Unifor and communities join forces to save Téminscaming plant

On August 8th, Unifor Local 233 organized a huge solidarity barbecue in Témiscaming in support of the workers affected by the brutal closure of the RYAM high-purity cellulose plant. The gathering, intended to denounce the unexpected closure, turned into a peaceful blockade of the Ontario-Quebec border, illustrating the deep frustration and determination of the employees and their supporters.

Daniel Cloutier, Unifor's Quebec Director, took the stage to inform the crowd that serious discussions had taken place earlier in the week with Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon. The Minister was well-informed about the situation and expressed his commitment to actively seek a new operator for the plant.

"The message we want to send to the government and all stakeholders is the community's attachment to its region and its city. This plant is the economic heart of the entire region," says Daniel Cloutier, Unifor's Quebec director.

Other key figures from the region also spoke, including Norman Young, Mayor of Kipawa, Pierre Gingras, Mayor of Témiscaming, Claire Bolduc, Reeve of Témiscaming, Peter Chirico, Mayor of North Bay, Ontario, and Raymond Bélanger, Mayor of Matawa. Others present included Frank Dottori and Sébastien Lemire, Bloc Québécois MP for Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

On his Facebook page, Sébastien Lemire posted the following message:

"A magnificent example of all the #Solidarity Témiscamingue can show to tell the world that we want to work, live and prosper at home in Témiscaming!!! Thank you and bravo to the Unifor Québec union members!"

In support of the event, FTQ President Magali Picard shared a video expressing solidarity with RYAM workers and the Témiscaming community.

Unifor remains resolute in its fight to save the plant and calls on the public to support this crucial cause. We warmly thank all participants and stress the importance of remaining united in this essential cause for the whole community.

About Unifor
Unifor is the largest private sector union in Quebec and Canada, representing more than 320,000 members in all sectors of the economy. In Quebec, Unifor represents close to 55,000 members and is affiliated with Quebec's largest central labour body, the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ).