Who We Are
Independent Woodlands Society (IWS) represents independent forest industry contractors in British Columbia. We recognize the needs of smaller, independent contractors and work with them to ensure their interests are not overwhelmed by larger industry players.
We work with a diverse range of contractors across the forest industry family-owned businesses to larger corporations. We are committed to sustainable forest management and ethical business practices.
As the designated bargaining representative for its member companies, the IWS negotiation team represents our voice in collective bargaining. We place our confidence in their expertise to negotiate fair agreements to benefit all parties involved.
By representing the woodlands, the IWS ensures the benefits received by employees have a direct and positive effect on the logging sector, rather than settling for a deal that disproportionately favors millworkers.
Our vision is to foster a future where all parties collaborate effectively, ensuring continuous improvement for labour, businesses, First Nations, and forest-dependent communities. This approach underscores the IWS’s commitment to equitable representation and the well-being of all its members.
Collective Bargaining
As the designated bargaining representitive for its member companies, the IWS negotiation team represents our voice in collective bargaining. IWS is dedicated to negotiating fair contracts for our members and their employees. We understand the importance of collaborating with First Nations, licensees, the government, and the USW to shape the future of forestry. Together, we can tackle the challenges facing our industry and communities, ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for all.
Workforce Management
Maintenance of a harmonious and respectful relationship between employers and workers is essential to the long-term health of BC forest contractors. One of the main goals of the IWS is to support our members and workers in developing and sustaining such relationships. The IWS assists with collective bargaining, collective agreement administration, employment policy matters, grievance arbitration, negotiating settlements, and other local agreements, as well as providing information, advice, and education for members and their staff.
Stakeholder Relations
Management of forest resources in British Columbia continues to evolve with First Nations taking on an increasingly important role, as well as the Modernizing Forest Policy plan announced by the provincial government. Both are significantly influencing further changes in how BC's forest are managed for the long-term. The IWS assists members with licensee/landowner rate negotiations and acts as an advocate for members, including relations with government and other stakeholder groups.
How IWS Supports Independent Contractors
The Independent Woodlands Society (IWS) has been formed to represent independent forest industry contractors in British Columbia. The needs of smaller, independent contractors have at times in the past been overwhelmed by the interests of larger industry players. The IWS was founded to provide a vehicle for independent contractors to speak with a common voice and draw upon shared resources. Our key priorities are:
Engaging in collective bargaining on behalf of our member companies and any independent contractors wishing to join us.
Advocating for contracts that provide long-term stability for licensees, contractors, employees, and communities.
Prioritizing job security and fair compensation for our businesses and employees.
Supporting Associate Members
The IWS also supports associate members by promoting their services to our industry members, and providing networking opportunities, allowing them to build business relationships with contractors. Associate members are any person, company, or organization who is engaged in work affiliated with the forest industry, such as engine repair shops, tire shops, equipment sales and rentals, accounting firms and insurance brokers to name a few.
Supporting Associate Members
The IWS also supports associate members by promoting their services to our industry members, and providing networking opportunities, allowing them to build business relationships with contractors. Associate members are any person, company, or organization who is engaged in work affiliated with the forest industry, such as engine repair shops, tire shops, equipment sales and rentals, accounting firms and insurance brokers to name a few.