KapStone millworkers to vote on strike authorization

Union sources say health care and overtime issues remain unresolved in contract negotiations.

Local 153 of the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers — which represents 780 workers at the Longview box plant and mill — has been in talks with KapStone since its contract expired in May, according to union. This is first time the local has negotiated with KapStone since the corporation purchased the former Longview Fibre facility from Brookfield Asset Management last year.

Strike authorization votes are common for unions to take while talks still are active, and the votes don’t necessarily mean workers are on the verge of walking out. The vote would, however, allow the union’s bargaining board to call one if necessary, giving KapStone at least 10 days of notice.

It’s been nearly 40 years since Local 153 went on strike against Longview Fibre Co. The 1978 strike lasted for five months. Since then, members voted to authorize strikes in 1994, 2000 and 2010. Each time, they were able to reach a compromise with Longview Fibre before walking out.

Union officials declined to discuss details about current negotiations, however other union sources said health care and forced overtime issues are unresolved.

Bruce Stoner, a retired KapStone employee and former president of Local 153, said it’s not uncommon for workers to only have two or three days off per month. The workers are paid overtime, but extra day cut into family time and other commitments, he said.

“Why have a family and life if all you’re going to do is be down there?” Stoner said.

Art Byman, the current president of Local 153, confirmed that a vote is occurring Monday but declined to offer further details. It is not clear when the next scheduled talks between the local and KapStone will occur.

According to KapStone spokesperson Pat Case, the company last week gave the union bargaining board “its last, best and final offer.”