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Amos – Unifor Quebec has responded with anger and concern in the wake of the announcement by Arbec Forest Products that it will suspend operations at its OSB mill in Amos for an indefinite period starting December 20. This decision will impact nearly 100 workers.
“Behind every ‘market analysis’ and every ‘difficult decision,’ there are families losing their income, communities becoming poorer, and a region once again facing uncertainty about its future,” said Unifor Quebec director Daniel Cloutier. “Unifor will stand alongside its members in Amos to support them through this difficult time while defending their rights and demanding sustainable solutions.”
According to information provided by the employer, the company is suspending operations, not dismantling the mill, and the assets will be maintained and secured. Unifor sees clear potential for Arbec’s facilities in Amos and insists that every effort must be made to ensure their recovery.
“We need to roll up our sleeves. We can’t just wait for a hypothetical ‘return to favourable market conditions.’ We need a strategy that secures supplies and processing and that includes actions aimed at supporting demand for local products. This is essential to ensure long-term stability for workers. The government must move away from a case-by-case management approach and work together with unions, municipalities, businesses and all stakeholders who want to contribute to the resilience of the forestry sector,” Cloutier added.
Unifor points out that this announcement comes on top of a series of closures, slowdowns and suspensions in the forestry sector that have particularly impacted regions of Quebec. Each time, it is the same people who pay the price: workers, their families and the local economy.
“Once again, we are calling on the Quebec government: we cannot abandon Amos. Silence and inaction are not options,” insisted Unifor’s Quebec director.
On the ground, Unifor intends to do everything possible to support members affected by this mass layoff.
