Abitibi demands final decision from Newfoundland union

Struggling newsprint manufacturer AbitibiBowater says the union representing workers at its central Newfoundland mill have two weeks to give a definitive answer to a restructuring plan.

The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union and AbitibiBowater have been locked in a fierce dispute for months over the company's insistence on cutting scores of jobs at its century-old Grand Falls-Windsor mill.

Jean-Philippe Cote, director of public affairs and government relations with AbitibiBowater, said the company has given the CEP until Nov. 7 to respond to the company's plan.

"The door's always open to answers to questions and to make sure that we can bring any kind of logistical and implementation adjustments if and when needed," Cote said.

"But in terms of the proposal, it's on the table, and it's final."

The original plan included 171 layoffs and a significant amount of contracting-out of services, including forestry-based work.

Cote said the company has made adjustments, including postponing all layoffs until May of next year.

Do 'whatever it takes,' minister tells company

Newfoundland and Labrador Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale said Thursday that the government believes a deal can be reached between AbitibiBowater and its unionized workers.

"I would encourage the company to sit with them, to do whatever it takes to resolve the issues," she said.

"I sense a great willingness on behalf of the union to compromise to work towards a solution. It's not a time for intransigence."

But Gary Healey, a national representative with the CEP, said several issues are still unresolved.

"To say that the company has left some of the major components in place is about the right thing to say," Healey said.

"The union has agreed to make some very major moves, and now it's time for the company to make some moves of their own."

The CEP is planning to meet with members in a matter of days.

Cote, meanwhile, would not comment on what would happen if the CEP's members reject the latest plan.