AbitibiBowater shuts down machines in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay's AbitibiBowater has announced the shutdown of the #4 and #5 paper machines.

This is yet another cruel blow forestry members, their families and community, stated Bob Huget, Ontario vice president of Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada.

"The finanical sustainability of the industry cannot come on the backs of workers any longer," he said. "We have had enough."

In the last two years the union has worked closely with the company to save over $16 million in production costs and have paid out of pocket for enhanced early retirement packages so members could retire with dignity, the release said.

"In return for all these things, we are served with another layoff and closure notice."

Hugen said the members are not responsible for the forestry in crisis, for the huge debt load of AbitibiBowater and yet they are paying the ultimate price. It is time for the company and governments to align with each other to resolve some sustianable challenges, he said.