Sawmill workers in Chemainus remain idle after Western Forest Products announced a curtailment at its Chemainus sawmill effective June 18.
The municipality says Mayor Rob Douglas met with a United Steelworkers representative and a senior advisor to the Minister of Forests to discuss how to get workers back on the job. Douglas said discussions centred on issues including market conditions, fibre supply challenges, and high U.S. tariffs.
“These workers, many with decades of industry experience, have concerns including delays with timber-harvesting permits and export of raw logs,” Douglas said.
The mayor said the shutdown is not only hitting the local economy but also families directly. He added the municipality will continue talks with senior levels of government to advocate for affected workers.
“While we remain hopeful for reopening this year, we’re prepared to collaborate with the province to support affected workers through a Community Transition Table, if needed,” he said.
The curtailment follows a media release from Western Forest Products that cited weaker lumber demand, higher U.S. soft-wood lumber duties, and a lack of log supply as key factors.
On Oct. 7, 2024, the company said it would reduce production by approximately 30 million board feet.
