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Eddie Joyce, MHA for the District of Bay of Islands, is disappointed that a
recent agreement reached between government and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper
Limited will not save unionized logging jobs at the Corner Brook mill.
Yesterday in the House of Assembly, Natural Resources Minister Ed Byrne
announced that an agreement had been reached with the company to ensure that
a certain amount of pulp wood would be purchased locally. Government
promised several incentives to the company, and in return the company
promised they would buy local wood. This agreement is supposed to ensure
jobs remain with logging contractors on the west coast and northern
peninsula for the next 12 months.
"I was very disappointed to hear that between 25 and 30 unionized workers
at Corner Brook Pulp and Paper will lose their jobs," said Mr. Joyce. "When
I heard this announcement yesterday, I had no idea that the unionized
workers in Corner Brook would not be included. It appears, however, that the
company will not cut 90,000 cubic metres of their annual allowable cut, and
instead ship 210,000 cubic metres from the mainland. This has impacted on
the company’s unionized workforce and has resulted in job losses.
"While I am pleased that jobs on the northern peninsula were sustained
for the next twelve months, I have to question why government would make a
deal that excludes 25-30 unionized employees. Government is providing
monetary incentives to the company to continue buying wood locally, why
wouldn’t they insist that these Corner Brook employees be included in this
offer?
"The Minister of Natural Resources has met with the union and was not
able to provide any solutions. I am now calling on Premier Williams, the MHA
for Humber West, to get directly involved in finding a solution. Government
offered incentives that will provide monetary value to the company, he
should ensure that all employees are protected. Now is the time to stand up
for the people he represents, many of whom live in his district, and ensure
these jobs are protected."
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