Thanks for a Job Well Done !

 Is the glass half empty or half full? In light of the current rate structure and lack of a fair fuel surcharge, it is easy to view that glass as damn near empty!

 February 14th our legislative Bill (H.B. 3227) was put out to pasture for this year. We ask ourselves, could things get any more bleak? But the reality of all this is that through your hard work and support, we have brought to light the ongoing problems within the industry and the fact that our cry for help has gone unheard. Yes! The Weyerhaeusers of the world have heard us loud and clear. Fix the things that are killing the industry now, or do without a loyal and compliant work force.  Unfortunately some may not survive this hard time, but if we can hang on together long enough, we won’t have to hang alone.

 A Representative from Weyerhaeuser has approached me and thought maybe there were some ways to “fix the situation” as it is now. They know that a work force that is fairly paid is a benefit to them as well. We keep fighting the battle. We keep our safety issues and our lack of revenue at the forefront and the fact that we are not going away.

 I urge you good people to not lose faith. We have come farther, in less time, than many thought possible. We will continue to gain ground only if we stay after the problem. What we have is a good Bill for the next legislative session and lots of support for passage. The major players are also aware of this and would like to settle the issue without the state being involved. Together we can accomplish what we could never do alone. It is an honor to work on behalf, and with, people like you.   Thanks!

                                                                        Jim Nielsen