More Bowater cuts?

The company announced the trend of quarterly losses is continuing, losing almost $251-million for the quarter ending June 30. This is up from last year, when losses for the same quarter were down $248-million.

CEO Dave Paterson said the losses are due to a declining market for newsprint, and soaring operating costs.

AbitibiBowater also suggested it will get tough during contract negotiations when they come up next year, although they did not elaborate on how.

Last year, cutbacks resulted in mills being shut down in several areas, including New Brunswick, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Texas. About 50 positions were lost at the company’s Brooklyn mill.

Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union Local 141 President, Courtney Wentzell said he isn’t overly worried.

“This little mill is still profitable,” he said, adding the recent purchase of Brooklyn Energy bodes well for the future.