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News
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Abitibi energy issues apparently addressed, why is the
company now asking for union concessions? October 26, 2005
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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid is asking Premier Danny Williams to release the
offer that has been apparently accepted by Abitibi Consolidated to keep
their Stephenville mill operating. Reid says that the company has stated
publicly that they believe the offer from government is the basis for an
agreement that addresses their energy concerns, however, they still require
concessions from their unionized employees. "In the media this morning, Abitibi spokesperson Seth Kursman confirmed that government’s latest offer addresses the concerns the company had regarding energy costs at the facility. It now appears that the company is looking for concessions from their employees to keep the mill open. The only issues previously identified by Abitibi were energy and fibre, both of which now seem to be addressed through government’s offer. Why are union concessions now part of any deal? "The time has come for government to release the details of this offer so that everyone will know what is being given to the company. Union officials are being asked for concessions without knowing exactly what has been offered to Abitibi. Why are these workers now being asked for concessions if the company’s original concerns have been addressed? Is this simply greed by a multinational corporation? It is not acceptable for Abitibi to be involved in psychological warfare with its workers in Stephenville at this time in negotiations with government. "The silent and hidden negotiations have gone on long enough. The people of the province, especially the workers at the mill, deserve to know what has been offered to Abitibi. If the energy and fibre issues have been addressed, why are employees being asked to take concessions? "Before any deals are signed, the people should be given the opportunity to have input. After a deal is signed, it is too late for the public to agree or disagree with what has been given to the company. It is time for the cloak of secrecy to be removed from these negotiations once and for all."
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