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GIBSONS, B.C.—An agreement in principle between the provincial government and Domtar will help position the mill to re-open, pending the ratification of a new collective agreement of Local 1119 members next week.
The agreement would not have been possible without the pressure applied by Unifor members and the union’s national leadership in recent weeks.
“This is terrific news for our members and the whole community on the Sunshine Coast,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “It is also proof that the close collaboration between workers, industry, and government can get results that sustain an industry that is vital to British Columbia and Canada.”
Unifor has been extremely vocal in its campaign for an industrial strategy and a rejuvenation of the industry that puts good jobs at its centre. Payne was appointed a federal task force, whose recommendations lay out a road map for Canada’s forestry sector.
“It’s a huge step forward for the future of B.C.’s integrated pulp and paper industry, but our work is not done yet,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. “The sector is in crisis and it’s going to take a coordinated effort to protect good jobs and address shortfalls for workers who get displaced by the short-sighted decisions of companies like Canfor.”
More than 240 Unifor Local 603 members are poised to lose their jobs when Canfor’s Northwood pulp mill is scheduled to close this fall.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
