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.