More than 100 workers at Irving Paper in New Brunswick face layoffs this spring, marking the first major job cuts at the mill in over three decades. Unifor, which represents the affected employees, says it will fight to prevent the losses.
The company informed the union on Monday that 104 workers will be laid off in 45 days. The news comes amid growing uncertainty in the forestry sector, with concerns over potential U.S. tariffs adding to workers’ anxiety.
“My thoughts right now are with the families who are digesting this news tonight and are feeling uncertain about their futures,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Unifor will continue pushing for a smart industrial strategy for forestry that supports these good jobs across New Brunswick and prepares the sector for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
The layoffs affect members of Unifor Locals 601N and 907, which represent about 250 employees at Irving Paper’s pulp and paper operations. The cuts would be the first since 1991.
Jennifer Murray, Unifor’s Atlantic regional director, said the union is in talks with both the company and the New Brunswick government to explore ways to save the jobs.
“New Brunswick is an innovator in forestry, and I know we can find ways to work together to strengthen the forestry sector so it is more resistant to stresses and changes in the market,” Murray said.
Unifor has been pushing for stronger government and corporate action to protect forestry jobs in Canada, arguing that workers are caught in the middle of economic and trade pressures.
