Coronavirus: More than 1,000 layoffs at Resolute Forest Products

MONTREAL — Resolute Forest Products Inc. is temporarily laying off more than 1,000 workers mainly in Quebec because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of the layoffs could be extended if economic turbulence and lower demand persist in some of the company’s divisions.

CEO Yves Laflamme says the cuts will mainly affect wood products, newsprint and specialized pulp, along with head office employees in Montreal.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Resolute employs about 7,500 people in Canada and the United States with the vast majority located in Quebec.

The company also says it lost US$1 million during the first quarter, down from a profit of US$42 million a year earlier.

Revenues declined 13 per cent to US$689 million.

1:20 Coronavirus outbreak: Quebec premier says Montreal won’t reopen on target dates unless specific goals for COVID-19 containment are met

Results were positive in the forest products, tissue and specialty papers sectors, but the newsprint and commercial pulp divisions posted operating losses.