Any small town largely dependent on a single industry always breathes a sigh of relief… whenever a new contract is reached. That’s what we’re looking at today, in our Kapuskasing history feature.
In the November 22nd, 1961 edition of the Northern Times, it’s reported that Spruce Falls – the paper company – had reached agreement with the union representing 1,300 workers. It was based on a six-day-a-week operation, with a raise retroactive to May 1st. Negotiations were to begin the following year on seven-day operation.
The story does not specify how much of a raise, or to what level that would bring wages.
As the write-up noted, back pay would mean an unexpected Christmas bonus for mill employees.
Thanks to the Kapuskasing Public Library for its invaluable help with our weekly history story.
