Cascades refused to look at ways to keep mill open: Toronto. “It’s bad enough that dedicated and long-time employees are thrown out of work, but for the company to turn around and blame the union for not accepting concessions is irresponsible.”

That statement from Bob Huget, the Ontario Regional Vice-President of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union in reaction to Norampac Cascades announcement yesterday that it would close its Toronto mill

“CEP is outraged that the company has not been sincere from the outset, intimidating and trying to scare the membership into accepting concessions without any intention of arriving at a viable solution, says Mr. Huget.

“I think that Norampac had another agenda all along and that they had no intention of keeping this facility running. They demanded huge concessions knowing they would be rejected by the membership, especially when company president Marc André Dépin stated emphatically that the concessions would not guarantee one single job.

“Now they are turning around and blaming the union for the closure.”

Mr. Huget says though the company also acknowledged the role of high energy and fibre costs – it took no action on that front, despite CEP’s repeated attempts to work out solutions, including cost-cutting efficiencies.

“We remain open to sitting down and having meaningful discussions on cost-cutting efficiencies to keep the mill viable,” he says.

About 114 members from CEP Locals 1112 and 333-05 will be affected by the closure. The Toronto mill, which has been operating since 1975, produces recycled boxboard. CEP is Canada’s largest union of forestry workers

More information: Bob Huget, cell: (613) 299-9839