About
Our History
William Francis (Bill) Hickey came to Northwood Pulp in April 1966 from Alcan Smelter, Kitimat, where he worked as a heavy duty mechanic. He was hired at Northwood as a garage mechanic specializing in diesels.
Bill became active in Local 603 affairs under the old regime of the International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulfphite and Papermill workers. He was recording secretary for one term in 1967 and became president. He held that position from 1968 to 1975.
While at Northwood he accomplished many feats. He brought many workers into organized labor. He organized Kitimat local 298, Peace Wood Products, Taylor BC, Rim Forest Products and Hazelton BC just to name a few.
He was a strong believer in unionism. He believed that numbers were the key to a strong union, however, Canadians were becoming disgruntled with American leadership and supported the amiable separation from the International Union to a Canadian Paper workers Union, affiliated with the Canadian Labor Congress and BC Federation of Labor. In future years the CPU and other unions merged to become bigger and now boasts a larger membership known as the Communications, Energy & Paper workers Union.
He was a strong believer in unionism. He believed that numbers were the key to a strong union.
Bill had an attribute that many people do not possess. He could talk to anyone, as a worker to another worker and to management as well. He was an astute bargainer and strategist. He was also highly respected by fellow wage delegates and Union leaders.
Bill served on many high profile committees. He emphasized Pensions and his efforts were rewarded when in 1975, a Pension Plan became reality during negotiations. He was a servant to Local 603. He unified production and maintenance workers and kept harmony within the ranks.
In 1975 Bill accepted a Union staff job as a Service Representative servicing local unions of the north. In August 1982 Bill suffered a debilitating stroke.
Bill passed away on July 19th, 2007.
In 1985 this local union became known as Bill Hickey Local 603 for our thanks to a true spirited Trade unionist who gave his all for the betterment of this membership.
