Nickel v. Weyerhaeuser (Retiree Benefits)
Information about this Class action
This action is being brought against Weyerhaeuser Company Limited on behalf of former salaried, non-unionized employees of Weyerhaeuser Company Limited and its predecessor MacMillan Bloedel Limited, or Saskfor, with respect to retiree benefits.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions about the proposed settlement set out below.
| Case Name | Nickel v. Weyerhaeuser Company Limited |
| Court | Supreme Court of British Columbia |
| Counsel for the plaintiffs | Steven Rogers, Victory Square Law Office LLP |
Current Status
On January 24, 2018, British Columbia Supreme Court certified Nickel v. Weyerhaeuser Company Limited as a class proceeding and appointed Barbara Sirett and David Biggs as the representative plaintiffs of the class.
A settlement was recently reached and there will be a hearing in Vancouver on December 18, 2018, regarding the proposed settlement agreement. You can, but do not need to attend.
Terms of the Proposed Settlement
A copy of the full settlement agreement, excluding schedules, can be found here. If you have a question as to which schedule applies to you please contact us and we can provide that information.
Under the proposed settlement agreement, settlement class members will be entitled to a one-time payment of damages on the following basis:
Former employees of MB who retired prior to 2002, and former employees of Saskfor who retired prior to 2010: retroactive payment for monthly premiums for retiree extended health, life insurance, and MSP, calculated from June 1, 2010 until October 3, 2018;
Former employees of MB who retired in 2002 or later, and former employees of Weyerhaeuser who retired prior to May 1, 1998: retroactive payment for monthly premiums for retiree extended health, life insurance, and MSP, calculated from June 1, 2013 until October 3, 2018;
Former employees of Weyerhaeuser who retired on or after May 1, 1998, and former employees of Weyerhaeuser resident in Saskatchewan who retired on or after May 1, 1998: retroactive payment for monthly premiums for retiree extended health, life insurance, and MSP, calculated from October 1, 2016 until October 3, 2018.
Weyerhaeuser has also agreed that, for at least the next four years from the date of the settlement agreement, it will not reduce its contribution to the cost of premiums below the current 50% of 2010 premium rates, consistent with contributions since June 1, 2010. Weyerhaeuser has also agreed that any future changes made to the plan will not reduce the benefits provided below industry standards for retiree health benefits.
For Further Information
Please email Assistant to John Rogers, QC.
