Forestry

NACKAWIC, N.B. — Unifor condemns the closure of the AV Nackawic mill, a subsidiary of the India-based Aditya Birla Group. The devastating decision will put 228 active Unifor members out of work and deliver a serious blow to the community of Nackawic and the broader New Brunswick economy. The mill has long been a cornerstone of the local economy, supporting not only its direct workforce but also forestry workers, contractors, suppliers, businesses and families throughout the region. 

MONTREAL – Unifor members at the Domtar mills involved in Eastern Canada pulp and paper pattern bargaining have voted in favour of the conciliator’s settlement recommendation presented by the union earlier this week.

This vote formally sets out the terms of the new pattern agreement, which will serve as a model for future negotiations in the pulp and paper in Eastern Canada.

PORT MELLON, B.C.—The curtailment of operations at Domtar’s Howe Sound pulp and paper mill is more evidence of a deepening forestry sector crisis and demands immediate action from the B.C. and federal government, says Unifor.

“Collapse of the forestry industry in the west, a core pillar of the economy, is just around the corner if governments don’t act now,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

The Honourable David Eby, K.C. 
Premier of British Columbia Office of the Premier 
PO Box 9041 Stn Prov Govt 
Victoria, BC V8W 9E1

Dear Premier Eby:

We write to request urgent action and support for hundreds of forestry workers in Prince George who have learned from Canfor that they will be out of work by the end of this year and for the thousands of forestry workers still at risk.

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C.—Canfor’s announcement of plans to close its Northwood pulp mill would eliminate 300 forestry jobs and further hobble the forestry supply chain in B.C. if it is allowed to proceed, says Unifor. 

“B.C.’s forestry sector is teetering on the brink, and with each mill closure we get closer to the complete collapse of the forestry sector in this province,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Forestry workers, their families, and their communities need urgent support from the provincial and federal governments.”

An unprecedented coalition bringing together First Nations, unions and environmental, tourism and wildlife organizations is seeking to lay the foundations for a unifying project that will ensure the future of Quebec’s forests.

The Honourable Wayne Long, MP (Saint John—Kennebecasis)
Secretary of State 
Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions

RE: Opportunities at AV Group NB

Dear Secretary of State Long,

I am writing today to bring to your attention concerns around two forestry mills operating in the province of New Brunswick, employing Unifor members.

OTTAWA—The federal government’s forestry sector task force proposals, released today, provide a clear road map to re-build the sector and create good jobs, says Unifor. The union urges immediate action to implement the recommendations.