SUPPORT PLEDGED IN MILL CLOSURE FIGHT

Kitimat Oct. 29, 2009

The head of one of B.C.’s largest unions, Darryl Walker, met with CEP Locals 298 and 1127 leaders in Kitimat Oct. 29 to pledge support in efforts to keep the Eurocan mill in Kitimat open.

Walker, president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU), says many of his members have spouses or family members working at the mill, while others know the shutdown will impact the delivery of public services in B.C.’s Northwest region. He was critical of the federal and B.C. governments for doing nothing to solve the crisis in B.C.’s vital forest industry. 

Walker said his union will do whatever it can in the short term to help CEP members deal with the shock closure announcement, and with longer term efforts to save jobs and protect the regional economy.

From left, Walker, Local 298 President Mary Murphy, national representative Scott Doherty, Local 1127 President Adrian Welsh, and executive member Carlos Carreiro.