Western Forest Product: Mediated Talks Break Off

Western Forest Products Inc. (“Western” or the “Company”) announced that the United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 (“USW”) withdrew from mediation with the Company and independent-mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers after a few hours of talks on late Friday, September 13, 2019. The mediators informed the Company that the USW had left, and would not be returning for talks, scheduled for the full day on September 14, 2019.

“We are disappointed that talks have broken off and firmly believe that resuming discussions with the assistance of an independent-mediator is the best way for both parties to resolve our differences,” said Don Demens, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western. “It is surprising that the USW continues to refuse to give the mediation process the opportunity to work, given what is at stake for our employees, customers and the communities in which we operate.”

The strike affects all the Company’s USW certified manufacturing and timberlands operations in British Columbia, impacting approximately 1,500 of the Company’s hourly employees and approximately 1,500 employees working for the Company’s timberland operators and contractors.

About Western Forest Products Inc.

Western is an integrated forest products company building a margin-focused log and lumber business to compete successfully in global softwood markets. With operations and employees located primarily on the coast of British Columbia and Washington State, Western is a premier supplier of high-value, specialty forest products to worldwide markets. Western has a lumber capacity in excess of 1.1 billion board feet from eight sawmills and four remanufacturing facilities. The Company sources timber from its private lands, long-term licenses, First Nations arrangements, and market purchases. Western supplements its production through a wholesale program providing customers with a comprehensive range of specialty products.

Contact:

Susan Dolinski – Vice President Corporate Affairs – (604) 648-4556

Source: Western Forest Products Inc.