Unionized mill workers are encouraging the federal government to reach a negotiated softwood lumber deal with the United States before any more jobs are lost.
Unifor President Jerry Dias says the dispute is already having an impact, with 1,200 mill layoffs announced in Quebec.
Dias says “we are in for one heck of a fight and the only solution is ensuring the United States understands the seriousness of the situation.
Dias notes there are 650 communities in Canada that depend on the forestry sector.
He stresses Unifor is absolutely supportive of the government taking an aggressive approach to come up with some sort of an agreement.
Rallies were held at five mills across the country Monday afternoon.
