Primarily young, and increasingly less experienced, the seasonal silviculture workforce carries unique challenges regarding recruitment and retention of competent workers. With the majority of workers paid on a piece-work basis the workplace is strongly focused on production. These cultural features place a critical and immediate emphasis on the best selection, motivation, treatment and training of workers. Over the long term the industry needs to retain experienced career-oriented workers capable of managing workers and projects. To better understand the dynamics around labour in the sector the Western Silvicultural Contractors’ Association entered into a three-year Labour Market Partnership agreement with government. Its purpose was to measure and make better sense of the silviculture workforce and recommend constructive human resource strategies. The BC Silviculture Workforce Initiative, which concluded in 2015, provided various reports and much of the logic, data, and analysis that now inform the industry’s approach to improving human resource and workforce practices and planning.
Labour Market Strategy For The Silviculture Industry – January 13, 2022
The Western Forestry Contractors’ Association engaged Qatalyst Research Group to: Undertake research on the composition of the labour force and workforce development issues related to recruitment and retention; and Develop a labour market strategy that is focused, pragmatic, actionable, and supported by the industry and other key stakeholders. The sectors within silviculture include nurseries, tree-planting, … Read more
Legislation Text and Interpretation re: BC paid personal Illness or Injury Leave
Summary This section explains under what circumstances an employee qualifies for personal illness or injury Announced 24 November 2021 https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PREM0073-002235 Comes into effect 1 January 2022 Text of Legislation 49.1 (1) After 90 consecutive days of employment with an employer, an employee, for personal illness or injury, is entitled in each employment year, to (a) paid … Read more
2021 Silviculture LMI Research Final Report (10/25/2021)
The Western Forestry Contractors’ Association engaged Qatalyst Research Group to: • Undertake research on the composition of the labour force and workforce development issues related to recruitment and retention. This document is the final report summarizing the results of that research. • Develop a labour market strategy for the silviculture industry that is focused, pragmatic, … Read more
2019 Annual Business and Market Summit Communique (10/15/2019)
With next year’s 40-million seedling increase—almost all of it concentrated in the already busy spring planting window—all of us in B.C. reforestation, not just contractors, are headed into uncharted territory. It doesn’t mean we are all lost. But it does mean 2020, with its estimated total 308 million seedlings (or more), will not be a … Read more
2019: The Year in Review Among Workers and Contractors (10/04/2019)
BC Wildfire Service Contract Advisory Committee Introduction (06/28/2019)
Western Forestry Contractors’ Association Rumour Mill RoundUpDate, Volume 19 Issue 9
Western Forestry Contractors’ Association Rumour Mill RoundUpDate, Volume 19 Issue 9 Western Forestry Contractors’ Association Rumour Mill RoundUpDate 14 June 2019 Volume 19 Issue 9 Warning: With next week’s solstice, days will start becoming shorter. Meanwhile all facts contained in this publication during the coming summer will remain the same length. That constancy is why … Read more