VIDEO: Jim Irving, 500 Workers Rally in Support of Lumber Industry
Around 500 forestry workers gathered at Irving Pulp and Paper Ltd. on the west side of Saint John on Monday to rally in support of efforts to negotiate a solution to the softwood lumber dispute with the U.S. that doesn’t further penalize workers and the province’s forestry companies with more new tariffs.
The rally was organized by Unifor, the union representing forestry workers, and included a short speech by Jim Irving, co-CEO J.D. Irving, Limited.
On its Twitter feed, the company posted edited video segments of interviews with some of the unionized workers and leaders, and one video segment of the end of Irving’s speech to the gathering.
- Ian Hutchenson, President of Local 601: “This isn’t just a softwood lumber issue. It’s important for all aspects of the forestry industry. We all have the same interests. Stop the tariffs. Stop the job killing.”
President of Local 601 speaks in defence of #forestry #jobs ???????? #NB #NS @sfiprogram @UniforTheUnion pic.twitter.com/ucKlJU5Z5q
— J.D. Irving, Limited (@jdirvinglimited) June 20, 2017
- Lana Payne, Regional Director of Unifor: “It’s taking a toll on our members. They’re worried.”
Why a fair forestry deal matters to 650 ?? communities with Lana Payne @UniforTheUnion @sfiprogram @nbforests pic.twitter.com/KixzQo3wF2
— J.D. Irving, Limited (@jdirvinglimited) June 20, 2017
- Mike Legere, Executive Director of Forests New Brunswick: “It’s encouraging to see the support that was demonstrated by all the stakeholders. That sends a very powerful message not only to government with negotiations, but also to the general public that they get a really good understanding of how important the forestry sector is in their day-to-day lives.
Executive Director of #ForestsNB says crowd of 500 sent a strong message: @UniforTheUnion @sfiprogram @Twinriverspaper pic.twitter.com/8hFHH52U8s
— J.D. Irving, Limited (@jdirvinglimited) June 20, 2017
- Jim Irving, co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited: “We’ll win, because you know why? Because we’re right, and when you’re right you stick with it and win in the end. And I believe we’re going to win.”
NOW: Co-CEO J.D. Irving speaks @UniforTheUnion rally to defend #forestry jobs ???????? pic.twitter.com/7rPHRbp9uN
— J.D. Irving, Limited (@jdirvinglimited) June 19, 2017
There were simultaneous events organized by Unifor in Quebec and Ontario.