ESPANOLA—Having been in place for about six weeks, the Unifor (Domtar) Action Centre has already been a benefit to laid-off employees of the Domtar Pulp and Paper company, a union representative told The Expositor after the grand opening of the centre last week.
“I think we’re still far away from everyone now being employed,” stated Dustin Drouin, Unifor Local 156 president, after a funding announcement was made by the province at the grand opening of the action centre, held December 12. “The action centre will provide valuable information on retraining, how employees can upgrade their skills, access resources, resume writing and much more.”
“We have had 215 employees that have had needs come through the action centre,” said Mr. Drouin.
The Ontario government is investing $426,000 in the new action centre to help the 484 pulp and paper workers impacted by the Domtar layoffs in Espanola get back to work quickly. A wide range of services and tailored supports will be offered to help workers transition, including seminars on resume writing and cover letters, job searches, financial planning workshops and mental health resources.
“To prepare for the future of work, we need to build a stronger Ontario that leaves no one behind,” said David Piccini, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development. “Our government is proud to invest in the Unifor (Domtar) Action Centre to give a hand-up to the hard-working men and women of Espanola so they can land better jobs and bigger paycheques for themselves and their families.”
Working in partnership with Unifor Local 74, Unifor 156 and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Works Local 956, the action centre will provide customized resources to help affected workers prepare for other well-paying manufacturing work in Northern Ontario. The centre will also connect workers with the resources and training they need to find jobs in forestry, the skilled trades and other in-demand industries.
“Although our ultimate wish would be for all Unifor Local 74 membership to have the opportunity to work together again one day, we are grateful to have been granted approval for the Unifor (Domtar) Action Centre,” said Chris Presley, Unifor Local 74 president. “We would like to thank the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and Unifor National for the contributions and supports we have been given during this difficult time. Our action centre coordinators and peer helpers look forward to helping our members find the resources that will help them ease into this transition. This would not have been possible without the partnership between the ministry and Unifor.”
Mr. Drouin said, “Unifor Local 156 is very grateful to National Union and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) for the quick response in getting the Unifor Domtar Action Centre up and running. We hope to make the transition as easy as possible for all affected members of the mill. We are looking forward to getting our members into the action centre for retraining and any skills upgrading they may need, and value the partnerships made and the important labour adjustment commitment to help these efforts.”
“Since learning of the plan to idle Domtar’s Espanola Mill, government has been there for workers to ensure they have the supports they need,” said Graydon Smith, minister of natural resources and forestry. “Today’s investment reaffirms that commitment as we continue to support workers impacted by the closure.”
Michael Mantha, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin said, “Nobody likes to see employees displaced or a business shut down. But this action centre will provide positive opportunities, service providers, resources and mental health supports. We all deal with stress and job loss differently and it is imperative that these services are available when and where it is needed.”
MPP Mantha said at this point there have been individuals to assess the Domtar mill and paper plant, but he understands nothing concrete has come in the form of an offer to purchase the business.
Ken Duplessis, a former Domtar employee and a current Espanola town councillor, was at the grand opening of the action centre. “I was an instrument mechanic (at Domtar) for almost 40 years, but I’ve been retired for a while now.”
He explained a committee had been formed of representatives of Unifor, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and LAMBAC in setting up the action centre.
“There is a lot of work available out there, although some of it is not the same as employees being able to work in Espanola,” said Mr. Duplessis. “I know some of the former employees are working in Sudbury, and some are getting jobs in other areas, like mining and mill camps.”
“And there are still workers at Domtar now until the next set of layoffs,” continued Mr. Duplessis. He said the shutting down of Domtar is like a loss in the family. “Especially when you live in a small community and everyone knows each other. It is a loss. I feel for everyone that has lost their job,” he said, noting he had been involved in the Domtar executive for a long time as president of Local 74. “I hope the action centre works for all the workers and they all find employment.”
Mr. Drouin added that the action centre, which is at 77 Centre Street in Espanola, will remain open until October 31, 2024.
In September, Domtar announced it was shutting down after years of ongoing financial losses. Employees on the pulp side of the business worked their final shifts two weeks ago.
