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TORONTO, Dec. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Unifor is calling on Resolute Forest Products to do all it can to ensure a future for the Iroquois Falls paper mill it currently operates and is the heart of the local economy.
Recently, Resolute announced it is closing its newsprint mill in Iroquois Falls, putting 180 people out of a job. The mill is the town's largest employer.
"Unifor will do everything we can to protect this mill. We know the entire community is dependent on this mill," said Unifor National President, Jerry Dias.
Unifor, which represents the workers at the mill, is actively working with others to find a buyer for the mill.
"Our hearts are with our members and their families who are impacted by Resolute's decision," said Dias. "But we are not simply giving up. We understand there are some potential buyers. And we expect Resolute to cooperate to ensure a future for the mill."
The mill is scheduled to close three days before Christmas. Resolute has committed to heat the mill until February. Unifor expects Resolute to heat the mill until the spring if a potential buyer is found.
"The bottom line is that if this mill is permanently closed the local economy will be decimated. Resolute must cooperate fully with efforts to sell the mill," stressed Dias.
The decline in demand for newsprint is having an impact on the industry, but Unifor argues that solutions can be found to manage the industry and protect the jobs and communities dependent on it.
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.
SOURCE Unifor
