IAM Local 172 Statement: Niagara Falls Containerboard Closure Impacts Workers and Community

BREAKING: Cascades Announces Niagara Falls Facility Closure, Union Vows to Defend Members’ Rights

Niagara Falls, NY – Cascades Containerboard has announced the closure of its facility in Niagara Falls, New York, a move that will affect approximately 50 members of the IAM union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) District 65.

The IAM Union expressed deep disappointment regarding the decision, pledging to vigorously defend the rights and interests of its members throughout the transition. Union leadership highlighted the important efforts made by these members to organize and secure their first contract.

In the wake of the closure announcement, the union is firmly committed to negotiating a fair and comprehensive severance package during effects bargaining. This commitment comes amidst a backdrop of broader economic challenges, including the impact of tariffs on allied nations like Canada, which has reportedly affected the business environment for Cascades, a Quebec-based company.

The IAM Union is reiterating its call for an immediate end to these tariffs, asserting that they are detrimental to job creation and economic stability.

Cascades management, alongside state, local, and federal officials, is urged to collaborate with the union during this challenging period to ensure the best possible outcome for the affected workers and the community.

The IAM Union is a prominent industrial trade union in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, and more.Learn more at goIAM.org or follow on X: @IAM_Union.

What specific steps is IAM Local 172 taking to negotiate extended benefits packages for affected workers?

the Closure’s Immediate Impact on IAM Local 172 Members

The recent declaration of the Niagara Falls Containerboard facility closure has sent shockwaves through the local workforce and the wider Niagara Falls community. IAM Local 172,representing the dedicated employees of this facility,is deeply concerned about the future of its members and is actively working to mitigate the negative consequences of this decision. This closure directly affects approximately[InsertActualNumberofAffectedWorkersHere-[InsertActualNumberofAffectedWorkersHere-research needed], skilled tradespeople and production staff who have contributed significantly to the region’s manufacturing sector.

Job Loss: The most immediate impact is the loss of stable, well-paying jobs. Thes positions are vital for families and contribute significantly to the local economy.

Benefit Disruption: Affected workers face the disruption of health insurance, pension contributions, and other crucial benefits. IAM Local 172 is prioritizing securing extended benefits packages during negotiations.

Economic Ripple Effect: The closure isn’t isolated. It impacts supporting businesses – from local restaurants to suppliers – creating a broader economic downturn in the niagara Falls area.

Understanding the Reasons Behind the Closure

While the official reasons cited by[NameofParentCompany-[NameofParentCompany-research needed]center around[StateOfficialReason-[StateOfficialReason-research needed],such as market conditions and restructuring,IAM Local 172 believes a deeper examination is warranted. Factors potentially contributing to the decision include:

Global Market Fluctuations: The containerboard industry is susceptible to shifts in global demand, notably related to packaging and shipping.

Competition: Increased competition from other containerboard manufacturers, potentially with lower operating costs, may have played a role.

Investment & Modernization: A lack of recent investment in modernizing the Niagara Falls facility coudl have made it less competitive.

Trade Policies: Changes in trade policies and tariffs impacting the paper and packaging industry could also be contributing factors. (Research needed to confirm relevance)

IAM Local 172’s Response and Advocacy Efforts

IAM Local 172 is committed to fighting for its members and the Niagara Falls community. current efforts include:

1. Negotiations with the Company: The union is actively engaged in negotiations with[NameofParentCompany-[NameofParentCompany-research needed]to secure the best possible severance packages,extended benefits,and outplacement services for affected workers. This includes advocating for retraining opportunities.
2. Government Advocacy: IAM Local 172 is reaching out to local, state, and federal officials to request assistance in finding alternative employment opportunities for displaced workers and exploring potential economic development initiatives for the region. key contacts include[Listrelevantpoliticians-[Listrelevantpoliticians-research needed].
3. Community Partnerships: The union is collaborating with local workforce development agencies and community organizations to provide resources and support to affected families.
4. Legal Review: A thorough legal review of the closure process is underway to ensure the company is adhering to all contractual obligations and legal requirements.

Resources for Affected Workers

IAM Local 172 is compiling a comprehensive list of resources for its members and the broader community. These include:

Unemployment Benefits: Information on filing for unemployment benefits through the New York State Department of Labor:[LinktoNYSDOLwebsite-[LinktoNYSDOLwebsite-research needed]

Retraining Programs: Details on available retraining programs offered by Niagara County Community College and other local institutions:[Linktorelevantretrainingprograms-[Linktorelevantretrainingprograms-research needed]

Job Search Assistance: Access to job search resources and workshops provided by local workforce development agencies:[Linktolocalworkforceagencies-[Linktolocalworkforceagencies-research needed]

financial Counseling: Information on financial counseling services to help families manage the economic impact of job loss.

IAM Assistance: Direct support and guidance from IAM Local 172 representatives. Contact information:[InsertLocal172ContactInfo-[InsertLocal172ContactInfo-research needed]

The Broader impact on the Niagara Falls Economy

The Niagara Falls containerboard closure represents a meaningful blow to the region’s manufacturing base. Containerboard production is a key component of the supply chain for numerous industries, and its absence will be felt throughout the local economy.

* Supply Chain Disruptions: Businesses reliant on containerboard may experience supply chain disruptions and increased costs.