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Thurso dissolving pulp conversion halted by construction union actions

Protest actions by Quebec’s major construction unions have caused a temporary halt to the work on the dissolving pulp conversion at Fortress Paper Ltd.’s Thurso, Que., mill. The company announced that an unexpected walkout by unionized…

Protest actions by Quebec’s major construction unions have caused a temporary halt to the work on the dissolving pulp conversion at Fortress Paper Ltd.’s Thurso, Que., mill. The company announced that an unexpected walkout by unionized employees of the contractors engaged in the dissolving pulp conversion and cogeneration projects has resulted in the temporary suspension of construction activities.

Several of Quebec’s construction unions began walkouts on Oct. 24 to demonstrate opposition to a bill proposed by the Quebec government. Major construction projects around the province are paralyzed.

Fortress Paper reports that it is exploring available options to resume construction work at the Fortress Specialty Cellulose mill, and is in discussions with its contractors and government representatives.

The mill had planned to begin producing dissolving pulp in early November. Kraft pulp production at the mill ceased on Oct. 12 to permit the final stages of construction for the conversion to dissolving pulp.