Premier applauds Corner Brook mill union vote

Premier Kathy Dunderdale said in a press release Saturday that she is encouraged by the deal struck between Kruger Inc. and most of its unionized employees.

All but one group of workers at Corner Brook Pulp and Paper voted Friday night to accept the company's final contract offer. The only group who turned it down was Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP), Local 96, representing electricians.

The vote had been framed as a critical step to save the financially troubled mill.

The premier traveled to Corner Brook to be on hand for the results.

“This is encouraging news for the people of Corner Brook, the entire region, and our province," wrote Dunderdale.

“I commend the workers and the company for their hard work and dedication in reaching an agreement. Much work remains to be done but certainly this vote shows the commitment of the CEP workers to securing the mill's future. Corner Brook Pulp and Paper has been one of the region’s main employers and economic contributors for many years and we all want that to continue," she added.

The premier is scheduled to speak with media, in Corner Brook, at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

maritimer: - June 26, 2012 at 01:19:10

These mills have been screwing government, tax payers and workers for years. I encourage people to refer to Nova Scotia, where in the last year, a mill was crying hardship, got Government money, got consessions from it's workers, made the employees vote to either let go about half of it's employees or close. They voted to let them go, making things extremely tense among the small town of people...the ultimate sacrifice in order to keep some of the jobs. But IT DIDN'T SOLVE ANYTHING!! Only a couple of months later the mill announced it was closing, that same week for good. Some employees only got a day or two notice. I believe this same company has had it's way with Central Nfld as well. The Government needs to grow some backbone and seize the assets of these companies so that at least the workers get their earned pensions etc. They need to stop giving handouts to these companies, (often with foreign ownership), and offer secured loans like the banks do, except more secure (Make sure there is enough assets to cover pensions, etc.) . I do understand that if your job is at risk right now, you want the Government to give the handout to the mill to keep your job. This has not been working. The Government would be better off to give the money to local sustainable businesses that can employ the workers, and to fund their pensions. Also, it's time to stop the millions of dollars in salaries and bonuses paid to the executive staff. The only people who I believe are worth millions of dollars a year are people who are putting their lives on the line for us daily, Soldiers, Police, etc., who are in direct fire. Even the Prime Minister only makes $300,000. + some perks. (Although, in my opinion, that is overpayment of about $275,000. for the current one). I am from NB and have watched my home town cringe every time the mill was having a hard time, and have seen other towns here do the same thing. They have been causing undue stress and draining government funds for way too many years now. If they don't have a viable business plan, that will survive in all economic climates, then they shouldn't be given Government money! Also, for your information, the mill that closed in NS in the last month sited that there is no market for their product.

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dogloc: - June 25, 2012 at 02:42:23

Now if we can just get politicians to follow the example the unions are setting,we would all be winners

Millworker: - June 24, 2012 at 21:15:07

Okay, kathy we voted yes, now let us talk about the framework you and jerome were discussing - or is it only after the closure of the mill?

tom: - June 24, 2012 at 18:59:46

I agree with RM, James should check his facts before making such statements. The consumption of paper in areas such as South America and Asia is increasing. Those same markets are being served by the CB mill.

skipper: - June 24, 2012 at 16:40:32

I was going to list the things the premie to help this situtation but could not think of any.May next time just send a picture to save the province travel dollars.Just a suggestion.

Mill employee: - June 24, 2012 at 15:24:42

Ok just a few things 1. Jerry Byrne only offered up information on the mill which we have known all along. 2. Where are our pc members for the bay of islands haven't seen hide nor hair of them since this all started has Cathey got them kept quite? And where is madam premier I was at the vote I never saw her was she even here? Why didn't she come and talk to the workers of the mill about the meeting she had with joe? 3. This mill will survive in the global markets just because you and I can afford the net and cell phones and computer doesn't mean everyone in the world can. We're the lucky ones there are still lots of poor people in the world that can only afford to buy a news paper. I see what leaves this mill. If joe kurger can't run this mill with profit then he doesn't want to.

Mr Corner Brook: - June 24, 2012 at 11:01:49

Of course they took a paycut...what other options did they have? And in another few years they'll take another is that's what Joe Kruger wants....He has the mill workers over a barrell. And when it is no longer profitable, the mill is still going to close; and not in the too distance future. Don't kid yourselves!

a business man

- June 26, 2012 at 07:03:54

sounds like a effective business plan to me! you are right though. as unskilled uneducated workers, they really had little choice.

alfred: - June 24, 2012 at 00:37:19

WELL, lets see now. liberal member of parliment gerry byrne is delighted that mill workers took a pay cut to keep the kruger mill open. my question: are you mr byrne and premier dunderdale willing to take a pay cut in your wages, expence claims, and fat pension to lessen the burden on us taxpayers, just in case this mill don't survive? " I DIDN'T THINK SO ! TYPICAL SELFISH POLITICIANS, in it to fill their own pockets, they couldn't care less about those employees, its all a show.

Niall Butt: - June 23, 2012 at 19:14:35

You silly,silly people. Kruger is gonna run away with your (hard earned) money. Kid yourself not!!!!

Niall Butt: - June 23, 2012 at 19:07:26

Roger MacInnis: - June 23, 2012 at 16:30:31

Me thinks James is a wee bit cynical. Look up paper demand in non us and non European markets.

JAMES: - June 23, 2012 at 13:40:04

OOPS ! i forgot to ask, WHERE IS MP GERRY BYRNE? he got all the answers for the kruger mill, or his he on his 3 month payed summer vacation with is other 307 friends @ our expence.

JAMES: - June 23, 2012 at 13:17:14

ANOTHER PHOTO-OP FOR THE PREMIER ? don't jump for joy just yet madam premier. this mill will not survive in the global markets. paper is no longer needed in the new computer age. its only a matter of time before corner brook mill becomes like the grandfalls-windsor mill, and we all no who payed for that: THE TAXPAYER !

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The Telegram - News - Local

Premier applauds Corner Brook mill union vote

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