Western Forest Products says it’s going to resume operations, with the exception of the Nanaimo sawmill, on Monday.
Work was stopped throughout the company following Wednesday’s shootings at the Nanaimo facility. Two people were killed and two wounded in the incident. A 47 year old former employee faces charges.
In a statement released Friday, president and CEO Don Demens says, “The safety of our employees has always been, and will continue to be, our highest priority. Western is working closely with our colleagues at United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 to review the security of our workplaces and we will make any changes needed to ensure our colleagues are confident in the security of their work environment.”
The company also says it’s going to make sure no employees lose money because of the shut downs, and when they get back to work on May 5th there will be additional security at all sites.
The statement goes on to say WFP officials won’t be talking to the media, “…as our focus is on ensuring that the families, workers and everyone else affected get the help they need through grief counselling or any other means.” It’s also also critical of the media’s behaviour during the aftermath of the tragedy, saying “Some employees have been experiencing unwanted media attention and would like it to stop. It is neither appropriate nor acceptable to approach our employees and their families at this sensitive time.”
