TERRACE BAY – With the surprise announcement of Aditya Birla Group shutting down AV Terrace Bay Pulp Mill indefinitely, District Six of the Steelworkers Union are stating that they will be assisting their members in any way they can.
As of writing this article, Kevin Fyfe, a power engineer, still holds a position with the mill, but he is uncertain for how long.
“It's hard to handle when you got three kids and another one on the way. Because that's the one thing, that's why I don't know if I'm getting my notice tonight or not. I might be, I'm right on the edge of staying or not staying,” said Fyfe.
Originally living in Hamilton, Fyfe left to move to Terrace Bay when Aditya Birla Group reopened the mill 12 years ago.
Now with the shutdown, many accredited workers like Fyfe might need to go elsewhere to find sustainable work.
“I mean, like the family, they don't wanna leave here. I don't want to leave either. But sometimes you don't have a choice. The hardest part will be leaving the kids. I might have to go work somewhere and not be with the kids. That's the hardest pill to swallow for me,” Fyfe expressed.
Cody JG Alexander, Staff Representative for United Steelworkers District Six, wrote in a statement: "this announcement puts forward a very unfortunate situation for our members and the entire community. We will remain optimistic that this is a temporary idling of the pulp mill and that our members will be back making good wages, sooner than later.”
He acknowledged that the Union will help the nearly 300 represented workers living and working in the community and surrounding area.
“We all need the mill to operate and to succeed. The sooner the market pressures improve, the better for everyone concerned. This idling not only impacts all the workers at the mill, but also the forestry workers who provide products, and all the spin-off industries and businesses that benefit from the mill's continued operations. The United Steelworkers are committed to supporting all workers in these trying times,” said Alexander.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Melissa Candelaria shared their support for the municipality and Mill workers by stating that the province is deeply concerned about the negative impact on the forestry sector.
"Our government is deeply disappointed to learn of AV Terrace Bay’s (AVTB) decision to idle their mill, despite our joint efforts to prevent this outcome. The mill is important to Terrace Bay and the broader forestry sector that depend on its operation. Recognizing the impact on workers, their families, and communities, our government will be offering support during this challenging time. Minister Smith and Mayor Malashewski spoke about the challenges of Terrace Bay earlier this week, with arrangements set for another meeting later this month to discuss options for the return of workers to the AVTB mill," stated Candelaria.
This story has been updated to reflect new information.
