Hartland, N.B. – March 4, 2024 – Our UFCW family extends its condolences to our UFCW 1288P members at the Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company after the devastating fire this past weekend.

On Friday, March 1 around 5:30 p.m., the Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company factory in Waterville, N.B. caught fire. The 1288P members who were at work during that time were able to be safely evacuated, but the factory has been completely destroyed.

UFCW 1288P has been working with the shop steward, the employer, and the provincial and federal governments about ensuring that all possible supports and services are in place for the workers as they grapple with this tremendous loss.

Dan Smith, president of UFCW Local 1288P and Yves Legere, union representative, met with the steward today to advise on what has been done to support the workers, and learn what is needed moving forward.  

“We are grateful to the first responders and are thankful that there was no loss of life during this devastating event,” says UFCW National President Shawn Haggerty. “Our union family is here to support our brothers and sisters at 1288P and the community of Hartland in this time of loss.”