August 1, 2011
Georgia-Pacific and the United Steelworkers (USW) have reached an agreement setting terms that will be offered in USW labor contracts as they are renewed at 13 of the company’s pulp and paper mills between 2011 and 2014.
“We appreciate the United Steelworkers’ efforts to reach this agreement, which we believe will provide greater efficiency in contract negotiations at our USW-represented pulp and paper mills during the next four years,” said Jim Hannan, Georgia-Pacific CEO and president. “We also believe this gives us a foundation from which to continue working with our employees on making our operations more competitive in an increasingly challenging global market.”
The agreement establishes terms for wage increases, health care benefits and employee pension benefits over the four years, continuing local bargaining on all other issues. The agreement also allows Georgia-Pacific to institute incentives at these mills, consistent with its ongoing companywide employee wellness efforts.
Headquartered at Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of building products, tissue, packaging, paper, cellulose and related chemicals. The company employs more than 40,000 people at approximately 300 locations in North America, South America and Europe.