Department of Labor figure taking in bonded Canadians but excluding independent contractors. Annual pay is roughly $25,000 to $30,000.

But fewer young people today appear willing to accept such low-wage, often dangerous work, which could set the stage for a potential labor shortage in the woods, said Andrew Egan, a University of Maine forestry professor who has studied trends in industry employment.

posted 8:42 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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