Employees at the Agropur dairy processing plant in Sussex, New Brunswick, are grappling with anxiety following the announcement that the plant will cease operations by the end of 2028. Donny Kerr, a maintenance electrician, expressed the initial panic felt by him and his 59 coworkers. However, after a recent meeting with union representatives from Unifor, there is a sense of cautious optimism among the workers. Jennifer Murray, the Atlantic regional director for Unifor, described the meeting as productive, allowing members to voice their concerns and fostering a more positive outlook. The union plans to negotiate with Agropur and the provincial government to explore options for keeping dairy production in Sussex, including discussions on wages, severance payments, and benefits. Shane Smith, a shop steward, emphasized the goal of retaining the plant and jobs, noting the suddenness of the closure announcement. As the situation develops, the union remains committed to supporting its members through this challenging time.