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

Hundreds of workers at the AV Nackawic Mill in New Brunswick face potential job loss as the plant may be idled by AV Group NB Inc., pending a shutdown set for November 4. The decision stems from prevailing market conditions and other challenges faced by the company. Jennifer Murray, Unifor's Atlantic regional director, expressed devastation over the announcement, highlighting the uncertainty faced by many workers and their families.

In a show of solidarity, forestry workers and Unifor's national leadership joined a rally in Nackawic to demand government intervention to safeguard the industry. Unifor is advocating for a national forestry strategy and a local task force to explore potential solutions. Grant Charlton, president of Unifor Local 219, emphasized the far-reaching impact of the shutdown, affecting not only the mill's workers but also around 300 to 350 direct jobs and thousands of indirect positions.

The union is exploring ways to modernize the mill and has been in contact with potential buyers. Unifor's national president, Lana Payne, personally reached out to forestry industry players to gauge their interest in acquiring the facility. The local union also seeks the mill to be heated during the winter to preserve the possibility of reopening.

While the province is collaborating with AV Nackawic NB Inc. and the municipality to explore options, it is also organizing job fairs for the affected employees. Premier Susan Holt stated that the province is turning over every stone to identify employment opportunities and alternative uses for the facility and its land. The mill has faced similar challenges before, closing its doors for over a year in 2004 before a new operator took over.