Unifor Urges Support for Workers as Thunder Bay Pulp Ends Newsprint Production

Unifor called on Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper to mitigate job losses after the company announced cessation of newsprint operations by Q1 end 2026, potentially affecting over 100 jobs. Unifor National President Lana Payne described the decision as a blow to dedicated workers and the community reliant on these union jobs, impacting local businesses and partners. Unifor Locals 257 and 39 members received notification on January 22, 2026. The company cited declining newsprint demand—down 40% in North America since Atlas Holdings' 2022 acquisition, with 18% drop in 2025 alone—and rising input costs. Unifor plans collaboration for retraining, ending contract worker use by reassigning to bargaining unit members, and exploring alternative products for job security. Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi affirmed union support amid challenges from U.S. trade measures, underinvestment, and aging infrastructure