'Unemployed zombies' protest sudden mill closure in Douglas County

Unemployed Zombies Protest Sudden Mill Closure

Roseburg Forest Products abruptly closed its hardwood plywood mill in Douglas County, leaving over 100 workers without jobs.

According to Sid Walter, president of Carpenters Local 2949, this is the fourth time the mill has closed since 2004, significantly disrupting the lives of workers in the rural area.

“They called everybody up late at night and just told them that you don't have a job anymore,”

Walter said, emphasizing the harshness of the closure. Workers were instructed to contact human resources to retrieve their personal belongings.

In response, the union organized a picket at the mill on October 13, featuring former workers dressed as "unemployed zombies" in the spirit of Halloween.

“It was just a horrible way to shut down,”

Walter said, noting that over half of the affected employees had been with the company for 20 years or longer.

Author's summary: Roseburg Forest Products closes mill, leaving 100 workers jobless.

more

Jefferson Public Radio Jefferson Public Radio — 2025-10-14

More News