Nippon Dynawave Extends Full Pay for Longview Mill Employees Through October Following Fatal Implosion

Nippon Dynawave Packaging has extended full wage payments for employees at its Longview, Washington, mill through Oct. 11, 2026, as the company continues to respond to the aftermath of a fatal chemical tank implosion that occurred on May 26.

The company had previously committed to paying employees through Aug. 8. Under the updated arrangement, employees will continue receiving their regular wages through Oct. 11, regardless of whether they are asked to report to work or remain off-site.

Most of the mill's workforce has been away from the facility since the incident, which claimed the lives of 11 employees. Production at the site remains largely suspended while cleanup efforts continue and multiple investigations are underway.

The Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers (AWPPW), which represents some employees at the facility, said the extension provides workers with greater financial certainty but noted that questions remain about operations beyond October.

"They've got clarity and some consistency in the pay continuation through Oct. 11," AWPPW spokesperson Josh Estes said. "But what happens after Oct. 11? That's the real pressing question for folks."

According to Estes, only a limited number of employees are currently reporting to the mill, while the majority remain at home. He said the union and company leadership have remained in communication throughout the investigation process and are focused on determining the cause of the incident, addressing any identified issues, and restoring operations when it is safe to do so.

The official cause of the chemical tank implosion has not yet been announced.