Farewell to Weyco mill
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The lumber is long gone as the Weyco mill closes officially tomorrow, with a union-organized barbecue the swan-song event. KTW file photo
Tomorrow marks the official closing of the Weyerhaeuser sawmill, which has been operating for 40 years.
To recognize the event and draw attention to the plight of the forest industry, the United Steelworkers (USW) union is holding a rally at 2 p.m. outside the sawmill plant’s gates.
Billed as a grand closure event, the rally will feature a barbecue and guest speakers.
Included in the list are NDP Leader Carole James and B.C. Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair.
Weyerhaeuser announced the closure of the mill in February, leaving some 200 employees out of work.
Marty Gibbons, president of USW Local 1-417, said the rally is a farewell to the 200 jobs provided by the mill.
“It’s about Kamloops getting the recognition and assistance it needs,” he said.
The USW sent out postcards to residents advertising the rally, accusing Forests Minister Rich Coleman and Premier Gordon Campbell of not doing enough to assist forestry workers.
It’s Gibbons’ hope this will help lead to a solid turnout tomorrow.
In April, the union held a similar rally in front of the Valleyview constituency office of Kamloops-North Thompson Liberal MLA Kevin Krueger over what it called a lack of involvement by Krueger and the provincial government regarding the mill closure.
Like the general public, Gibbons said both area Liberal MLAs are invited to the event.
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