LONGVIEW — In ongoing coordination between Nippon Dynawave Packaging and the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers Union (AWPPW), employees at the Longview facility are being notified of additional updates regarding compensation, scheduling, staffing, and operational planning as recovery, assessment, and limited operational activities continue following the fatal incident on May 26 at the mill which left 11 dead and eight injured.
Under the updated communication being issued to employees, workers who are unable to report to work due to operational impacts from the incident and are instructed not to report will continue receiving full compensation as if they were working their regularly scheduled shifts through at least August 8, 2026.
The updated notice also outlines that as limited operations continue and staffing needs evolve, employees who are scheduled and required to report to work will receive an additional contractual call time payment for each shift worked during this period.
Call time is a pay provision contained within the collective bargaining agreement, and under these extraordinary circumstances, the parties have worked collaboratively to apply that provision in a manner responsive to the unique operational realities currently facing the workforce and facility.
The union believes these updates reflect the continued collaborative efforts, discussions, and coordination that have remained ongoing between AWPPW leadership, company officials, emergency response personnel, and other involved parties throughout this process.
Importantly, these updates also remain consistent with previous communications indicating that staffing levels, scheduling, operational status, recovery activities, and future plant operations would continue to be evaluated as conditions evolve and additional information becomes available.
“This continues to be an incredibly difficult and emotional situation for our members, their families, and the entire Longview community,” said AWPPW spokesperson Josh Estes.
“These updates are the result of ongoing discussions and coordination that have been taking place throughout this response process between the employer, the union, and those directly involved in managing the impacts of this tragedy,” Estes added. “Right now, the focus remains on supporting workers and families and ensuring clear communication as investigative efforts, assessment activities, cleanup operations, and operational evaluations continue moving forward.”
AWPPW remains actively engaged in ongoing response coordination efforts and continues working alongside responders, agencies, community partners, and the employer to support impacted workers and families.
The union also continues encouraging affected workers and families to remain in communication regarding immediate or emerging needs so that support resources and assistance efforts can continue to be coordinated effectively.
Impacted family requests for support services and assistance may continue to be directed to: LongviewImpactedWorkers@awppw.org
Source: Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers Union (AWPPW)
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
