The latest shutdown of the Abitibi Consolidated mill in Kenora could have a lasting impact on its employees, according to a union representative.
John McInnes, of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union, which represents 70 workers at the Kenora mill, voiced concerns this week that because the Kenora mill has been shutdown for 14 weeks since January, some of the workers may not have accumulated enough hours to qualify fully for pension entitlement and benefits.
The mill announced last week that it will be shutting down for two weeks, beginning Nov. 2. That will bring the total number of down days this year to 73 days by Nov. 16.
Workers must have approximately 1,800 a year on the job to qualify for benefits, but with all the shutdowns, that is becoming increasingly difficult, says McInnes.
Mill manager Derrick Lindgrem blames the shutdowns on an oversupply of inventory in a lowdemand market.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
