2023-06-27 18:52:13
One of the oldest manufacturing companies in Lac-Mégantic is closing its doors, affecting 180 workers.
The union members of the Masonite plant, locked out since last February, learned the news from the employer on Tuesday morning, when a negotiation meeting was to be held in the presence of a conciliator.
“Seeing 180 jobs cut in a small community of around 6,000 people is still a big blow. Especially since the majority are people of a certain age who planned to continue until their retirement, “said the union adviser at the Central of Democratic Unions (CSD), Bernard Cournoyer.
“The news is a shock, especially since three weeks ago, during the last session, we felt a desire on the part of both parties to settle and come to a long-term agreement,” mentioned the union president, Rémi Grenier.
The interior wood door manufacturer on Villeneuve Street operated as Premdor until it was purchased by Masonite International Corporation in 2013.
“Last year, we worked a lot of overtime and paid us overtime because we had so much work to do and now we are being closed. I find it really weird,” said a worker puzzled by the announcement.
The company had existed for several decades, since employees have indicated that their grandparents have already worked there.
The union wonders about the real reasons for the closure. This is the third Quebec plant that Masonite has closed in five years.
At the company’s headquarters, which is located in Tampa Bay, Florida, the company explained its decision.
“I can confirm that Masonite has permanently ceased operations at its Lac-Mégantic plant, effective June 27, 2023,” said a Masonite spokesperson. The company has a long-standing strategy to optimize our production network to maximize service levels and operational efficiencies. Masonite is committed to maintaining a strong operational presence in Canada.”
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