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ST. JOHN'S, Sept. 13, 2016 /CNW/ - Today's announcement from Scotsburn to close its Brookfield Ice Cream Limited plant in St. John's deals a devastating blow to 167 workers and their families.
"This is just heart-breaking news for our members and their families," said Lana Payne, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director. "These were good jobs providing a stable income for these workers right here in St. John's. It's a shame that after 80 years in business Scotsburn couldn't find a way to keep this facility open. We have a first-class workforce here who have been very loyal to this employer."
During union-management meetings today, Unifor questioned why the company didn't seek cost-savings as an option to keep the facility open. The company replied that the closure decision was final.
Workers at the facility reported a very busy summer, with more part-time and contract staff in the facility than usual.
"The company had a busy summer, especially with a contract to make a yogurt for the U.S. market, that resulted in more people than usual on the plant floor," said Carolyn Wrice, president of Unifor Local 597. "We're disappointed that after signing a new 3-year deal in May and after such a busy summer, these workers will end up losing their jobs right before the holidays."
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.
SOURCE Unifor
