Arbec: Quebec contractor cheaper

Yesterday unemployed and frustrated construction workers blocked the entrance to the Arbec OSB mill in Miramichi. The workers were upset that a contractor from Quebec was being used for some of the work, and they brought their own men to do the job.

The protesters wanted to know why. Before the end of the day the protesters were served with a court injunction to end the blockade.

In a letter from Arbec spokesman Claude Pinard, the company explains that the majority of the contractors hired to do work during the 2 week shutdown are local, with one exception. The company was chosen because they were significantly cheaper.

Arbec is proceeding with the scheduled shutdown at the Miramichi Mill. Arbec needs to stop regular operations in order to conduct maintenance on heavy equipment.

Company Statement

In its commitment and support to the local community of Miramichi and its region, 18 of the 19 contracts were awarded to local / regional contractors. According to Arbec’s policy contracts were the subject of a tender. There was a significant price difference in the only contract that was not awarded locally.

Arbec is committed to the Miramichi region and we would like to point out that the shutdown is part of the positive economic impact of the activities of the Mill in the Miramichi region that are evaluated at approximately 60M$ annually. Arbec’s Miramichi Mill employs 118 employees.

Claude Pinard

Spokesperson

Arbec