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The last workers at a Smiths Falls packaging plant leave the facility today, after the company lost it major customer Unilever in 2013 and was unable to secure future customers to keep the facility viable.
“This is a difficult day for these workers. Unifor will continue to advocate for them to ensure they receive all they are entitled to,” said Ron Girardin, the Unifor National Representative for the Shorewood Packaging plant.
The closure puts 77 members of Unifor Local 763G out of work. Most of the members were on layoff or long term disability. Only 23 workers were on active duty, working three days a week.
The workers were told this morning as they arrived for work that the plant is closing immediately. They will receive eight weeks’ pay in lieu of notice. In addition, the workers will receive 1.5 weeks of severance for every year served, up to 39 weeks.
