[news] Hungry in Hazelton! CEP Local 404 Needs Help

[Gordon Flett]

Hungry in Hazelton

When the anti-union B.C. Liberal provincial government sold pulp
producer Skeena Cellulose, the buyer closed the doors of the Carnaby
mill in Hazelton.  Over 100 workers were left without jobs. That was two
years ago, and the Communications, Energy & Paperworkers Union of Canada
(CEP), Local 404 members have been trying to get the mill reopened ever
since. The new owner cut timber and sold off raw logs. Then it attempted
to sell the heavy movable equipment at the mill.

CEP members lobbied the District of Hazelton and the District placed a
lien on the equipment for unpaid taxes.  The employer then called for
bids to sell the fixed equipment in the mill.  The union began a
blockade to stop the owner from dismantling and selling off the mill
piece by piece.

EI has run out -- welfare for some, nothing for others!

All CEP members have run out of Employment Insurance benefits.  Some
have received  welfare, but under the new Liberal rules, many have not
qualified.  There are a few casual jobs around Hazelton, but most
workers are desperate and they and their families are HUNGRY. They can't
even put gas in their tanks to get to the blockade.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Send Mo Azaz, President of Local 404, a message of solidarity by e-mail
to mo at bulkley.net
Send funds by check, bank draft, or money order, made out to CEP Local
404: Save Carnaby, to the following address:
               PO Box 160
               New Hazelton, BC, Canada
               V0J 2J0

WHO CAN I CONTACT?

For more information:

Call: Joy Langan, CEP Representative, 604-945-6616;
Fax: 604-945-0113;
E-Mail:  joy_langan at telus.net;

Call: CEP Local 404, 1-250-842-6483
Fax: 1-250-842-6481
E-Mail: mo at bulkley.net


* WHAT DO THE WORKERS IN HAZELTON WANT?

* To save the mill;
* To get the Liberals to turn the mill over to the workers and the
community of Hazelton;
* To get back to work and feed their families.


 PLEASE HELP!!!




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