Nippon Dynawave will pay idled workers through at least Aug. 8

Nippon Dynawave workers idled in the aftermath of last week's deadly chemical tank collapse will be paid their full wages and benefits for at least the next two months.

According to the paper company and the union representing them, workers directed not to enter the jobsite while crews clean up and investigate the May 26 fatal tank collapse will be paid through Aug. 8 as if they were working their regularly scheduled work shifts.

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And if workers are asked to return to work during this time of "limited operations," they will receive extra "call-time" pay for every shift they work, according to a press release issued Wednesday morning by the Association of Western Pulp and Paperworkers.

AWPPW spokesman Josh Estes clarified Thursday that workers are not considered on-call, and that call-time is a distinctly different benefit.

The AWPPW states in the release that call time is a pay provision within the labor union's collective bargaining agreement. The union and Nippon "worked collaboratively" from that contract provision to address the "unique operational realities" that workers and families are facing since the May 26 incident.

Company spokesman Sam Jefferies said in an emailed statement Tuesday morning that the company wants to ensure that employees and families have the support and clarity they need.

"As we navigate this challenging time together, Nippon Dynawave Packaging wants to ensure all employees are supported," Jefferies' statement reads. "To help provide employees with additional clarity during this period, and through ongoing coordination with AWPPW, we are committing to paying staff through Aug. 8, even if they are instructed not to come in because of the May 26 incident."

The update regarding continued pay comes several days after congressional Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez sent an official letter to Nippon Dynawave president Matt Peerboom on Sunday stating that it had come to her attention workers would only paid through a date in the first week June.

"I write to request written confirmation that all employees will continue to receive pay and benefits for the duration of the investigation and any resulting work stoppage," Gluesenkamp Perez wrote.

AWPPW

Vehicles drive by the AWPPW union hall on Wednesday, May 29, in Longview.

Emily Kolano, Gluesenkamp Perez's chief of staff, said when reached for comment Wednesday afternoon that the extension is "a step in the right direction."

Through its designated Estes, with the AWPPW, stated in the release that the extension on continued pay is consistent with previous communications indicating - among other things - that staffing levels, scheduling and future plant operations "would continue to be evaluated as conditions evolve and additional information becomes available."

"These updates are the result of ongoing discussions and coordination that have been taking place throughout this response process between the employer, the union and those directly involved in managing the impacts of this tragedy," Estes said in a quote attributed to him in the release.

He added that the core focus for the union is "ensuring clear communication" as the investigation, assessment, cleanup and other "operational evaluations" unfold.

The AWPPW further encourages any workers or families affected by the chemical incident to stay in contact with the union regarding their needs.

They can request assistance or services by emailing LongviewImpactedWorkers@awppw.org.

Tank

The Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co., seen from the air, after a tank containing hazardous liquid failed on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Longview, Wash.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that employees who are called in to work through Aug. 8 will receive an extra "call time" bonus for every shift they work.

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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 12:41 PM.