Nackawic Mill Workers, Union Seek Government Intervention Ahead of November 4 Shutdown

Workers at AV Nackawic Mill and their union are urging government intervention to save the facility as a temporary shutdown scheduled for November 4 threatens hundreds of jobs and thousands of related positions.

AV Group NB Inc. announced in September that it would temporarily idle the mill, located west of Fredericton, citing prevailing market conditions and other challenges. The announcement has prompted a campaign by Unifor, the union representing workers at the facility, for measures to protect the forestry industry and explore options for keeping the mill operational.

On Friday, forestry workers joined Unifor’s national leadership at a rally in Nackawic, calling for government action. The union estimates the shutdown will affect about 240 unionized workers and between 300 and 350 direct jobs overall, as well as thousands of indirect jobs involving truckers, forestry workers and contractors.

“We will not stop fighting regardless of deadlines or whatever happens after Nov. 4,” said Jennifer Murray, Unifor’s Atlantic regional director.

The union is calling for a national forestry strategy amid trade pressures involving the United States and rising energy costs. Locally, it wants a joint government task force to assess the mill’s modernization costs, develop a long-term plan and identify potential investors.

Unifor National President Lana Payne said she had contacted other companies in the forestry sector to encourage them to consider taking over the facility. The local union is also asking for the mill to be heated throughout the winter to preserve the possibility of reopening.

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said the provincial government is working with AV Nackawic NB Inc. and the municipality to examine options for the facility, its land and potential employment opportunities. The province is also organizing job fairs, while Working NB is helping employees access federal and provincial benefits.

The mill experienced a similar closure in 2004, when it remained shut for more than a year before a different operator took over.