Western Forest Products B.C. Sawmill Restarts Following Recent Shooting
Western Forest Products sawmill workers in Nanaimo will return to the job site in a “soft start” following the shooting deaths of two workers.
Michael Lunn, 62, and Fred McEachern, 53, were killed at the start of the workday by a man with a shotgun. Earl Kelly and Tony Sudar survived the shooting. Separate funerals are planned for both men. Sudar, who was shot in the face, was released from Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Kelly remains in “stable” condition at Victoria General Hospital.
Former millworker Kevin Douglas Addison, 47, is charged with first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. He is being held in custody for his next court appearance on May 13, 2014.
On Sunday, Brian Butler, president of Local 1-1937, said all but Nanaimo workers would return to work on Monday. Those most affected by the shooting, union members in Nanaimo, would return to work Tuesday and will be offered counseling and meetings with management and company personnel. “Members will not be forced to return to work in the soft start,” said Butler. “If they feel they are not ready, no one is going to pressure them.”
WFP is setting up a security presence at its mills and will be reviewing details with the union, Butler said.
From The Times Colonist: timescolonist.com.
Latest News
Nashville Sets Perfect Stage For Lumber Conference
Lumber producers who made the trek to Room 205 and the 2023 Productivity & Efficiency Conference produced by Timber Processing and sponsored by Southern Forest Products Assn. (SFPA) were not disappointed as the event featured a wide range of speakers who delivered insights on different facets of mill operations…
Sawmillers Show Up At EXPO
After six shows in Atlanta, Ga. dating back to 2011, the Southern Forest Products Assn., host of the biennial Forest Products Machinery & Equipment EXPO, decided to move the 37th edition to Nashville, Tenn. Held August 23-25, this was an exciting change for exhibitors and attendees alike—the Music City Center was in the heart of the city, allowing everyone the chance to not only walk from the variety of hotels and top-notch restaurants to the show floor but also enjoy all that Nashville has to offer by way of its world-famous music scene…
Single-Family Starts Lead U.S. Housing Rebound In July
U.S. housing starts increased in July to a seasonally adjusted rate of 1.452 million, nearly 4% above June (and 6% above July a year ago). Single-family housing starts in July were at a rate of 983,000, 6.7% above June, while multi-family starts were 460,000, even with June, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development monthly new residential construction report…
Weyerhaeuser Partnership Focuses On Firefighter Mental Health
Weyerhaeuser Co. and Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) announced an expanded partnership on Fighting Fires Together, a campaign that provides support for wildland firefighters and their families. In its second year, the program is designed to provide resources and increase awareness around the importance of mental health assistance for these first responders…
Find Us On Social
Newsletter
The monthly Timber Processing Industry Newsletter reaches over 4,000 mill owners and supervisors.
Subscribe/Renew
Timber Processing is delivered 10 times per year to subscribers who represent sawmill ownership, management and supervisory personnel and corporate executives. Subscriptions are FREE to qualified individuals.
Advertise
Complete the online form so we can direct you to the appropriate Sales Representative.