September 4, 1998
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Extension of employment insurance for loggers affected by strike at Abitibi Consolidated mills

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, is urging the federal Minister of Human Resources, Pierre Pettigrew, to give loggers affected by the strike at Abitibi Consolidated an extension to their employment insurance benefits. The two mills in Grand-Falls and Stephenville have been closed as a result of a three-month old strike.

"I have made representation to the provincial Department of Human Resources and Employment concerning the fact that loggers were running out of EI and were not able to go back to work due to a labour dispute. We are asking the federal Department of Human Resources to consider this issue and provide extended employment insurance to the loggers that need the support now."

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

1998 09 04 3:00 p.m.