Unifor is urging Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper to take all possible measures to reduce job losses following the company’s announcement that it will end newsprint operations by the end of March.
The union, which represents affected workers through Local 257 and Local 39, learned of the closure on Jan. 22. More than 100 jobs could be affected.
Unifor plans to work with the company to explore retraining opportunities for members and to end the use of contract workers by reassigning that work to bargaining-unit employees who may otherwise lose their jobs.
The union is also encouraging Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper to explore alternative products to support continued operations and job security.
“This is a blow to the dedicated workers and to community supported by these jobs,” said Lana Payne, Unifor national president. “Not only will this affect the workers at the pulp and paper mill but local businesses and partners in the area that rely on the operations and the incomes from those good-union jobs.”
Samia Hashi, Unifor Ontario regional director, said the union will support workers during the transition.
“Workers at the Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper mill have Unifor’s support during this difficult time,” said Hashi.
Unifor represents 320,000 workers across Canada’s private sector.
