The Gatineau region's largest private employer has closed its doors. The Abitibi Bowater pulp and paper mill is closed indefinitely, affecting about 350 workers.
Workers have been told that the closure is permanent. However, the union is desperately trying to save the mill, which has been in bankruptcy protection.
The closure also comes days before what was supposed to be the end of a five-week temporary shutdown. Last week, employees ratified a new contract that included major wage concessions.
Gatineau's mayor says the city has two proposals to save the plant and local jobs. One is a short-term plan to refurbish machines that are already there, which will cost about $7 million.
The second plan is a long-term one, which would turn the building into a waste-burning plant and include a new incinerator. That would cost about $35 million.
One worker says the closure is a blow especially to those with more than 25 years of service whose pensions are on the line. He also points out other mills that were indefinitely idled have never reopened.
The union for the mill workers says trades people will be able to relocate to other mills, though workers on the production line will be out of a job.
A decline in demand for newsprint, and the strength of the Canadian dollar, is being blamed for the closure.
With files from CTV Ottawa's Kate Eggins
