A New Brunswick pulp mill that employs roughly 350 people is “temporarily idling” its operations due to market conditions. AV Group NB Inc. said the Nackawic facility will pause its operations by the end of October amid “continuing challenges presented by prevailing market conditions and broader macroeconomic factors.” “AV Group NB Inc. will continue to monitor the market situation and business conditions and assess future scenarios for the facility,” the company said in a news release. “The Atholville pulp mill facility of AV Group NB Inc. is not affected by this decision.” Unifor, which represents workers at the Nackawic facility through Local 219, says the decision will put 228 members out of work. “This is a devastating day for our AV Nackawic members and their families who have built their lives around this mill, and for an entire community that has depended on this operation for generations,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne in a statement. “Workers should never be treated as an afterthought when a major employer makes a decision of this magnitude. Unifor will be there with our members as we fight for every available option to protect good jobs.” Natural Resources Minister John Herron said he was “disappointed and saddened” by the news. “Some of my cabinet colleagues and I have met with the local community, as well as Unifor,” he said. “We will continue to work with all impacted parties to understand and address the long-term impacts resulting from today’s decision.” Carleton-York MLA Richard Ames said the move will impact hundreds of families in the area. “From workers at the mill and those in the supply chain to business owners and their employees, there are worrying days ahead,” he said. “Please remember, in the worst of times, the sympathetic ear or comforting shoulder of a friend can be the best of things.” For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
