Defending Workers’ Rights Every Day
A Better Future for You and Your Family
Unions like the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) have a proven track record of advancing workers’ rights, and Local 15 continues this proud tradition. In Canada, unionized workers enjoy better wages, superior benefits, and safer working conditions compared with non-union jobs. Statistics show that union membership can lead to significantly better outcomes — including higher pay, stronger pensions, more vacation time, and more equitable workplaces.
A Labour Union that Protects its Members
We stand up for these rights through collective bargaining with employers, by enforcing the terms of our contracts, and by supporting members through grievances, disputes, and negotiations. When companies push us, PPWC Local 15 fights back, and we stand in solidarity with fellow workers across industries, British Columbia, and Canada. United, we can build fairer workplaces, stronger industries, and more just communities.
Building Sustainable Forestry Jobs
PPWC Local 15 recognizes that a sustainable forestry industry is one that supports good jobs and healthy ecosystems. We believe that forest communities deserve secure employment, and forests deserve responsible stewardship that protects biodiversity, clean water, and habitat.
We support strategic initiatives that transform forestry from high-volume, low-employment practices to value-added, labour-intensive manufacturing — making better use of wood and creating more stable, community-supporting employment opportunities
Watch the Documentaries
Founded in 1963, the PPWC (originally named the “Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers of Canada”) is a proudly democratic, independent union consisting of thousands of workers from a variety of industries throughout British Columbia and Vancouver Island. PPWC locals represent working professionals and skilled trades within thirty-six certifications, including health care, post-secondary education, wood industries, manufacturing, credit unions, chemical plants and recycling operations. The PPWC has been approached with the task of uniting all skilled trades and labour within the provincial health authorities.
The PPWC – Old Challenges, New Opportunities
For half a century, the PPWC has maintained its core principles through times good and bad. Predicting the slowdown in the pulp and paper industry in Canada, the union has fought hard to expand its membership to education, hospitality and health care workers. At its 2015 convention, members debated a move that would change the direction of the union forever, a new name that would symbolize its move towards younger workers in developing industries. This documentary, directed by Sean Cain, was submitted to the Canadian Labour International Film Festival in June 2015.
A Progressive Union Prepared for the Future
Workers’ Rights are Human Rights
Every member of Local 15 deserves: Decent wages and benefits, respect and equality on the job, safe and healthy working conditions, a strong, enforceable collective agreement, and a voice in workplace decisions.
Standing Together, Stronger Together
Union solidarity is more than a slogan — it’s a practical, powerful force for change. When we stand together, we are able to: protect jobs and industries from destabilizing forces, ensure fair treatment for every worker, resist rollbacks of rights and benefits, and shape public policy that supports working people and their communities.
Health and Safety: A Core Commitment
There is no excuse for unsafe workplaces. Health and safety is a core priority at Local 15 — and we take it seriously every single day. No one should have to choose between their job and their well-being. Local 15 works tirelessly to ensure that safety is never compromised — whether at the mill, on the shop floor, or in administrative settings.
Environmental Protection Is Workers’ Protection
Local 15 understands that environmental protection and workers’ rights go hand in hand. Healthy forests, clean air, and pure water benefit all of us — and they are essential for the long-term viability of the forestry industry itself.
