Canadian paper mill strikers: UPM resorted to contemptible lies

Workers feel use of foremen to run paper machines is irresponsible

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How can the company sink to that level, wonder Canadian trade unionists Max Michaud and A. J. Dowling as they go over the UPM management's views of the strike situation at the Miramichi paper mill in Eastern Canada.
      On Monday UPM presented its view of the situation on the strike that has already lasted for half a year. According to mill manager Timo Suutarla, Dowling - the chairman of the trade union local - is the only one who is benefiting from the prolonged negotiations.
      In Suutarla's view, the drawn-out industrial action is in Dowling's best interests because after this he would find it difficult to find work elsewhere because of his strike agitator reputation.
     
Dowling and Michaud are guests of honour at the Finnish Paperworkers' Union's union meeting that starts today, Wednesday.
      Michaud is the Atlantic region vice president of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada.
      "When I read the UPM comments in the morning paper I was quite surprised. I did not think the company would sink that low", says Michaud.
      "I have never seen anything quite like this before."
     
Dowling is 34 years old, and has worked in the mill for 16 years. "When UPM arrived at Miramichi five years ago, we were told that it is a good company and that the operations would be expanded", Dowling says.
      "Unfortunately this was not the case. They have misbehaved, and we are very disappointed with their actions."
      The adjacent pulp mill was closed down in December 2004, and 300 workers were laid off. At around the same time the paper mill strike began.
     
At Miramichi, workers get laid off based on years with the company, regardless of whether they work at the paper mill or the pulp mill. More than likely, Dowling is on the list of those to be made redundant.
      Dowling categorically denies rumours that the strike would benefit him personally.
     
Dowling and Michaud agree that the idea that the Miramichi foremen would run the paper machines is unrealistic and irresponsible.
      Dowling sees the plan as provocation from UPM side. "The foremen do not know how to run the machines, They would merely break them and run the risk of causing harm to themselves and outsiders."
      UPM management is annoyed with Canada's high strike benefits - 323 tax-free euros per week, whereas in Finland the corresponding amount is a mere 112 euros.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Foremen to run machines at striking UPM plant in Canada (7.6.2005)

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