J.D. Irving lures truckers back to work

PORTAGE LAKE, Me. (Jan. 14, 2004) — Canadian transport and forestry giant J.D. Irving believes it has ended a week-old work stoppage by loggers and truckers at its Maine Woodlands operation with a promise to ante up an extra two per cent rate increase.

Originally Irving offered a 10 a per cent increase for logging rates, a 12 per cent increase in off-highway trucking, and a seven per cent increase for highway rates, plus they agreed to compensate for fuel when it reached over $1.55 US per gallon.

The loggers and truckers, which united and formed the International Loggers Association before going on strike last week, balked at the original offer, demanding a 25 to 30 per cent increase to cover rising fuel prices and other increasing costs.

However, the company offered to tack on another two per cent to get some of the contractors back to work. The increase is based on the condition the contractors participate in fuel efficiency training provided by the company.

J.D. Irving is the parent company of Dieppe, N.B.-based Midland Transport, Sunbury Transport in Fredericton, and liquid and dry bulk carrier RST Industries.

— From the New Brunswick Telegraph Journal