The latest extension means the curtailment will now stretch to at least eight months.

The company cited continued challenging conditions in international paper markets that have not recovered as anticipated.

"Paper Excellence Canada continues to work with our employees to mitigate the impact of the ongoing paper production curtailment," the company said in a statement.

The affected workers are part of Unifor Local 1132.

Local president Tanner McQuarrie said the latest curtailment is making life difficult for members.

"As a second-generation papermaker, I am now seeing not only my new young friends being forced out of the industry, but also a lot of senior members who have known me my whole life," McQuarrie said Friday.

He said if there is any silver lining to the company's latest announcement, "at least it had the respect to give us notice of three months instead of just one."

McQuarrie also noted it's a huge blow to union members because the promised millions in upgrades unveiled during a press conference last year to save their jobs now seems uncertain -- including $18.8 million in both federal and provincial funding.

"Let's have our MPs and MLAs step in front of the cameras not only when times are good, but also when times are tough," said McQuarrie.

Unifor said the fourth consecutive curtailment at Crofton has left the community wondering why the company has nothing to show for the public funding.