Union gets 3-year deal with Sappi

The largest private sector union in the city of Cloquet ratified a new contract last week with the Sappi paper mill.

United Steelworkers Local 1163 completed a three-year deal with the company that includes a 10.5 percent pay increase over the life of the deal, along with improved health care coverage. Union president Jay Arntson called it “the best offer” the union has seen from Sappi ownership. The deal covers 384 members in the production departments.

“Since Sappi owned the mill we haven’t seen an offer this good,” Arntson said.

Pay increases amount to 4 percent in year one, 3.5 percent in...