The Ontario NDP is calling on the Ford government to take action to protect forestry jobs after workers at the Gogama sawmill were told the mill would shut down for two weeks and then resume operations on a reduced schedule.

According to United Steelworkers Local 1-2010, which represents the workers, the mill — normally running two shifts Monday through Thursday and employing around 60 people — has shut down and laid off 90 per cent of the workforce.

Operations are expected to resume on Nov. 3 with only one shift for an indefinite period.

The union says it’s assuming roughly half of the workforce will be called back when operations restart, but has not received further details from the employer.

Interfor, the company that owns the sawmill—which is about a 45 minute drive away from the

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