An arbitrator ruled Domtar did not violate its labor agreement by failing to schedule two electricians at its idled Espanola pulp mill.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 956, had filed a grievance, claiming the company breached minimum staffing provisions. The arbitrator found the agreement lacked a clear mandate for two electricians per shift in an idled state.
The dispute arose after Domtar, facing financial pressures, idled operations, resulting in mass layoffs. The union argued Article 38 of the agreement required two electricians at all times.
Domtar countered that the article was part of a trades flexibility model, not a strict staffing rule. The arbitrator agreed, stating the provision applied to a fully operational mill, not an idled one. The ruling also addressed OHSA and company policy, finding neither required two electricians on every shift.
Espanola Mill
Originally founded in the early 1900s by the Spanish River Pulp & Paper Company, the Espanola Mill was acquired by Domtar in 1998. The mill produces more than 200 different grades of technical and specialty papers, as well as high quality Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft pulp, on the banks of northern Ontario’s Spanish River.
