Fusion Paperboard, USW Agree on New Labor Contract

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Fusion Paperboard, Sprague, Conn., USA, reports that it has reached an agreement on terms for a new labor contract with the United Steel Workers (USW). Members of USW’s Local 1840 ratified a six-year contract on March 4.

"We have been working hard with the local executive board to renegotiate a new agreement since the expiration of the existing agreement back in September 2012. Today, I am proud to say that we have a new agreement that is favorable for both parties. It includes wage increases every year and assures stability of operations for the Connecticut Mill. This agreement is a result of both parties being committed to a positive working relationship benefiting the future of the business," said Ghislain Levesque, Fusion Paperboard’s COO.

Richard Harrelle, president of USW’s Local 1840 added that "after a lengthy round of negotiations, where both sides dealt with tough issues, I am glad that we were able to reach an agreement that was both fair and equitable for both the company and the union. We look forward to working with the company over the life of this agreement to grow this business".

Fusion Paperboard is the largest independent producer of coated recycled paperboard in North America. Its mill in Sprague, Conn., produces InverKote and InverFreez, which are grades of coated recycled paperboard made from 100% recycled fiber with a minimum of 60% post-consumer content. Both grades are RPA-100% certified and also carry FSC and Rain Forest Alliance certifications.

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