The union representing Kamloops-area mill workers says people who have lost their jobs at mills may not be better served by assistance from the forest relief program.

President of the United Steelworkers Union Local 1-417 Marty Gibbons says he’s disappointed by a lack of detail from the province on conditions of accepting government relief.

“If you accept this money, apparently, potentially up to $75,000 dollars based on years in the forest industry and a sliding scale of your age, if you accept this money you will have to sign a contract saying you will not work in any industry for 18 months,” Gibbons says.

“Now this money, best case scenario – which I have some concerns about – is about $7,500 dollars per year if you qualify, maximum. If you really put it into context, $7,500 bucks, you’re not allowed to work in an industry. Hospitality, retail, mining, forestry. It is just mind-boggling.”

Gibbons used Clearwater as an example, where district staff raised concerns that there will be local jobs where local people will be outlawed from working.