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TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - Unifor is pleased that calls from the union and Fort Frances community to protect a pulp mill currently owned by Resolute have been heard.
After discussion between Resolute, the Wynne government and Unifor, Resolute has announced that it will be heating the closed mill over the winter in order to protect the equipment in the mill.
"We're very pleased that a short-term solution has been found," said Jerry Dias Unifor National President. "Protecting this mill while we determine its future was an essential first step."
The pulp mill in Fort Frances has been closed for more than a year. However, the union, community and government are exploring options for the mill's future.
"The reality is that the forestry industry is in recovery – but will only reach its potential if there is government action to establish a fair and economical way to manage our forestry resources and develop a strategy for this vital sector which is rich with potential," stressed Dias.
Earlier this month, Unifor called on the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry to immediately establish a multi-stakeholder taskforce to make recommendations regarding forestry licensing and resource management.
"At this time, we would like to thank Resolute, a leader in the industry, for their commitment to protecting the mill and its equipment and for their cooperation in ongoing efforts to find a buyer for the mill. We are also grateful to the provincial government for the important role it is playing to secure a future for the mill," said Dias.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged. Unifor works to protect its members and play a leadership role in building thriving, safe workplaces and a strong economy so all workers in Canada have a good job, a decent standard of living and greater equality.
SOURCE Unifor
