THE PAS, MB, Aug. 22, 2016 /CNW/ - The planned closure of the Tolko paper and saw mill in Manitoba is a blow to hundreds of families and the small northern community of The Pas, where the mill is one of the largest employers.
"This is a very sad day for workers and the community that has invested so much into the mill over the years," said Joie Warnock, Unifor Western Director. "Unifor is going to fight to make sure that our members' needs are taken care of during this process and after the closure."
The company announced today that, if a new buyer cannot be secured, it will close the facility on December 2, 2016. Unifor Local 1403 represents 234 mill and office workers and Local 342 represents 30 supervisors at the Tolko mill, which first opened in the late sixties. The closure will have broad impact in a region already struggling with low employment.
"Good jobs are the backbone of communities large and small. First Nations and Métis communities in Northern Manitoba will be the hardest hit," said Paul McKie, Unifor National Representative.
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
please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at 778-903-6549 (cell) or [email protected]
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