Workers at the White Birch Paper mill in Quebec City lost a bid to have the plant closure declared an illegal lockout.

A Quebec Superior Court judge sided with the company and ruled that the temporary closure is for economic reasons.

Daniel Larouche with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union has said he believes the closure is a lockout in disguise, because the workers were in the middle of contract negotiations.

White Birch closed its mill on Friday, leaving 600 people out of work.

As the plant closed Friday, hundreds of workers came out to let the White Birch Paper Company know that they're not giving up on their pensions.

Peter Donovan is a 53-year-old mill worker just four years away from retirement.

“It's really sad when you're close to your pension and you lose this kind of money. [It's] hard for me and for my family. We'll try to get through it,” said Donovan.

Others, like Ronnie Quinn are long-retired.

“They are going to cut 45% of my pension plan, so I'll have to go back to work for sure,” said Quinn

The union was hoping the judge would rule in its favor, giving it an opportunity to go on strike and negotiate with the company.

That option is now off the table.

Union leaders said they must read through the 29-page judgment carefully before they make their next move.