Local 1567 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have rejected the offer made to them by Corner Brook Pulp and Paper.
The IAMAW, which represents skilled trades workers in the Corner Brook mill, was the first of several unions to cast votes on the collective agreement left with them by parent company Kruger Inc. last Friday.
Its members voted late Wednesday afternoon, while members of the other unions, all of whom are represented by the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union, were picking up their copies of the contract to read over.
The CEP unions will be voting Thursday and Friday.
In a prepared statement, Local 1567 president Ross Edison said the decision was “very difficult for everyone” but that “the level of concessions and changes to the pension and contract language proved to be unacceptable” for his members.
In early February, a dozen of the 50 jobs held by Local 1567's members were cut by the company.
And where are the Mercy boys, vote for the cuts and receive all of the cuts when they close. They are probably better off maintaining their rates and pension payouts when Kruger closes. Someone else will come around if the fibre and facility offers other choices. It has happened all over. That decision was their choice and they could benefit from that choice. Good luck to all of you and don't listen to the "stupid boys" up top that have little or no stake in this.