So where do you think it will all end, with pressure on the faller to be as safe as he can,and the pressure to produce at an acceptable level.....with some contractors having higher standards than others. Maybe a bit less limbing and bucking to make up the difference. Either way the pressures will still be there. Will they add more rules when another injury or heaven forbid a death occurs? I think most fallers now have some aches or pains that might slow them a little,especially if you have been falling for any length of time. Either way ya gotta wonder if it is still worth it. The job just isn't that good of job anymore. It will still always be about production first. "Safety first unless it interfears with production". They can't BS me, I have been around to long and I know how the system works. Yes your right the industry has failed many, and it might be too little too late to do anything, except to change occupations if you have a chance too.

It has been obvious to be me when the IWA failed to fight the 2003 contract which was imposed on us workers it has created a larger divide in the all for one and one for all rule that union's are suppose to support. I Have seen the divide and conjure continue without the Union standing it's ground ie some like 10 hr days others wanted to stay with the 8 hr day that was fought for in earlier contracts. gotogo

Well its good to see a bit of activity on this site.
But yeah its too bad that it is more of a dog eat dog now,if your union or not.There is very little unity if any at all.I really doubt if it will get any better anytime soon. Hard to say what will happen in the future but the only thing a faller might have going for him is a shortage of manpower if things turn around a bit.

Stay safe.

with all the bankruptcies (hays,mums,ted leroy,etc.)there will be and is a large storage of displaced workers looking to fill any open spots. when western shut down all there operations another group went on the market. I do see a continuous downward motion on wages that can only be stopped by a strong hold steady response by union members. one that doesn't see any group trying to go it alone. I had hoped the union would have had a better plan when the contracting out of fallers was implemented before the 2003 contract. the keep your powder dry concept totally softened the union's position. the side deals that were made also did not help they created a divide that will probably never repaired. at least in my time. always safe

Is this going to be in the future for most everyone in forest industry?
Sixty employees of a Port Alberni sawmill and remanufacturing plant will be laid off next week. Coulson Group has been negotiating with the United Steelworkers over a proposed 25 per cent wage cut, but has yet to reach an agreement. Coulson figures he might have no choice but to shut down.
You know once that kinda thing starts its just like a virus where does it stop?
Maybe that Walmart job might not be so bad, safer, steadier,warm and dry, a guy might end up making the same amount of $$.