Labour Issues
Silviculture Workers Now Included in Community Develop Trust Program
Now silviculture workers can apply for Job Opportunities work or Tuition and Transition assistance under the Community Development Trust Program. A more inclusive definition of eligibility included as part of the federal Community Adjustment Fund provides support for all workers affected by the forest sector downturn. Read more
Snow Hampers West Coast Planting
It is hurry up and wait for crews on the B.C. West Coast as cold Interior outflows meet warm Pacific troughs. The Brinkman & Associate’s workers pictured above near Port McNeil on Vancouver Island hold a tree planting pre-work, sort of, on a block just above sea level. Contractors report delays across the Coast and … Read more
WSCA Appeals to Make Silviculture Workers Eligible for Assistance
The discouraging prospect of seeing experience and talent leave the silviculture workforce is hardly anything employers want to encourage. But in this depression that may be inevitable. Silviculture employees then, should be eligible for the transition and tuition benefits that are available to workers in the harvest and milling sector under the Community Development Trust … Read more
Prevention and Treatment of Tendonitis and Repetitive Strain Injury for Tree Planters
Tendonitis is the primary cause of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), a work-related musculoskeletal injury familiar to many treeplanters. It is a painful inflammatory condition caused by strain, trauma, overstretching of the tendon and/or it’s surrounding sheath, or overuse of the associated joints or muscles. Read more
No help at the inn – worker shortage pinches employers
As a hotel manager in the tourist haven of Banff, Alta., Ron Bateman is used to hearing his staff say goodbye. Often it’s the Australians who clean the rooms and run the front desk for a few months between skiing and partying in the picturesque Rocky Mountain town. But lately, more of the locals have … Read more
WSCA Calls for Spring Planting Extension
The shortage of experienced tree planters across B.C. has put the province’s spring planting season behind schedule in some regions prompting the WSCA to call for an extension of the reforestation program which typically ends in late June. In a recent letter to the province’s forest companies and BC Timber Sales the WSCA asked foresters … Read more