Nackawic mill workers and union push for government action as shutdown looms

Hundreds of workers at the AV Nackawic Mill in New Brunswick are on the brink of losing their jobs as the shutdown date of November 4 inches closer. AV Group NB Inc., the facility's owner, cited "prevailing market conditions" and other challenges as the reason for the temporary idling. Jennifer Murray, Unifor's Atlantic regional director, expressed devastation over the announcement, emphasizing that the closure has left hundreds of workers and their families in a state of uncertainty.

In response to the impending shutdown, unionized forestry workers joined Unifor's national leadership for a rally in Nackawic, demanding government intervention to safeguard the industry. Unifor claims that the closure will affect not only the mill's staff but also around 300 to 350 direct jobs and thousands of secondary jobs, including those for truckers and woodworkers.

Calling for a national forestry strategy and a joint government task force, Unifor is actively seeking potential buyers for the mill. Union president Lana Payne has personally reached out to other forestry industry players, encouraging them to visit the mill and assess its potential. The local union is also advocating for the mill to remain operational during winter to explore the prospect of reopening.

The provincial government is working closely with AV Nackawic NB Inc., the municipality, and Working NB to explore various options, including the possibility of reopening the facility. Premier Susan Holt assured that every avenue is being explored to identify potential employment opportunities or alternative uses for the mill and its land. The province is also organizing job fairs for affected workers, learning from a similar situation in 2004 when the mill closed for over a year before being taken over by a new operator.