B.C.'s Labour Relations Board has upheld a ruling that will see close to 200 people receive millions of dollars in severance pay.

The workers lost their jobs when Carrier Lumber permanently shut down its Valemount, B.C., sawmill in 2009.

United Steelworkers local 1-417 was issued an arbitration award last January, but Carrier Lumber alleged that it was denied a fair hearing.

Now the Labour Relations Board has weighed in again and vice-chair Bruce Wilkins has ruled there is no basis for overturning the award.

It's a huge win for working people in resource communities, said union president Marty Gibbons.

Employees will get 10 days pay for every year worked.

The company said it's still considering its legal options, including another appeal.

Valemount is about 500 kilometres northeast of Vancouver.