The union representing paperworkers at a western Newfoundland newsprint mill is worried that a new round of concessions this winter will follow a round of fall layoffs.

Bruce Randell, president of the local of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Local 242 in Corner Brook, said hard times may still be in store for Kruger Inc., as the newsprint industry copes with a market collapse, high production costs and unfavourable currency exchange rates.

Corner Brook mill workers feel they have conceded enough, local president Bruce Randell says.
(CBC)

Last week, Randell met with Joseph Kruger, chairman of Montreal-based Kruger Inc., during a visit to Corner Brook Pulp and Paper. Randell said he did not receive reassuring words.

"He says he has a serious money problem with the paper sector. He needs somebody to step to the plate, and we understand it," Randell said.

The national branch of the CEP is considering reopening contracts to help the paper industry survive. AbitibiBowater, for instance, asked for such a move a year before the current contract is to expire.

But Randell said he does not know what more workers in Corner Brook can offer, in the wake of Kruger Inc.'s decision to close one of four papermaking machines this fall. About 80 workers were laid off.

"To come back again and to ask for [or] to take something else, it's going to be very difficult for our people to give," he said.

Solutions are not likely to be found until the New Year. CEP representatives and Kruger will meet again in January.