Prince George Pulp and Paper mill layoff numbers reduced

PRINCE GEORGE- The projected job losses from Canfor’s closure of the PG Pulp and Paper Mill are lower than originally feared. Two-hundred-and-20 of about 300 positions slated to be eliminated were union jobs, and because workers accepted early retirement packages or decided to leave, the number has dropped to 90 unionized workers being let go.

Chuck LeBlanc, president of the Private and Public Workers of Canada Local 9, says many of those accepting packages are applying to the province’s bridging-to-retirement program that helps forestry workers affected by the industry downturn. The closure is also expected to affect about 80 management and union-exempt staff.

Pattison Media is owned by Jim Pattison Industries, a majority shareholder in Canfor.