Decision Day Looms for Workers at Bowater Mersey

Members of CEP Union Local 141 at Bowater Mersey packed a union hall in Liverpool Monday night to hear the devastating details of what's being billed as a "take it or leave it" proposal. Abitibi Bowater wants to trim 80 full time and 30 casual positions from the workforce at the mill in order to reduce costs. In an interview with CKBW/HANK FM News this morning, Union President Courtney Wentzell slammed their employer and called the concessions "huge" and simply "too much". Even if the membership accepts the latest proposal - Wentzell says there's no guarantee the mill will remain open. "Most of us agreed last night after much discussion that the four and half years that Abitibi's been here and merged...taken over the Bowater company basically...they've done more damage to our community, to our membership, to our mill then Bowater ever did in 80 years it was here," He says the proposed cuts would be felt province wide and create a ripple effect in the industry. The membership will vote on the proposal at a meeting tomorrow night (Wednesday) in Liverpool.