AbitibiBowater Reviews

Pros

It is a job that constantly provides challenges.

Cons

AbitibiBowater is the result of a merger between Abitibi Consolidated and Bowater. The corporate IT department going forward is the one from Abitibi Consolidated. Bowater IT people are being phased out. This merger was supposed to be a "merger of equals".

Advice to Senior Management

Keep the company from going bankrupt.

Pros

Great, supportive coworkers; Bowater had a great staff of smart, hardworking employees, but leadership was severely lacking. I no longer work for ABH, and have fond memories of the old Bowater, but do not regret leaving the company.

Cons

Lack of management communication, little opportunity for advancement. Career opportunities for advancement were minimal as well; there was no mentoring or leadership program available for high potential employees. Annual performance reviews were a joke; I believe I only received 3 during my 7 1/2 years at Bowater. Senior Management consisted of the "good old boy" network with little diversity at the top.

Advice to Senior Management

Please communicate with your employees!

Pros

Laid back casual environment. Easy commute. This company was recently formed from the merger of two companies. The new company has moved the headquarters into Montreal Canada. Dave Paterson did a great job of communicating a vision of valued employees and safe working environments. At least I got a safe working environment. Many people have been seperated from the company and replaced with people that have a fraction of their knowledge. Projects have projected completion dates for no apparent reason since I have yet to see one complete on time. Top management seems to do a great job at handing each other nice fat bonus packages.

Cons

High level management appears to seek what is best for their personal fortunes not for the company. Middle management avoids dealing with issues and fights amongst themselves. Communication is frequently incorrect or sent to the wrong group of employees.

Advice to Senior Management

Stand by those principles you communicate. Stop saying one thing and doing another.