Good news for forestry jobs in Merritt, where the Aspen Planers sawmill has restarted its second shift.
Speaking on NL Newsday, B.C.’s Parliamentary Secretary for Forestry Ravi Kahlon says that means some of the 50 people who were laid off in May are back at work.
“We’ve been working with them for months to try to get them access to fibre,” Kahlon says. “We’re going through some challenges for curtailments but some good news out of Merritt where some more folks will be working.”
Meanwhile, the mayor of Merritt says there’s no “end date” for a second shift at the Aspen Planers sawmill which was brought back on Monday.
Linda Brown says the mill has been able to access fibre from a variety of sources, including the Vavenby sawmill which closed down earlier this year. Kahlon also says the mill has been able to access waste wood as a result of fire mitigation work.
“So even though it’s not a long-term solution, they’re still trying to get to that long-term solution. And try to do it before they ever have to lay off again; the last thing they ever want to do is layoff workers again,” Brown says.
“At this point in time, it’s great for the workers, it’s great for the city, especially around this time of year. These employees have their EI close to being out now, it’s good to get them back on their feet. Aspen is doing everything it can to try and make this second shift a reality.”
Brown says some workers who were part of the mill’s layoffs in the spring have retired, and some of the re-hires are former employees while others are new workers.
– with files from Victor Kaisar & Brett Mineer
Good news in Merritt, Aspen Planers announce they will adding a second shift over the holiday season. Welcome news to the 50 workers who got the call back to work.
Thank you to Mayor Brown, @USW_District_3 and our staff for working hard the last two months to make this happen🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/eKBwDnEUtH
— Ravi kahlon (@KahlonRav) December 3, 2019