Laid-off Domtar workers getting support from province, unions
CTV
The Ontario government is stepping in to help nearly 500 pulp and paper workers who were laid off by Domtar in Espanola.
The Ontario government is stepping in to help nearly 500 pulp and paper workers who were laid off by Domtar in Espanola.
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 shift last week.
Now, the province has put $426,000 towards a new action centre offering services to help the employees find new employment quickly, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development said in a news release Tuesday.
"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," the ministry said.
"Working in partnership with Unifor Local 74, Unifor 156 and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 956, the Domtar action centre will provide customized resources to help affected workers prepare for other well-paying manufacturing work in northern Ontario."
Workers will also be able to access resources and training for jobs in forestry, skilled trades and other in-demand industries.
"To prepare for the future of work, we need to build a stronger Ontario that leaves no one behind," said labour minister David Piccini.